FAQs

Here you can find answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the application process.

#How do I apply?
#What is the minimum GMAT / GRE score required?
#I have not yet been awarded my diploma - can I still apply?
#What do you mean by officially certified documents?
#What is GMAT / GRE?
#Why is the GMAT or GRE compulsory for those applying with a degree from outside the EU/EEA?
#How long is a GMAT or GRE score valid?
#Are copies rather than originals of GMAT / GRE / TOEFL results accepted?
#Is there a tuition fee or any 'hidden' fees?

#Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?
#How do you select students?
#When will the admission results be released?

#Can I bring my family to Finland?
#I can't find an answer to my question - what can I do?

 

How do I apply?

You apply to the Hanken PhD Programme by filling the electronic application form and attaching the mandatory enclosures, see Application Documents. Officially certified copies of your degree diplomas, transcripts of records and Dipploma Supplement must be sent directly to Hanken by regular post/courier. The documents shall reach Hanken by 4 pm on the last day of the application round. You can also submit electronic copies of the documents, but please note that the documents must be posted in order to be processed. 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 recognised higher education institution. It is, however, possible to apply even if you haven't been awarded your diploma yet, provided that you will be able to supplement your application with the final documents within a set time. For more information on this, please read the instructions on enclosing provisional documentation at the page Application Documents.

What do you mean by officially certified documents?

Any transcript, certificate or diploma you send to us must be officially certified. 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 introductory days 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).

More information about GRE-test: ETS/GRE and Fulbright Center.
More information about GMAT-test: www.mba.com and the test organiser SwanIT Oy (LGF).

Why is the GRE or GMAT compulsory for those applying with a degree from outside the EU/EEA?

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, as we receive applications for admission from all over the world and from a wide variety of educational systems and standards, the GRE / GMAT test results are used for comparing applicants equally. The EU has standardized its degrees.

What is the minimum GMAT / GRE score required?

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, Hanken has set an indicative threshold for GMAT / converted GRE of 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 usually 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 if the test score is still valid. 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 GMAT / GRE / TOEFL results accepted?

You may attach to your application a test taker copy of a test score report, or send it by e-mail or post it if you receive it after submitting the electronic application form. You must also, by the application deadline, arrange to have the test organiser 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 admitted to the Hanken PhD Programme pay tuition fees or enrolment fees, or other 'hidden' fees.

 Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?

Applicants do not need to find a supervisors at Hanken before applying. If you get selected as a student, a supervisor will be appointed to you. If you wish you can be in contact with a supervisor at Hanken and get some comments to your research proposal

How do you select students?

The selection of students to the Hanken PhD Programme 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.

Submit your application and the enclosures so that the application reaches Hanken School of Economics by the application deadline.

The Coordinator will check that your application is complete. If something needs to be supplemented or clarified, you will be contacted by e-mail with a deadline for supplying the additional information. Please, make sure that the e-mail address you write on the application form is correctly spelled, and that it is working properly. Also make sure that e-mails are not filtered by your spam filter or rejected due to quota issues.

Incomplete applications which have not been supplemented on time will not be considered for admission.

The major subject which you have applied to evaluates your application and assesses whether you fulfill the prior knowledge requirements. Interviews are normally carried out at the departments with the most promising applicants. If you do not meet the minimum requirements for the major, it may be suggested that you complete supplementary courses.

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

The major subject then writes a statement regarding your admission to the admissions committee. The committee evaluates your application based on the information you have given, and based on the statement by the major subject. The admissions committee gives a statement regarding your application. A decision based on the statement is then presented to the Rector.

The Rector will make the final decision concerning admission.

When will the admission results be released?

The admission results will be released on average 6-7 weeks from the application deadline. The applicants will be notified via e-mail. 

Can I bring my family to Finland?

If you have a family or spouse, they can apply for a residence permit at the Finnish Immigration services. For more information about this check the following webpage In order for your family to get a residence permit you need to show that you have the means to support them 

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

You reach the Hanken Admission Services best via e-mail: admissions@hanken.fi

Our Phone Service is open Mondays 10:00-12:00 and Thursdays 12:00-14:00 (GMT +2): +358 40 35 21 388