FAQ Frequently asked questions

Can I send a faxed or scanned application?

No. To date Hanken only approves of paper copy applications, signed by the applicant. The application needs to reach Hanken by the deadline. You cannot apply electronically through University Admissions Finland (UAF) to doctoral studies.

I have not yet been awarded my diploma - can I still apply?

The basic admission criterion for Doctoral degree studies at Hanken is a completed Master's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized higher education institution. It is, however, possible to apply even if you haven't been awarded your diploma provided that you have completed all courses required for your degree and handed in your thesis for evaluation. In all cases, you need to add a Transcript of records, as well as an official statement from your university stating when you will be awarded your diploma. You will need to show certified copies or originals of your diploma before you accept your place of study.

What do you mean by certified documents?

Any transcript, certificate or diploma you send to us must be a certified copy in original. Your university will certify copies of documents by stamping them with the official university stamp. If your university cannot do this, you must get the copies endorsed by a public notary who has seen the original documents. Do not write anything on any of your documents yourself. If your documents are not in English, do not translate documents yourself; they are to be translated by a registered translator. Please also note that you are expected to show originals of your diplomas and transcripts latest at the information meeting for newly admitted students.

What is GMAT / GRE?

GMAT and GRE are standardised admission tests that are widely used by Business Schools and Graduate Schools in admissions to master and doctoral programmes. The tests measure the applicants' verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. Both tests can be taken at various test centres all over the world. For more information: www.mba.com (GMAT) and www.gre.org (GRE).

In Finland, applicants can take GRE at the Premeria ( www.premeria.fi). Inquiries about GRE can be made to Fulbright ( www.fulbright.fi). The GMAT-test is arranged by Lan Group Finland (LGF) ( www.lgf.fi).

Why is the GRE or GMAT compulsory?

The GRE/GMAT scores are considered to be an indicator of likely success in studies and research as they demonstrate, among other things, analytical thinking and writing. In addition we receive applications for admission from all over the world and from a wide variety of educational systems and standards, the GRE/GMAT care used for comparing applicants equally. Either the GMAT or GRE test is compulsory for all Finnish and foreign students alike.

What is the minimum GRE/GMAT score required for admission to Doctoral studies?

When evaluating and ranking applicants, particular attention is paid to the applicant's propensity to conduct doctoral studies and research. The GMAT / GRE score is one of the criteria used for this purpose. Although there is no explicit minimum GMAT/GRE score for admission, the Academic Council has set an indicative threshold for GMAT / converted GRE. In 2012 the indicative treshold is 600.

If an applicant with a lower score shows considerable evidence of his/her propensity to conduct research he/she may be considered for admission.

How long is a GMAT or GRE score valid?

GMAT and GRE scores are valid five years after the test has been taken. After five years it is no longer possible to have original score reports sent to educational institutions. Consequently, Hanken does not accept any GMAT and GRE scores that are more than five years old. NB! If you have taken the GMAT or GRE when applying to a Master's degree at Hanken, you do not need to reorder your test results for an application to Doctoral studies. Hanken saves all old scores. If you do not wish to retake the test, your previous results are used in the application.

Are copies rather than originals of GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL results accepted?

You may include in your application a test taker copy of a test score report, or fax or e-mail it if you receive it after submission of the application. You must also, by the application deadline, arrange to have the testing organisation send the official results to Hanken. All scores will be verified.

Is there a tuition fee or any 'hidden' fees?

No. Neither Finnish, nor foreign students coming to study at Hanken pay tuition fees or enrolment fees, or other 'hidden' fees.

How do you select students?

The selection of students to Doctoral studies is based on a system of numerus clausus (restricted entry). This means that admission is granted on a competitive basis and that some applicants might not be admitted even if they are eligible for the programme in question. There will be no discrimination based on age, gender, ethnicity or other similar grounds.

The selection of students is made in the Admission committee at each Department, but the final decision is always made by the Rector.

The majors rank applicants based on the following criteria:·

• the applicant's field of research interest in relation to the major's research area
• motivation for doctoral studies and possibility/availability to study full time
• previous studies and demonstrated success in these
• ability to conduct doctoral studies and write scientific texts
• capacity for logical deduction and abstract thinking
• demonstrated success in research

When will the admission results be released?

The admission results will be released on average 5 weeks from the application deadline. The applicants will be notified immediately via e-mail and letter.

I can't find an answer to my question - What can I do?

Please send us an email at doctoral.studies(at)hanken.fi or call the Doctoral Studies Co-ordinator at +358403521282.