Exchange Studies and Double Degree Programmes
Energising exchange at the University of Vaasa
Join our truly international community, located on the beautiful West coast of Finland. We have 7,000 students and 650 employees of closer to 50 different nationalities. Together we focus on sustainable business, energy and society. Every year we welcome more than 200 exchange students from all around the world. As Finland's largest educator in business studies and a member of prestigious networks including EUNICE, HERMES, Nordplus and GBSN, we offer exceptional opportunities for international students.
Semester Exchange
Spend 1–2 semesters with us through Erasmus+ or other exchange programmes. We offer exchange studies in the fields of Business Studies, Technology, Communication Studies, and Administrative Sciences. The courses are taught entirely in English.
Double Degree Programmes
We offer Double Degree Programmes with some of our top European partner universities. Study 1–2 years at your home university and your final year with us. You will earn a degree from both universities.
- Bachelor’s programme in International Business
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Partner universities:
- European University Viadrina, Germany
- Prague University of Economics and Business, Czechia
- University of Limerick, Ireland
- Master's Programme in International Business
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Partner universities:
- Europa-Universität Viadrina, Germany
- Kedge Business School, France
- University of Pavia, Italy
- Prague University of Economics and Business, Czechia
- Master's Programme in Strategic Business Development
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Partner universities:
- University of Pavia, Italy
- Kedge Business School, France
- Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Sweden
- Master's Programme in Finance
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Partner universities:
- IÉSEG School of Management, France
- University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Sweden
- Master’s Programme in Administrative Sciences (Major: Public Policy and Management)
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Partner university: University of Pavia, Italy
Summer School
Looking for short-term mobility opportunities? Our Summer School allows you to gain entrepreneurial skills in an international atmosphere. The 1–3 weeks programme combines academic and industry expertise with hands-on practical activities. In addition, you get to experience fun extracurricular activities and enjoy the beautiful seaside city of Vaasa. Also available as Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP).
Why choose the University of Vaasa as your exchange destination?
The University of Vaasa is an international, business-oriented and multidisciplinary university. Our modern maritime campus is a vibrant and attractive place to study. With us, you can study fields that hold the key to solving challenges of the world of today and tomorrow, bringing sustainability to the forefront. The University is also one of the largest providers of business education in Finland. Vaasa itself is a vibrant centre of culture, education, and business, home for the largest energy technology hub in the Nordics. One in five inhabitant in Vaasa is a student.
Practical Information
How to find accommodation in Vaasa? How is the every day life of a student? How can I get to Vaasa and get around in Vaasa? How are the lectures organised and how are the courses graded? Click the links below to find some useful information for incoming students.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Autumn Semester 2025:
Orientation days 25 – 29 August 2025
Teaching 1 September – 19 December 2025
Spring Semester 2026:
Orientation days 7 – 9 January 2026
Teaching 12 January – 29 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic dates?
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The academic dates are quite similar from year to year. Autumn semester starts with orientation in the end of August and lasts until the end of December. Spring semester starts in the beginning of January with orientation and lasts until the end of May. You can find the academic dates for each year on this page and on our fact sheet.
- Are the courses offered to exchange students the same every year?
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The courses are mostly the same every year, but changes do occur. The course catalogue is updated for the following academic year around mid-April every year.
- My home University is not using the online learning agreement. How can I create my Learning Agreement?
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You can use the Learning Agreement template provided by your home university and send it to us per e-mail in pdf format to incoming.international@uwasa.fi. If your home university does not have their own Learning Agreement template you can use our template that is found here.
- I am a bachelor level student; can I take Master level courses?
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Students are recommended to select courses on their own study level. Bachelor students can only take Bachelor level courses. Master level students can take both Master and Bachelor level courses. Some courses may however be open to all students, please read the course descriptions carefully to make sure you have the pre-requisites needed to take the course.
- Are all courses in the study guide offered during both Autumn and Spring semester?
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No. When you visit the page with courses for exchange students, please click on the blue button “show timing as academic years” and change it to “show timing as semesters”, you will see on the right side if the course is offered during Autumn (1.a) or Spring semester (1.s). Please read the course description, prerequisites and further information carefully, to ensure that you will be able to take the course.
- Do I need a residence permit to come to Finland as an exchange student?
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You can find all the information about questions related to residence permits on the Finnish Immigration Service webpage.
Contact us
International Services guide and assist incoming students, starting from the mandatory orientation week at the beginning of semester until the departure from Vaasa. If you have any questions related to your mobility, International Services are happy to help you! E-mail us at incoming.international@uwasa.fi or call +358 29 449 8663.