Fundamentals of Business

Applying for exemption on language requirements

During the orientation days will be arranged a special session concerning language studies. In this session the students have a possibility to apply for the exemption. In other times the students can apply for exemption with the simple application addressed to the Vice Rector of HSE.

The student should mention that he/she will apply the exemption based on his/her high school level studies. With the application of exemption the student should attach a true copy of his/her high school diploma. The true copy means that the document has been signed with two adult persons with their names, addresses and date of births. The application for exemption should be addressed to the Registry (Kirjaamo), which is the official mail office of HSE in the Arkadia building.

The exemption may be granted if the student has been educated in a language other than Finnish and Swedish or has been educated abroad. In most cases it is required that the student has not has his/her secondary level education (high school) in Finnish or in Swedish or who has completed his/her secondary level education (high school) abroad. After the official decision is made the student will get the letter of the decision by mail.

Language Studies according to the Language Plan

If the exemption from the language requirements of the BSc degree will be granted, the student is expected to complete 30 cr language studies according to her/his own language plan. The language plan will be the part of the students personal study plan. Most students can take at least English Business Communication courses or Finnish for Foreigners from the beginner's level to advanced level (8 levels).

HSE has the cooperation agreement on Finnish language studies with Haaga-Helia Polytechnic. All non-Finnish speaking HSE students are allowed to participate the Finnish courses of Haaga-Helia starting from beginner's level 1 up to the level 6. The language courses last one period each and they are 3 credits. After the student has completed the Finnish 6 course at Haaga Helia he/she can continue studies at HSE with Finnish courses in level 7 and 8. For more information, see chapter Studying Finnish as Foreign Language. The student should study languages at least 6 cr/semester.

To be able to complete 30 cr of languages for the BSc degree the student can for example study 18 cr Finnish language and 12 cr English or vice versa 12 cr Finnish and 18 cr English. First year students are assigned for the first course of English Business Communication which is the requirement for further studies in English. If you are fluent for example in French or in Spanish you may also be able to participate into the higher level language courses at HSE for example conversation courses.

Language studies are also a part of the International Business Communication program and minor studies. Further information on IBC studies can be found in the program and minor descriptions in this guide.