University of Vaasa and Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú develop the first transatlantic double degree in the country

– I am delighted about the announcement, as this is our first double degree with a partner in Latin America.  This brings a fruitful project collaboration to a successful conclusion. With the double degree, we now enter the next stage in our relationship, and we are looking forward to working even more closely in the future, says Martin Meyer, Vice Rector for International Affairs at the University of Vaasa.

This double degree unites two institutions committed to sustainable business and society and opens valuable opportunities for students from both institutions to explore responsible international business in practice, within two distinct yet complementary business education ecosystems in Europe and Latin America. 

Students in this programme from both universities can study abroad and earn two degrees: one from the University of Vaasa and one from the PUCP without extending the time for bachelor’s degree studies. Students from the University of Vaasa will spend approximately one year of their bachelor’s degree studies in Peru, gaining international experience and broadening their academic horizons. No additional tuition fees apply.

– When developing this double degree, we were aiming to bridge two very diverse academic systems but also benefit from what each institution has the best. During their study period in Peru, University of Vaasa students will have expert studies and field trips to see sustainability work and learn from the best practices and cases of international businesses who operate in Latin America. As we receive students from PUCP, they will immerse themselves in exploring cross-cultural management and the best Nordic practices of international business that drive digitalisation and circularity, says Aušrinė Šilenskytė, Assistant Professor of International Strategic Management (Tenure track), who led the development and implementation of this project.

The double degree was developed in the ESGinMNC (TFK2023) project, funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education under the Team Finland Knowledge programme. It was a two-year development initiative that served as a starting point for a double degree. For example, UVA and PUCP developed a joint course offering with the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activity in which students from both institutions work together annually and solve a real company challenge provided by a circular business leader from the Vaasa region, Mirka. Learn more from the project’s blog.

Partnering for a joint purpose - to develop graduates who can lead international business responsibly 

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University of Vaasa and Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) are partnering for growing responsible leaders in international business leads to synergies. 

PUCP offers an exceptional undergraduate experience in business studies through its Bachelor in Management, an EFMD-accredited program, that adheres to the highest international standards in business education. PUCP has been ranked #1 in Peru for thirteen consecutive years by QS World University Rankings 2026 and sits among the top 11 universities in Latin America. The university also holds a prestigious global position in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, especially in sustainability metrics.

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The university’s campus in Lima is recognised by the International Sustainable Campus Network, featuring LEED-certified buildings, extensive biodiversity, and student-driven environmental initiatives, creating a healthy, inspiring environment for its business undergraduates.

– As a transatlantic partner, PUCP holds a special place in our double degree portfolio, strengthening our institutional relationship and shared commitment to academic excellence, says Anne Ahlqvist, International Education Specialist. 

Expanding global double degree opportunities and student benefits 

- In addition to the PUCP partnership, the University of Vaasa has recently expanded its portfolio of double degree agreements with several internationally recognised institutions, including the University of Pavia in Italy, the University of Limerick (Kemmy Business School) in Ireland, and Grenoble Ecole de Management in France, says Susanne Nylund-Torp, International Partnerships Manager.

These collaborations strengthen the university’s internationalisation by offering students diverse study pathways across Europe and beyond. Through these double degree opportunities, students gain exposure to different academic systems, cultures and business environments. The programmes also enable students to build international networks and benefit from multidisciplinary perspectives. 

Learn more about double degrees and exchange studies at the University of Vaasa website.