During the fall of 2025, a dedicated group of international students completed the one-year Vocational Qualification in Business program at Business College Helsinki. They arrived from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar and finished the program ahead of schedule. Today, every graduate is working or building a career in Finland.
The program, delivered in collaboration with Edunation, provides adults with education and work experience the opportunity to develop business skills quickly and enter the Finnish job market. For many, it has become a pathway not only to employment, but also to long-term life in Finland.
Learning with purpose
The program taught entirely in English also includes Finnish language studies. Students study marketing, customer experience, entrepreneurship, project management, and business operations. A 9-week on-the-job training period in the Greater Helsinki area ensures that learning translates directly into professional experience.
The teaching style emphasizes dialogue, collaboration, and practical learning rather than lectures.
“At the beginning of our studies, we were thoroughly surprised by the teaching methods,” says Clarrie Gaye Garcia, one of the graduates from the Philippines. “The teacher did not lecture from above. Instead, topics were discussed in groups. A large part of the learning came from projects and internships. Learning was very dynamic.”
Clarrie previously worked in pharmacy for nearly twenty years. During her studies in Helsinki, she discovered a new direction.
“Business studies opened a new door for me and inspired me to explore what opportunities I might have in life and in my career. I discovered my passion for graphic design, marketing communication, market research, and customer service,” she says. “I believe I am globally competitive, and with the training I received here, I am confident that I am ready to work in Finland.”
She now builds her career as a light entrepreneur in marketing and creative services.
“This is how international talent builds Finland”
Hilla Helasaari, Head of International Affairs at Business College Helsinki, spoke directly about the impact of the group:
“Today we celebrated 22 amazing students who graduated from our first group of commissioned education, implemented in collaboration with Edunation. All students are staying in Finland after graduation and, with a few exceptions, all have jobs now. This group has shown how motivated, hardworking, and skilled employees we can attract to Finland when we plan recruitment and training correctly. We couldn’t be prouder of these brave and goal-oriented students.” (Source: LinkedIn)
She acknowledged the courage required to move to a new culture:
“Thank you for choosing Business College Helsinki, and thank you for coming to Finland, even though it’s cold and dark here and people don’t always know how to show their hospitality as we should. I wish you all the best.”
Hands-on projects build confidence
Students learned to run and develop real business activities, including simulated companies, budgeting, logistics, sales scenarios, and customer analysis.
Girlee Guzman, a restaurateur from the Philippines, highlighted the virtual business project where students acted as distributors for B2B food products. The project strengthened her teamwork, planning, and problem-solving abilities, and helped her build confidence in a new environment.
Another student, Chintaka Kasun from Sri Lanka, emphasized the college’s broad opportunities:
“You are not only studying; you also learn how to run your own business. You can join the European Youth Parliament. I had the chance to work with one of the best companies in Finland. If you are into music, we have a music room and a college band. I urge you to come here and get the real experience.”
Next intake: Spring 2026 — Enrollment Is now open
Business College Helsinki will welcome the next group into the one-year Vocational Qualification in Business in the Spring 2026.
Program Highlights:
- Taught entirely in English + Finnish language included
- 9-week workplace training in the Helsinki region
- Strong focus on practical business and entrepreneurship
- Recognized Finnish qualification, supporting residence permit applications
Apply through Edunation to secure a place:
