Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

Helsinki, Porvoo, Vierumäki
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Haaga-Helia – Finland’s business school with 5 campuses

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences is one of Finland’s largest and best-known business-focused universities. Around 11,000 students from more than 110 countries study here, and the whole university is built around one idea: turning your knowledge into real working-life skills. Haaga-Helia works closely with companies, so you learn through real business projects – not only from books.

The main campus is in Pasila, Helsinki, right next to the railway station and the Mall of Tripla – only a few minutes by train from the very centre of the Finnish capital. Other campuses are located in Haaga and Malmi (Helsinki), in the idyllic old town of Porvoo and in the sports resort of Vierumäki.

Why students choose Haaga-Helia

  • Business is the speciality – one of Finland’s largest educators in business, tourism, hospitality and IT, with EFMD-accredited business education.
  • Study in the capital – live in Helsinki, one of the safest and most functional capitals in Europe.
  • Truly international – students from 110+ countries and a wide network of partner universities around the world.
  • Learning by doing – company projects, work placements and entrepreneurship support are part of every degree.
  • More choice through alliances – as a Haaga-Helia student you can also take courses at Laurea and Metropolia universities (3AMK alliance) and within the Ulysseus European University network.

 

Why Hà chose Haaga-Helia

Business student Hà Bùi explains why studying at Haaga-Helia in Helsinki was the best decision she made.

 

What can you study in English?

Haaga-Helia offers a wide selection of English-taught Bachelor’s programs (210 ECTS, about 3.5 years): International Business, Business Information Technology, Aviation Business, Digital Business Innovations, Hospitality and Tourism Experience Management and Sports Coaching and Management. Whatever you pick, the program combines theory with practical projects done for real companies.

Helsinki – student life in the capital

Studying at Haaga-Helia means living in the Helsinki region – the economic heart of Finland. This is where most international companies, start-ups and part-time job opportunities are. At the same time, Helsinki is a compact and safe city by the sea, with excellent public transport and big student discounts on meals and travel.

 

 

Quick facts about Haaga-Helia

StudentsAbout 11,000 from more than 110 countries
CityHelsinki (main campus in Pasila), Porvoo and Vierumäki
SpecialtyBusiness, tourism, hospitality, IT and sports management
Teaching stylePractical – real company projects and work placements in every degree
Extra benefitTake courses also at Laurea and Metropolia through the 3AMK alliance

 

FAQ

Is Haaga-Helia a good choice if I want to work during my studies?

Yes. The Helsinki region has the largest job market in Finland, and Haaga-Helia’s degrees are built around working life: company projects, internships and the Work & Study model help you gain paid experience already during your studies.

On which campus will I study?

It depends on your program. Most English-taught business and IT programs are taught at the modern Pasila campus in Helsinki. Digital Business Innovations and Aviation Business are based in Porvoo, and Sports Coaching and Management in Vierumäki. The campus is always listed in the program description.

Bachelor

Entry qualification

  • Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
  • Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.

 

Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.

 

English language requirements

You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:

  • TOEFL iBT*
  • IELTS Academic
  • A Cambridge English qualification
  • A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
  • An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
  • Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
  • An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
  • Other

Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.

 

*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.

 

Master

Entry qualification

  • ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
  • Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.

Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.

 

Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.

 

English language requirements

Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents: 

  • TOEFL iBT*
  • IELTS Academic
  • A Cambridge English qualification
  • Higher education degree completed in English
  • Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
  • An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
  • Other

Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.

 

*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.

 

Student housing for Haaga-Helia students

Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, and student apartments are good quality – warm, well equipped and affordable compared to private rentals. Haaga-Helia does not have its own dormitories, but student housing in the Helsinki region is arranged through dedicated student housing organisations, and the university guides all new students to them.

The most important rule: apply for housing as soon as you receive your study place. Demand in the Helsinki region is high, especially before the autumn semester.

Where to apply for housing

Haaga-Helia officially recommends these providers, depending on your campus:

 

How much does living in Helsinki cost?

Haaga-Helia recommends budgeting about €900–1,200 per month for living in the Helsinki region. Typical monthly costs according to the university:

Room in a shared student apartment€270–430 / month
Student studio apartment€480–700 / month
Private market apartment€600–900 / month
Groceries€300–500 / month
Public transport (student price)€50–70 / month

Students also get big discounts: the national meal benefit gives you a full lunch in any student restaurant in Finland for a few euros, and the student union card unlocks discounts on transport and shops.

 

FAQ

When should I apply for student housing?

Immediately after you confirm your study place. HOAS applications are processed in order, and the autumn semester is the busiest time of the year. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting an affordable apartment near your campus.

Are student apartments furnished?

Most HOAS apartments are unfurnished, which is normal in Finland. You can buy affordable second-hand furniture or basic new items from budget stores. Campus residences in Haaga and Vierumäki offer furnished options.

How much money do I need to live in Helsinki?

Haaga-Helia recommends about €900–1,200 per month, including rent. If you live in a shared student apartment and cook at home, you can manage at the lower end of that range. The Finnish Immigration Service requires proof of at least €800 per month for a residence permit.