Graduation
When you have completed your studies, you need to apply for your degree certificate yourself. The certificate is not issued automatically. Degree certificates are issued on specific graduation dates, so remember to submit your application in good time in order to graduate as planned. Please familiarise yourself with the timetable for graduation.
Twice a year, graduation ceremonies are held for students who have graduated since the previous ceremony.
Degree Certificate
The degree certificate consists of:
- A first page with information on the degree title, major/specialisation, and graduation date
- A translation of the first page. If the degree certificate is in English, the translation is provided in Swedish, and vice versa
- A transcript of records in both Swedish and English
- A Diploma Supplement in English for international use, which describes the degree you have completed and its position within the Finnish system of higher education. The Diploma Supplement follows a model developed by the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO/CEPES.
Please note that you must be registered as present during the term in which your degree certificate is issued.
Electronic Degree Certificates from 1 January 2026
As of 1 January 2026, Hanken will issue electronic degree certificates only. All students graduating after this date will receive their certificate digitally in PDF format, certified with an electronic signature.
Degree certificates issued on or before 31 December 2025 are in paper format.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electronic Degree certificates
General Information About Electronic Degree certificates
What is an electronic degree certificate?
An electronic degree certificate is an official digital document (PDF/A-2) that replaces the traditional paper degree certificate. It is certified with an electronic signature, which allows easy verification of its authenticity.
Why has Hanken switched to electronic degree certificates?
- Higher information security – electronic signatures make degree certificates harder to forge; authenticity can be checked via certificate services
- Smoother handling and storage – you receive your degree certificate faster and can easily use it, for example when applying for jobs. You can store it in cloud services, on your computer, or elsewhere for easy access
- Environmental and cost benefits – reduced paper use saves both resources and the environment
Who receives electronic degree certificates?
All students graduating with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at Hanken on or after 1 January 2026 will receive an electronic degree certificate.
Degree certificates issued on or before 31 December 2025 are in paper format.
I will graduate after January 2026 and therefore receive an electronic degree certificate. Can I get a paper degree certificate instead/as well?
No. After 1 January 2026, degree certificates are no longer issued in paper format.
I graduated in 2025 or earlier and received a paper degree certificate. Can I get an electronic version of it?
No. Electronic degree certificates are not issued retroactively.
I received a paper degree certificate, but it contains an error. In what format will the corrected degree certificate be?
If the original degree certificate was in paper format, the corrected version will also be in paper format. If your degree certificate has an error, please contact studyinfo@hanken.fi.
How to Download Your Electronic Degree Certificate
Apply for graduation in Sisu
When you apply for graduation in Sisu, check that:
- Your name information is correct - if there are errors or inconsistencies in your name information, contact studyinfo@hanken.fi.
- Your secondary email address is up to date - this is especially important for master's and PhD students as you won't access your degree certificate if a secondary email address is missing, as you will not have access to your Hanken address after graduation
Notification about your electronic degree certificate
Once your electronic degree certificate has been issued, you will receive a separate message sent to both your Hanken email and your secondary email from the sender “Svenska handelshögskolan”. The email subject is: “Congratulations on your graduation!”
Content of the email
The email contains a link, which takes you to a page where you can download your electronic degree certificate.
Downloading the electronic degree certificate
You can save the electronic degree certificate in your own storage, e.g. a cloud service, your computer, an external hard drive, or a USB stick.
Remember to save it in multiple places. Each unedited, saved electronic degree certificate is an official copy. The link remains valid for 30 days. We recommend downloading and saving the electronic degree certificate as soon as possible.
An image showing the download page will be added here.
Electronic Signature and Security
What type of signature is used?
The electronic degree certificate is digitally signed and verified by the Finnish Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). The signature guarantees the authenticity of the electronic degree certificate.
Is the electronic electronic degree certificate reliable?
Yes. It is more difficult to forge than a paper electronic degree certificate. If the electronic degree certificate is altered after signing, the electronic certification is damaged and the document is no longer valid. Do not open the file in editing mode (e.g., in Word), as this will break the signature.
Can an electronic degree certificate be edited or partially shared?
No. The content cannot be edited without damaging the signature.
It is not possible to send only parts of the electronic degree certificate without breaking the signature.
Verification of the electronic degree certificate
How can an employer or authority verify my electronic degree certificate?
The electronic degree certificate contains a digital signature verified by DVV. Recipients can verify the signature through DVV’s verification service
Is the electronic electronic degree certificate recognised internationally?
PDF is a widely recognised file format. The electronic electronic degree certificate meets EU-level requirements and complies with the eIDAS regulation for qualified electronic signatures (QES). It is accepted in all EU countries.
Paper Copies and Printouts
Can I print my electronic degree certificate myself?
Yes, but a printed electronic degree certificate:
- Is not official
- Cannot be verified
Always use the original PDF when sending your electronic degree certificate somewhere.
Can I obtain a copy of my degree certificate in paper form?
In most cases, the electronic electronic degree certificate is accepted in Finland. However, Hanken can issue an officially certified paper copy if required by authorities abroad. Contact studyinfo@hanken.fi and include “official certified paper copy of electronic degree certificate” in the subject field. Processing time is about two weeks during teaching terms.
Problems, Support, and Archiving
I lost my file – what should I do?
Contact studyinfo@hanken.fi. The degree certificate will be sent to you via secure email.
The link does not work – what should I do?
The link may have expired (valid for 30 days).
Contact studyinfo@hanken.fi to receive the degree certificate via secure email.
What if the electronic degree certificate signature cannot be verified?
The verification service is provided by DVV and generally works without issues. If problems occur, try again later.
Will electronic degree certificate continue to be archived at Hanken?
Yes. Electronic degree certificates are archived digitally and permanently according to Hanken’s information management plan.
Additional questions?
Please feel free to contact us at studyinfo@hanken.fi.