Business School's Helsinki Branch Doubles Its Intake
The new Helsinki branch of the Estonian Business School (EBS) has proven to be far more popular than expected among Finns, prompting administrators to double their planned enrollment numbers.
Instead of opening one study group for 25 students, as initially planned, the higher-education institution has decided to open two groups.
In total, 150 people applied for the first 25 vacant slots offered, said Urmas Arumäe, head of EBS' Helsinki branch. "We received more applications than we were expecting and thus decided to form two groups instead of one to meet the Finnish applicants half way," he said.
English-language curriculum and a good reputation among Finnish students who study at EBS headquarters in Tallinn are the main reasons behind the popularity of the Helsinki branch, said Arumäe. "Many young people would like to study abroad and in English, yet their work or family commitments do not provide this option."
Each semester Finnish students will also be given the opportunity to participate in classes held in Tallinn, Arumäe added.
Opening a branch in Finland is a positive step by EBS, said Timo Kekkonen, director of the Confederation of Finnish Industries, adding that it will force local colleges to pay more attention to the quality of their higher education.
Ingrid Teesalu