Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences opened its direct-application window today (5 Nov 2025) for the January 2026 intakes of two fully online English-language bachelor’s programmes: Aviation Business (BBA) and Strategic Hospitality Management (BHM). The application round runs until 26 November and uses certificate-based selection only, with no entrance exams.
Why this matters for mobility – Because the studies are delivered 100 % online, accepted applicants are explicitly “not eligible for a residence permit”, according to Haaga-Helia. The model, first piloted in 2024, allows Finnish institutions to monetise education exports without increasing the physical student population or the administrative load on Migri. Conversely, it reduces inbound student-visa volumes at a time when Finland is tightening financial-sufficiency rules for degree-seekers.
![Haaga-Helia opens 5–26 Nov online-degree application window – no residence permit required]()
Market impact – The Aviation Business programme has 70 seats and charges non-EU students €11,000 per academic year; the Hospitality programme offers 60 seats at the same fee level. Last year 38 % of online admits came from Asia-Pacific markets, with India, Vietnam and the Philippines leading. Education-agents say demand is high among professionals who want a European degree while working remotely.
Policy backdrop – Finland extended the residence-permit income requirement for campus-based students to €840/month in August 2025. Universities therefore see online degrees as a complement, not a replacement, for on-site internationalisation. The Ministry of Education is drafting guidance on quality assurance and digital-proctoring standards for fully remote programmes, due in spring 2026.
Practical advice – Applicants should ensure their upper-secondary transcripts are uploaded to Studyinfo.fi by 26 Nov. Tuition invoices are issued in mid-December, and students retain access to the Finnish Immigration Service’s digital ID for cross-border exam proctoring but cannot use it for travel.
Why this matters for mobility – Because the studies are delivered 100 % online, accepted applicants are explicitly “not eligible for a residence permit”, according to Haaga-Helia. The model, first piloted in 2024, allows Finnish institutions to monetise education exports without increasing the physical student population or the administrative load on Migri. Conversely, it reduces inbound student-visa volumes at a time when Finland is tightening financial-sufficiency rules for degree-seekers.
Market impact – The Aviation Business programme has 70 seats and charges non-EU students €11,000 per academic year; the Hospitality programme offers 60 seats at the same fee level. Last year 38 % of online admits came from Asia-Pacific markets, with India, Vietnam and the Philippines leading. Education-agents say demand is high among professionals who want a European degree while working remotely.
Policy backdrop – Finland extended the residence-permit income requirement for campus-based students to €840/month in August 2025. Universities therefore see online degrees as a complement, not a replacement, for on-site internationalisation. The Ministry of Education is drafting guidance on quality assurance and digital-proctoring standards for fully remote programmes, due in spring 2026.
Practical advice – Applicants should ensure their upper-secondary transcripts are uploaded to Studyinfo.fi by 26 Nov. Tuition invoices are issued in mid-December, and students retain access to the Finnish Immigration Service’s digital ID for cross-border exam proctoring but cannot use it for travel.
