Fulbright-Haaga-Helia (University of Applied Sciences) Scholar Award
Finland
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The scholar will be a member of the lecturer team in the respective competence area. At Haaga-Helia, a team teaching model is applied, and the scholar works closely with other lecturers. Scholar may be responsible for teaching a full study course or parts of courses depending on the work plan agreed.
Even if the main role of the scholar is teaching, at Haaga-Helia, all lecturers are expected to take part in the RD, for example; writing publication(s) together with Haaga-Helia faculty or contributing to a RD project that is running or planning a RD project in cooperation with Haaga-Helia faculty.
The grant cannot be used for advancing one's own academic research.
Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) train professionals with an emphasis on the labor market needs, and they conduct applied research and development, which supports teaching and learning and promotes regional development. The education in UAS emphasizes co-operation with business and service sectors. UAS education provides students with practical preparation for entering the labor market.
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences has a staff of 750 professionals and 11,000 students of whom 10% are international students. Haaga-Helia offers Bachelor and Master programs in Finnish and in English.
Haaga-Helia operates in close cooperation with industry and has an extensive network of business partners. Haaga-Helia also promotes internationalization, and is a member of the Ulysseus European University Alliance.
Helsinki is a modern European capital located in Southern Finland. The Helsinki Metropolitan Area has a population of 1.2 million, and is the most developed region in Finland and the center of business life, education and culture.
Porvoo is a picturesque city located one-hour from Helsinki. It is renowned for its historic old town, gastronomy and features Haaga-Helia newest campus. Vierumäki is home to the Finnish Olympic training center and is located 1.5 hours northeast of Helsinki. The closest city to Vierumäki is Lahti.
One-semester grants may begin in August/September 2025 or January 2026.
Two-semester grants must begin in August/September 2025.
While this award is open to any of Haaga-Helia’s competence areas, there is a special interest in scholars who are focused on Haaga-Helia’s core research areas:
- Engaging vocational pedagogy
- Sales development and digitalization
- Service business development and design
- Entrepreneurship and business development
Visit the Haaga-Helia Research and Development website to learn more.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Note: Late June, July, and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland, and responses to inquiries may be delayed. Applicants are advised to contact Haaga-Helia well ahead, preferably at least 4 months prior to the application deadline, to solicit an invitation letter for their application.
Finnish host institution should refer to these instructions.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a Virtual call in mid-January 2025.
Candidates must have sufficient experience in teaching. Preference is given to candidates with relevant professional experience and networks outside of academia.
Interest and experience in Haaga-Helia’s core research (RD) areas would be appreciated.
In addition to the general evaluation criteria, candidates in all Fulbright programs are reviewed on the project’s contribution to the objectives of the Fulbright Program as well as on the adaptability and suitability of the candidate to act as a Fulbright Ambassador for the U.S. in Finland.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Information on the Fulbright-Haaga-Helia Scholar Award on the Fulbright Finland Foundation website
More information on Helsinki
More information on Porvoo
More information on Heinola
The stipend includes a monthly grant and free housing for the scholar and their accompanying family.
The monthly grant is 3,000 - 5,000 EUR (approx. $3,300 – $5,500) per month, depending on the expertise of the grantee based on a three-grade scale.
Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations
- For an instructor or an assistant professor with fewer than five years of professional experience outside of academia in a relevant field: 3,000 EUR (approx. $3,300)
- For a candidate at the rank of at least an assistant professor and with professional experience outside of academia of at least five years in a relevant field: 4,100 EUR (approx. $4,500)
- For a full professor with professional experience outside of academia, with at least 15 years of work experience in a relevant field: 5,000 EUR (approx. $5,500)
Haaga-Helia will arrange and cover the cost of housing for the scholar and their family. Applicants should communicate their housing needs to the host institution during the application process so that appropriate housing can be arranged for them.
A one-time travel allowance of $1,800 is provided.
Also, a residence permit allowance is provided - based on the actual permit fees (incl. grantee and accompanying family members).
K-12 education in Finland is generally free or heavily subsidized (some special schools, such as private international schools, may charge tuition). Instruction in English is available in Helsinki and other bigger cities at kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, as well as at the university level, however, many of them require an aptitude test, and sometimes entry is competitive.
For details about the Finnish education system, please visit the Ministry of Education and Culture, which provides greater insight into education at all levels across Finland.
The Fulbright-Haaga Helia Scholar receives the full support services provided by the Fulbright Finland Foundation for all Fulbright grantees in Finland.
At Haaga-Helia, the scholar will have:
- Workplace on the Haaga-Helia campus, a laptop and a phone to use
- Haaga-Helia IT account and access to the Haaga-Helia IT environment for staff
- Full access to the Haaga-Helia library and information services
- Opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars, and other activities available for Haaga-Helia faculty and staff
The Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki arranges a four-day orientation seminar for scholars at the end of August, which scholars arriving for the fall semester are expected to attend. An orientation meeting is also arranged for scholars arriving in January. In addition, the Fulbright Finland Foundation organizes seminars and other events throughout the academic year for the Fulbright scholars to deepen their understanding of Finnish culture.
The grantee will also be eligible to participate in a Fulbright Finland Foundation pre-approved summer school in Finland consisting of courses on Finnish language, culture, and society, pending availability of suitable programs.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Finland
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Finland for 2025-26, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff, and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience, and application guidance.
Finland is a Nordic country the size of California located in northern Europe and is part of the European Union. It is rather sparsely populated (5.6 million people) and has extensive nature: forests, coastline, and lakes. The six largest cities host approximately 60% of the population; urban environments are closely linked to nature. It is a country that has a well-organized and efficient society. The general infrastructure, both public and private services, is considered very effective. Well run public services such as transportation, police, education, and healthcare are fundamental and highly regarded parts of the society. The arts and design, cultural life, nature, and sports are highly valued. Finland ranks as one of the world’s most stable nations and has been named one of the safest and least corrupt countries in the world, which makes it an easy place to live and travel.
Finns believe strongly in equality and education, and the country is especially known for its effective and free education system. Finland has two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Finnish higher education institutions engage in world-leading research and offer high-quality academic programs. On a national level, research and development is highly emphasized. The Finnish government is committed to the target of raising research and development expenditure to four per cent of GDP by 2030. Together with a welcoming and intriguing environment, Finland offers interesting opportunities for American researchers, teachers, and professionals. English is widely used at the university level.
The academic year in Finland is based on a two-semester system. The official academic year starts on August 1 and ends on July 31. However, in the fall semester, lectures are usually scheduled between September and mid-December, and in the spring semester, between early January and May. Typically, there is no teaching during the summer and on public holidays.
Finland has a strong Fulbright program with a unique history. The program has an important role in supporting the internationalization of education and research in Finland, helping U.S. and Finnish institutions create linkages, and promoting a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States. The program has grown in recent years due to the close cooperation of the Fulbright Finland Foundation with Finnish universities, research institutions, governmental agencies, and private foundations, as well as to U.S. and Finnish alumni contributions. Most of the program’s funding currently comes from Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation offers awards to U.S. scholars to teach or pursue research in Finland. The majority of awards are available to scholars in all disciplines, but some awards are limited to certain fields. In nearly all categories, housing is provided for the grantee. Awards are also available for professionals for career development.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation also provides information for Finnish institutions, which applicants are encouraged to utilize when contacting prospective hosts.
Read more about Finland:
Fulbright Finland Foundation website
Fulbright Finland News Magazine
Visit Finland
This is Finland
Scott E. Buchanan - Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies 2019-20
David Dorman - Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Distinguished Chair in Health and Environmental Sciences 2021-2022
Visit the Fulbright Finland Foundation website to see grantees from previous years.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences encourages applicants to contact the university staff beforehand. Haaga-Helia International Services are happy to help potential candidates to connect with the faculty members for discussion.
Head of International Relations
katri.salmi@haaga-helia.fi
international@haaga.helia.fi
International Affairs Specialist
vejay.nair@haaga-helia.fi
international@haaga-helia.fi
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Fulbright Finland Foundation encourages potential applicants to visit its website for further information and contact the office directly with any questions.
Program Manager, Scholar Programs
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi
Tel: +358 44 5535 275
Coordinator
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi