Helsinki School of Economics (HSE) – the biggest in Finland – was established by local businesses more than 100 years ago and run as a private institution until 1974, when it was taken over by the State. HSE launched its English-language international MBA in 1983; it says that its programme is still the only triple-accredited Nordic course. The school is based in Töölö, central Helsinki; this district also houses the National Opera House, the museum and several major sports grounds.

Vital statistics. There are two applicants for every place available; candidates need at least two years’ work experience and an average GMAT score of 567. Students must complete 12 core modules, 7 electives and a business project. The first of these include marketing, quantitative methods and financial accounting; elective options include venture capital, entrepreneurship and cross-cultural leadership. Students complete each subject in an intensive two-week session before moving on to the next. Tuition for 2009 is €35,640 (£28,000).

Ranking. HSE came 17th in a 2005 survey of European MBAs carried out by Karriere, a German business publication.

Work experience. All students must complete a real-life business project; they should be able to demonstrate how they are integrating different academic disciplines to solve the problem.

International opportunities. HSE has formal exchange programmes with a number of international business schools, including ESADE in Spain; Davis at the University of California; and Nanyang Business School in Singapore. The school advises that some overseas universities may require a higher GMAT score for entry than does HSE itself.

Application deadline: November 26 for the programme starting in January 2009.

Fancy a trip to Finland? Attend the next information session on June 3; details online

Sources: hse.fi/EN/education/mba/mba; mba.eiu.com; ft.com

Next week: the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

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