Vocational Qualification in Business for Adults

Content of the degree

Business skills are needed in all sectors of the working life. Tredu’s Vocational Qualification in Business (180 competence points) provides broad basic skills for Customer Service and Sales and Marketing communications in an international context. During the studies you will develop a wide range of professional skills centered around entrepreneurship and sustainable business. You will also learn the latest skills in business IT. The language studies include Finnish, Swedish, English and an additional foreign language. International exchanges and on-the-job learning periods abroad are an optional part of the studies. There will be also a possibility to include higher education studies in the qualification.

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.

The qualification title received after completing Vocational Qualification in Business is “merkonomi”.

Business studies in English, in the multicultural environment, will prepare you for the international tasks in labour market or contribute to the higher education studies. In the beginning of studies, the focus is gaining skills needed in the business field, by completing the three compulsory units: Customer Service and Operating in Business Environment.

As optional studies you may focus, for example, on Marketing Communications, Planning a Business and International Business Operations. You can also have a tailor-made personal skills development plan, typically a work-intensive path to gain skills needed e.g. in retail trade.

Explore different job opportunities and build future contacts by taking part in international student exchanges, projects and tutoring. There are many opportunities for you during the studies. The language studies include Finnish, Swedish, English and an additional foreign language.

The teaching language is English.

Business graduate is a customer-oriented business expert with good communication and interaction skills as well as language skills. Other important things to do in this field are:

• number precision
• initiative
• good IT capabilities
• entrepreneurial attitude
• teamwork skills
• developing one’s own skills
• self-leadership
• good social media and digital skills

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 30th June 2026 or longer.
• Fluent in English language.
• 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, we are not able to open them or if you do not meet the listed requirements. Please note that 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).

Check out our video about Sports and Business studies:

Information for applicants

• All eligible applicants (except those of compulsory school age) are invited to an in-person information session on 31 March 2026 at 10:00, at Santalahdentie 10, Tampere (no remote option).
• At the end of the session, a time for the group interview will be scheduled.
• Please note: If you do not attend the information session or the interview, your application will be cancelled.
• Applicants of compulsory school age will be invited directly to a group interview and do not need to attend the information session.
• Motivation and Finnish and English language skills will be assessed during the group interview which will take place later in April in Tampere, Finland (online interviews are not possible).

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

Fill out the application form in Opintopolku

• Admission period: 17 February – 17 March 2026
• Selection results: Announced during weeks 23–24, by 12 June 2026 at the latest
• Deadline to accept the study place: Within one week after the selection results are published
• Start of studies: 12 August 2026

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