Vocational Qualification in Business

Content of the degree

Tampere Vocational College Tredu offers vocational business studies in English for students interested in working in an international business environment. The programme provides essential skills in Customer service, Sales, and Marketing Communications, with a strong focus on practical learning and real-life business situations. The studies cover a wide range of business-related topics, including entrepreneurship, project management, and event production. Learning takes place through hands-on activities, teamwork, and projects that help students develop both professional and interpersonal skills.

Tredu’s learning environment offers numerous opportunities to participate in projects, organise fairs, events and activities for international students, guests, and other stakeholders. Practical training is an important part of the programme. You will gain work experience through on-the-job learning periods in workplaces such as retail businesses, online stores, customer service centres, and offices of various organisations in Finland or abroad.

The scope of the Vocational Qualification in Business is 180 competence points. The qualification is composed of vocational units (145 competence points) and common units (35 competence points).

Check out Finnish National Agency for Education’s requirements for this qualification.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, graduates receive the qualification title merkonomi.

Studies and Specialisation Options

At the beginning of the programme, students focus on developing the core competencies required in the business sector by completing compulsory units, including Customer Service and Operating in a Business Environment.

Optional studies allow students to create an individual learning path based on their interests and career goals. You may specialise in areas such as:

• Marketing communications
• Entrepreneurship
• Retail business
• International business operations

Students aiming for advanced international business competence can participate in the European Business Behaviour  Diploma (EBBD) Programme. The programme focuses on International Business Operations and provides a deeper understanding of European business practices, democracy, and active citizenship. More information is available at https://ebbd.eu/.

Throughout the studies, you will have opportunities to broaden your international experience through student exchanges, international projects, and peer tutoring activities. These experiences help you develop valuable professional networks and prepare for future career opportunities. The language studies include Finnish, Swedish, English and an additional foreign language.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

Studying business in English within a multicultural learning environment prepares you for a wide range of international careers in the labour market. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for higher education studies. As a business student, you may complete route studies leading to TAMK’s International Business degree programme during the final stage of your studies at Tredu, creating a seamless transition to higher education.

Complete a Double Degree

It is possible to prepare for the national matriculation examination during the studies and combine the general upper secondary education with this in five subjects: Finnish as a mother tongue, Swedish, Mathematics, English and a theoretical subject (Social studies, Health Education, Psychology). These studies are carried out during daytime. The language of instruction is Finnish. In order to take part in high school studies, applicants should have Finnish language skills at a minimum level of B1.1.

Sports and Business, Athlete Pathway

Is your goal to be a professional athlete? Join our study programme and we will help you! At Tredu, athletes have the possibility to apply for and get an athlete status, which enables the flexible combination of studies and sports. The athlete study pathway is intended for students who compete at least at the national level (Finnish Championship SM or equivalent).

Business skills are needed in all sectors of working life, including sports. The business communications, team work and negotiations skills practised during the studies will benefit you also in your career in sports. You will learn how to create and maintain your personal brand as a future athlete and a business professional. Combining goal-oriented sports with business studies develops your self-leadership and discipline, while studying in a diverse group enhances your cross-cultural competence. While studying, you’re able to train with professional coaches.

Applying as an athlete student

You can apply for the programme on the Studyinfo website by indicating your interest in applying as a competitive athlete.

For more information: Sports Coordinator, Lecturer Antti Särösalo, Tredu: antti.sarosalo@tampere.fi, tel +358505761362

Requirements for student selection

• Qualification equivalent to Finnish basic education (grades 1-9), qualification equivalent to Finnish general upper secondary education (high school diploma) or a vocational degree / university degree.
• Citizenship or residence permit in Finland or in EU/ETA/Schengen countries, valid until 30 June 2027 or longer.
• Fluent in English.
• Basic level of Finnish language is required. If the applicant is of compulsory school age, Finnish is not required.

No exceptions will be made, and we do not request missing documents later. Your application will be automatically cancelled if the required attachments are not included or if you do not meet the listed requirements. Please note that the applications are reviewed daily during the admission period.

Applicants under 18 years of age who live abroad must have a guardian residing in Finland (such as a parent, grandparent, close relative, or sports coach).

The language of instruction is English. Studies take place in Tampere, Finland (no remote option).

Admission procedure

• Admission period: 16 February – 16 March 2027
• Applicants will be invited to an interview on 13 April 2027 (applicants under 18 years old) or 21 April 2027 (applicants over 18 years old). Please note: If you do not attend the interview, your application will be cancelled.
• Selection results: Announced by 17 June 2027 at the latest
• Deadline to accept the study place: Within one week after the selection results are published
• Start of studies: 4 August 2027
• Note that the programme will be organized only if there are enough participants

Motivation and Finnish and English language skills will be assessed during the interview in Tampere, Finland (online interviews are not possible).

Check out our video about Sports and Business studies:

Tuition fees for upper secondary education  

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU and EEA, you may have to pay tuition fees for vocational education.
More information about tuition fees: https://www.tredu.fi/en/studying-at-tredu/for-applicants

Opintopolku/Studyinfo: https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/sivu/tuition-fees-for-upper-secondary-education

Certificate of European Business Behaviour and Democracy (EBBD)

At Tredu it is possible to acquire EBBD certificate (European Business Behaviour and Democracy) while studying in Vocational Qualification in Business. The certificate is issued for excellence in business competence in international environment. The certificate increases opportunities particularly in international job market. Read more: European Business Behaviour and Democracy.

Contact person in Tredu: Business lecturer Marika Malmström: marika.malmstrom@tampere.fi

Further Information

Guidance Councelor, Merja Helin
e-mail: Merja.Helin@tampere.fi
tel +358 40 825 7240

TreduNavi Admission Services
e-mail: tredu.haku@tampere.fi
tel +358 40 170 5649