Global Business Management Master’s Students Graduate in Record Time
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences is celebrating an exceptional academic achievement as seven students from the English-taught Global Business Management (Master of Business Administration) programme graduated significantly ahead of schedule in June 2026.
The official duration of the programme is 1.5 years, but these students completed the 90-credit degree in just two semesters, or one year.
According to Perttu Huusko, Head of the Global Business Management education program and Principal Lecturer, the programme’s international appeal has grown, allowing it to reach its intended target group more effectively.
– The programme has been offered since 2022, and these are the first students to graduate ahead of schedule. Looking at the programme’s history, this suggests that increasingly qualified students are finding their way to the programme. Students who graduate early are exceptional in a positive sense – highly motivated and highly capable individuals. We are, of course, very pleased with their achievements and experiences at KAMK, says Huusko.
The exceptionally fast graduation is made possible by the so-called KAMKstone model, in which the thesis is integrated into the studies from the very beginning.
Starting the thesis process early helps students understand the overall structure of their studies and progress systematically towards graduation, as the thesis is divided into smaller and more manageable parts.
A Challenging but Rewarding Journey
The students graduating in record time are international professionals, mainly from Asia. The group includes students from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iran and the Philippines.
Elham Anari Omani, who completed her degree in one year, attended the graduation ceremony feeling exhausted but happy. Her journey has not been an easy one. She arrived in Finland from Iran, where the country has recently faced a war situation.
– My daughter and I moved to Finland together. My husband is still in my home country. Even though the situation has been difficult, I was able to complete my studies, and I’m very proud of that.
Elham Anari has more than 18 years of experience in the banking sector. Next, she plans to study Finnish, as she hopes to build her career in Finland – first through an internship and later in a permanent position.
Sanjeewa Alwis, who came to KAMK from Sri Lanka, feels that although graduating within a year was highly demanding, he succeeded thanks to the support of the university and people close to him.
– This is a shared achievement. My thesis supervisor and other teachers helped and supported me throughout the process. My family has also sacrificed a great deal for my education. This is not just an individual accomplishment – many people have contributed to making it possible.
Alongside his studies, Sanjeewa runs his own international company specialising in artificial intelligence and cloud solutions.
– I have focused on developing new technologies, so I have not had much time to learn business management. At KAMK, I gained both theoretical and practical understanding of business administration. I want to use this knowledge to expand my company’s operations first to Finland and then into other parts of Europe.
Md Haque Rajwanul, who moved from Bangladesh to study at KAMK, also emphasises the importance of collaboration in completing the degree so quickly.
– For me, this is an important milestone that was achieved through teamwork. Along the way, I received support not only from my family but also from teachers who put a great deal of effort into our success. They carefully planned our studies, provided excellent teaching and encouraged us to achieve the best possible results.
Md Haque now lives in Kajaani with his family. He has a long career in a field of research and he has worked many years with international charity organisations. Through the Global Business Management programme, he believes he will be able to continue his postdoctoral research in Finland.
The Degree Prepares for International Leadership Roles
The Master of Global Business Management programme is an English-taught, full-time degree delivered on campus in Kajaani. The programme prepares students for demanding specialist and leadership positions in international business.
The next intake will begin in autumn 2026. The application period took place in January, and 30 study places are available.
What? Master of Global Business Management
- Master’s degree at a university of applied sciences (MBA)
- Extent: 90 ECTS credits (60 ECTS coursework + 30 ECTS thesis)
- Language of instruction: English
- Planned duration: 1.5 years
- Mode of study: Full-time, classroom-based studies in Kajaani
- Tuition fee (for students outside the EU/EEA): €12,000 per academic year
- Admission based on an entrance examination and motivational video task
- Next application period: January 2027