FAQs

[+] Can I apply to study without an IELTS test result?

HELBUS is required by its accrediting partners to ensure that students have the necessary English skills to perform well in the programmes. Normally, we accept one of the following proofs of proficiency:
– Finnish matriculation exam in higher level English, or an IB diploma in English. If your Finnish undergraduate degree has been fully studied and assessed in English, you do not need to demonstrate other proof of proficiency.
– A valid IELTS, TOEFL or similar English proficiency test result
– If you have studied your high school diploma or undergraduate degree, or are a citizen of one of the following countries, you do not have to submit proof of English language proficiency: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand

Please see the programme-specific language criteria under the programme menu. If your IELTS test result does not meet the criteria or has expired, you can still apply but should retake the test.

[+] What does it mean that the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are awarded by University of Northampton?

The University of Northampton (UoN) has approved HELBUS as an institutional partner through a rigorous due discipline process. This means that HELBUS can deliver UoN programmes after each programme has been approved. Students are enrolled at the University of Northampton, but they will study at HELBUS in Finland, following the same course descriptions and assessment as UoN students in the UK and elsewhere in the world. Quality of delivery is closely monitored by UoN, and a system of external examiners typical to UK universities, and ultimately QAA, the UK quality assurance body. The degree awards from the UoN are fully recognised in the UK and therefore in other countries, too.

[+] What is a Higher National Diploma in Business (HND)?

The BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business is a higher education qualification recognised in the UK and accredited by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding organisation. HELBUS is the only business school offering this qualification in Finland. It is equivalent to 120 credits (ECTS), or the two first years of the UK Bachelor of Arts -degree. Pearson ensures that the quality of education is at an excellent level through thorough evaluation visits twice a year.

[+] Can I apply for a Master’s programme with a Bachelor’s delivered at HELBUS?

After completing the University of Northampton BA (Hons) Business and Management -degree, you can apply for a Master’s programme in England, Finland and elsewhere in the world.

[+] Can I apply for a public position with a degree from HELBUS (i.e., work for the Finnish national or local government)?

The recognition of a foreign degree in Finland is assessed in three situations: 1) whether it will lead to employment in the private sector, 2) whether it will allow you to continue to study for higher degrees at other universities and 3) whether you can apply for public office. For the private sector, degrees obtained at HELBUS are highly employable. HELBUS students have been employed, e.g., in the following companies: KPMG, EY, CGI, Nordea, OP, S-pankki, If, Mandatum, Tesla, HP, IBM, Exxon, Michael Kors as well as dozens of SMEs and students’ own start-ups. Similarly, when applying for postgraduate studies at another university, the University of Northampton degree completed at HELBUS is normally recognised by business programmes in Finland and abroad. You could apply, i.e., to Aalto University or Hanken and the business schools of the universities of Turku, Tampere, Jyväskylä, Vaasa, Oulu, Lappeenranta and Eastern Finland, and of course to thousands of foreign universities, if you meet their other entry criteria.

When applying for a job with a foreign degree for a government or municipal position that requires a university degree, or to be able to practice a so-called regulated profession, you must apply for an equivalence decision from the National Board of Education. So far, there is still no legally binding decision on the equivalence of the University of Northampton degrees completed at HELBUS. The following is known about such decisions from other educational institutions: Aalto’s and Hanken’s highly regarded MBA degrees are not considered equivalent to a Finnish Master’s degree by the National Board. Henley Finland’s highly regarded MBA degree, together with TKK’s (now Aalto) Master’s degree in Operations Management, has been deemed equivalent to a University of Applied Sciences (UAS) degree by the Board of Education.

The National Board of Education considers all equivalence applications on an individual basis. Those who want to apply for public office (municipal or state job) should be prepared for the fact that the degree can also be considered equivalent to a UAS degree, or that the recognition decision may also be negative. It is important to note that, according to the Board of Education, the recognition decision it makes does not determine the recognition of degrees for the private sector or the recognition of degrees when applying for postgraduate studies at Finnish or foreign universities. The Board of Education’s equivalence decision is therefore only required when applying for such a state or municipal position, which requires a university degree. If necessary, ask for more information: Jussi Halli, info(at)helbus.fi

[+] Am I eligible for Kela grants and loans and other student benefits while studying at HELBUS?

HELBUS students in the Bachelor’s programme and the full-time MBA are eligible to apply for Kela support, student housing and public transport student discounts if they fulfil the other Kela criteria for eligibility. Further information will be provided in the New Student Letter.

[+] Who can apply to HELBUS and when?

HELBUS welcomes applications from individuals in Finland at any time of the year. Please view the application deadlines here. If you are a non-EU citizen needing a residence permit for study, please read more here.

[+] How can I apply to HELBUS?

Admissions to HELBUS differ from state universities and are based on essay questions and interviews. Please read the application guidelines carefully here.

[+] How much does it cost to study at HELBUS?

As HELBUS is a private business school that does not receive state support, it funds its operations through tuition fees. Investing in your degree is worth your consideration, as your net earnings are likely to increase compared to those who do not have a degree. HELBUS degrees are completed in a shorter time frame than traditional university degrees, thereby enabling you to start recouping the investment in 24 months. Please view the current tuition fees for the Bachelor’s programme here and the MBA here.

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