Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, located in Helsinki, Finland, is a business-oriented institution that prepares professionals for various service and business sectors. Established in 2007 through the merger of Helsinki Business Polytechnic and Haaga Institute Polytechnic, it emphasizes practical, career-oriented education with a strong international focus. Haaga-Helia is dedicated to fostering cooperation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and internationality among its approximately 11,000 students.

Academics

Haaga-Helia offers a diverse range of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs across fields such as business administration, information technology, hospitality and tourism, journalism, and sports management. The teaching approach is highly practical and hands-on, integrating classroom learning, online studies, group work, and project-based learning often in collaboration with companies. Notable programs include International Business, Aviation Business, Hospitality, Tourism & Experience Management, and Business Information Technology, all designed to build practical expertise. The university also focuses on applied research and development, addressing challenges in sustainability, digitalization, and the future of work.

International Students

Haaga-Helia is a highly international university, boasting over 1,100 international degree students from more than 100 different nationalities. The university provides extensive support services for international students, including arrival services, an orientation program, assistance with accommodation, Finnish language and culture studies, counseling, and career support. Many Bachelor's and Master's programs are taught entirely in English, making it accessible for a global student body. Opportunities for cultural integration are abundant through various student organizations and events organized by the Student Union Helga.

Campus & Location

Haaga-Helia operates across five campuses, with three located in Helsinki (Pasila, Haaga, and Malmi), and additional campuses in Porvoo and Vierumäki. The main and largest campus is in Pasila, Helsinki, conveniently situated next to the Pasila railway station and the Mall of Tripla, offering excellent public transportation links. Helsinki itself is a vibrant Nordic capital that blends a cosmopolitan lifestyle with easy access to nature. Students can enjoy city life, cultural attractions, and a highly efficient public transportation system.

Career Outcomes

Haaga-Helia graduates demonstrate high employability, with a significant majority finding employment shortly after graduation. A career monitoring survey revealed that five years after graduation, 80% of Haaga-Helia respondents held a permanent full-time job. The university maintains strong ties with approximately 100 partner companies, providing students with valuable industry connections, project work, and internship opportunities that often lead to employment. Career services and the practical, working-life-oriented education prepare students with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in modern work environments, including a strong entrepreneurial spirit.