Last Updated: September 04, 2024
Exploring the Benefits of Earning an MBA in Finland's Top Universities
Finland is considered one of the ideal locations for international students to study for an MBA due to the quality of education and the safety the country offers to all its residents. Most of the programs taught here are in English, making it easier for international students to blend in without learning a new language. Finland is a country that is often referred to as the “superpower” of education based on its approach to knowledge and the way it imparts it to students of all ages.
The education system here is more affordable and exemplary at both the university and primary and secondary levels. The programs focus mainly on enhancing creativity and innovation rather than aspects like memorizing, which makes candidates achieve their potential much more easily than in other educational systems. Being the happiest country in the world also makes it a desirable location for international students.
Benefits of Studying MBA in Finland
A few of the benefits one can have while studying in Finland include the easy accessibility of quality education here at a lower cost when compared to other international student destinations. Candidates can communicate freely with people from different countries and cultures, improving their understanding of the global market. They will also learn about Finland's thriving economy and intern at multinational companies during their academic years, which can further provide them with excellent career opportunities. A few of the benefits of studying for an MBA in Finland are as follows-
- There are many multinational companies in the country where students can intern during their academic years. This will also eventually provide them with the opportunity to work at the same companies after the completion of their education.
- Most of the programs offered here are Executive programs that will provide candidates with better exposure and skills that can help them achieve their work goals sooner than before.
- The fees for MBA programs here are comparatively lesser than in other countries that offer similar programs with the same quality of education.
- Candidates from EU countries and residents of Finland will be able to pay even lesser tuition fees for MBA programs, unlike other international students.
Eligibility Requirements for MBA in Finland
Candidates who wish to take MBA programs in Finland must meet the institution's specified requirements. The criterion is dependent on the universities themselves and hence can vary greatly from one another. At the same time, there are general requirements that one will have to meet irrespective of the program they are applying to. These requirements include-
Duration of MBA in Finland
An MBA program lasts around two years, but candidates can accelerate it if they wish to at most universities and complete it within 1 to 1.5 years. On the other hand, Executive MBA programs can last between 2.5 and 3 years, which can be stretched to even 5 years depending on the candidate's time availability.
Cost of MBA in Finland
The cost of completing an MBA program in Finland is comparatively lower than in most popular international student destinations. This is mainly because education here is subsidized, and students, especially from the EU/EEA countries and Finland, can pay a comparatively lower rate than other international students. The university generally sets the fees, which can vary from one another.
Since an MBA is a professional program, the fee is higher than other master’s degrees that one might wish to do in the country. The estimated range for the fee here is between €8,000 to €18,000 per year. However, this can go higher depending on the institution.
MBA Specializations Offered in Finland
The universities here offer different kinds of specializations for their MBA programs, and candidates can choose one they are interested in. The specializations are often provided only for general MBA programs. In contrast, Executive MBA programs have different aspects of each specialization blended into their curriculum to benefit the candidate in the future.
A few of the specializations offered here include-
- Leadership
- Security and Risk Management
- Sales Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
- Finance
- Human Resources
Top Universities for MBA in Finland
A few of the best universities from where candidates can take MBA programs include-
- University of Oulu
- University of Jyvaskyla
- Hanken School of Economics
- Turku School of Economics
- University of Vaasa
- Henley Business School
- Aalto University of Executive Education
Top MBA Programs in Finland
The best MBA programs and their details are as follows-
| Program | Institution | Location | Language | Fee for Program |
| EMBA | University of Oulu | Oulu | Finnish | €24,000 |
| EMBA | University of Jyvaskyla | Jyvaskyla | Finnish | €31,500+ |
| EMBA | Hanken School of Economics | Helsinki | English | €40,000+ |
| MBA | Turku School of Economics | Turku | English | |
| EMBA | University of Vaasa | Vaasa | English | €23,500 |
| EMBA | Henley Business School | Helsinki | English | €45,000+ |
| EMBA | Aalto University of Executive Education | Helsinki | English | €38,500+ |
EMBA-Oulu Business School
This business school is part of the University of Oulu, and the Executive MBA program offered here is considered one of the country's best. The program is provided in Finnish and generally takes 24 months to complete. Candidates can complete the program in a year if they choose an accelerated pathway, and they can also extend the program for a longer duration if their work schedule interferes.
EMBA- University of Jyvaskyla
This program is accredited by the AMBA, AACSB, and the BGA and targets people already well-established in their careers. It is offered on a part-time basis with flexible study schedules, a modular structure, and a variety of electives. Candidates will mainly be dealing with topics like strategy, leadership, marketing, customer relations, etc. as part of the program. The program is taught in Finnish, and candidates are required to complete 100 ECTS in all. The duration of the program is anywhere between 2.5 years to 3 years.
EMBA- Hanken School of Economics
This program is taught in English and is provided as a part-time program for 2 years. The AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS accredit it. The program is offered to candidates in managerial or higher positions in companies; hence, they require at least 5 years of work experience before enrolling in the program. The core areas dealt with in this program include sustainable business in a global context, finance & controlling, service business & innovation, strategy & leadership, etc.
MBA- Turku School of Economics
This two-year full-time program offered by the University of Turku is taught in English and Finnish. Candidates must have a basic proficiency in the medium of instruction to gain admission to the program, which is accredited by the AACSB.
EMBA- University of Vaasa
This university offers an EMBA program that lasts 2.5 years. Candidates are required to complete 75 ECTS as their core modules, which include topics like strategic business development, strategic financial management, leadership and personal development, MBA development projects, etc. The program offers specialization tracks like sales management, HR, sports management and marketing, social and health care, energy business, etc. The medium of instruction for the program is English for most specializations.
EMBA-Henley Business School
The Executive MBA program offered here has been ranked as the 10th best in Europe. It is provided for experienced managers, leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs in the field of business. The program lasts 21 to 27 months and is taught in English. Candidates are required to complete 90 ECTS as part of the program.
EMBA-Aalto University of Executive Education
The Aalto MBA for Executives is accredited by the AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. It lasts two years and has a modular structure involving a six-week learning cycle. Candidates are supposed to complete 90 ECTS for course completion, with core modules focused on topics like strategy and leadership, analyzing and resourcing business, and managing a global business. The program's medium of instruction is English.
Career Options for MBA Graduates in Finland
Candidates who have completed their education in the country will initially have to apply for internships to gain ample hours of work experience before they can apply for permanent jobs there. AIESEC UK is one of the portals candidates can use to find appropriate internships after their education. Candidates doing an MBA will also be able to incorporate internship hours into their resume during their educational years if they use their summer breaks well.
A few of the jobs that one will be able to take up after completing an MBA include-
- Financial Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Distribution Manager
- Business Consultant
Candidates who have completed their MBA programs here generally receive an average salary of €105,000/yr.
