Post-Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Startups

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Full time studies

  • location: Kouvola, Finland
  • duration of studies: 1 year
  • application deadline: 5.10.2023
  • interviews by: 15.10.2023
  • acceptance information by: 25.10.2023
  • tuition fee: €10 500

Entry requirements

  • relevant prior studies: at least Bachelor’s degree in business
  • at least 2 years of work experience after completing the Bachelor’s degree from the sector of business
  • English language level: minimum IELTS 6.0 or PTE 54

Selection procedure

  • Suitability of the degree and work experience
  • Online interview

Mode of study

  • full-time studies
  • studies begin on 4.3.2024 and end in December 2024

Opportunity to study in Finland

Finland consistently ranks high in the world happiness ranking, quality of education and security. It is also abundant in nature and peaceful environment. Finland is a technological forerunner in various sectors and innovation is supported by a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem producing some of the world’s most successful companies.

 

Studying at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) has 4 campus towns. You will be studying in  Kouvola, just 1.5 hours train ride from the capital city Helsinki. In Kouvola, the living costs are significantly cheaper compared with the capital area. Furthermore, you can enjoy the beautiful Finnish nature and a more relaxed pace of living.

Xamk is among the top universities of applied sciences in terms of number of degree programs, amount of continuous learning credits and external research funding, according to the Ministry of Education and Culture’s comparison of various indicators. By joining Xamk, you have the possibilities to explore multitude of interests in various in-house development projects and study programs.

In the program, we focus on applied component of business knowledge. Our pedagogical focus is on learning by doing, utilizing project and problem-based learning. During the studies, students actively participate in various startup and entrepreneurial events in close collaboration with local businesses and regional support organizations. Lectures, class assignments, group projects, activities and events with partners require active participation in person in Kouvola campus and the region throughout the programme.

Students generate ideas for a new venture, develop and test it in simulated environments with continuous feedback from relevant stakeholders provided during their study period. The primary role of the instructors is to facilitate learning and to be in dialogue with the stakeholders and students are highly encouraged to be proactive in their learning.

Masters in Entrepreneurship and Startups

You can complete the diploma program in Entrepreneurship and Startup Studies in Finland at Xamk. It is a one-year full-time diploma program, with additional possibilities to transfer credits and continue in our MBA program International Business Management at the same campus. Many of our graduates continue their residence and are gainfully employed in their specialized area after graduation from the MBA program in Finland.

The students who have successfully accomplished the PGD programme will be eligible to apply for a Master’s degree in Business at Xamk. To apply for the Master’s degree, the students will have to submit an online application in October. After that, students will take part in the entrance exam.

The conditions to enter the master studies are:

  • 60 ects obtained from the PGD by the end of 2024
  • Grade point average of at least a “3.0” (in a scale from 1-5).
  • Completing the entrance exam during the joint application round
  • Relevant prior studies: at least Bachelor’s degree in business or relevant field
  • 2 years of work experience from the relevant field, preferably in an expert/managerial role, after completing bachelor’s degree
  • Paid tuition fee per semester (Tuition fee for the academic year 2023-2024 per semester is €5750. Please note that the tuition fee is subject to change for the academic year 2024-2025). Degree students will be entitled to scholarships. (The current scheme offers 50% tuition fee refund based on study progress. Please note that the scholarship scheme is revised annually and subject to change for the academic year 2024-2025). It is possible to graduate from the MBA program within one semester.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON STUDIES

Director of Education, Business
Ari Lindeman
ari.lindeman(at)xamk.fi

Application form

Application closes on 5.10.2023

Want to know more about the diploma?

Read the brochure (opens a pdf-document)

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