Full 3-Year Degree Program (180 osp)

"Your Professional Foundation in Finland"

The Institute of Southern Finland offers the full national qualification for international students and immigrants. This 3-year program is designed to transform you into a business professional fully integrated into the Finnish labor market. Following the official ePerusteet 10015205 standards, this degree is recognized across the Nordic and EU regions.

Admission Requirements

• Educational Background: High School Diploma, GCSE, or equivalent secondary education.

• Language Proficiency: English B2 (for studies); Finnish A1.1 required to start (with mandatory Finnish language tracks included in the degree).

• Commitment: Ability to engage in full-time study and multiple internship blocks over 3 years.

• Residency: Eligible for a student residence permit in Finland.

The 180 osp Degree Structure

The degree is divided into three major credit blocks. Progress is measured in Competence Points (osp), representing a total of 180 points for graduation.

1. Mandatory Units (55 osp)

• Operating in a Business Environment (25 osp): Understanding the Finnish economy, corporate law, and business ethics.

• Customer Service (20 osp): Professional interaction, service design, and customer experience.

• Professional Communication (10 osp): Business writing and digital communication in English and Finnish.

2. Optional Vocational Units (90 osp)

Students choose a specialization path in their second year:

• Marketing Communications: SEO, branding, and content production.

• Financial Services: Payroll, bookkeeping, and VAT accounting.

• Sales: Retail management, B2B sales, and negotiation skills.

• Library Services or Event Production: Specialized niche business modules.

3. Common Units (35 osp)

Mandatory general education modules required for all Finnish vocational degrees:

• Communication and interaction skills (Languages).

• Mathematics and Science-based competencies.

• Society and Working Life skills (Citizenship, Work Safety, and Entrepreneurship).

Mandatory Internship Program

Unlike short courses, the 3-year degree includes three distinct internship periods (one per year), totaling at least 6 months of work experience:

• Year 1: Introduction to Finnish Work Culture (4 weeks).

• Year 2: Professional Skills Placement (8-10 weeks).

• Year 3: Specialist Project Placement (12 weeks).

Course Logistics

• Duration: 3 Years (Full-time).

• Format: On-campus lectures, workshops, and workplace-based learning.

• Next Intake: August 2026 (Application window: Jan – May 2026).

• Enrolment Cost: €1,200 – €1,500 per academic year (Competitive private tuition rates for international students).

Why Study with the Institute of Southern Finland?

• Integrated Language Support: We don't just teach business; we teach Vocational Finnish alongside your degree to ensure you can work in local offices.

• National Credibility: Our curriculum matches the ePerusteet exactly, allowing for credit transfers and further university (UAS) applications.

• Career Pathing: 90% of Merkonomi graduates in Finland find employment or continue to higher education within 6 months of graduation.

Career Opportunities

A Merkonomi degree opens doors to:

• Office Manager / Executive Assistant

• Account Manager & Sales Specialist

• Financial Assistant / Junior Accountant

• Marketing Coordinator