Post-Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Business Management

Neljä opiskelijaa istuu luokkahuoneessa pöydän ääressä keskustelemassa. Heillä on muistikirjat auki edessään, ja he näyttävät tekevän yhteistyötä tai opiskelevan yhdessä.

Post-Graduate Diploma

Sustainable Business Management 

Drive global change through sustainable business leadership!

Develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to lead responsible, innovative, and sustainable business initiatives in a global context. Gain strategic, sustainable business expertise and transform your career. The programme prepares you for further master’s studies and for management roles in international and multicultural work environments.

Degree programme: Post graduate diploma in Sustainable Business Management
Duration: 15 months (October 2026- December 2027)
ECTS Credits: 60 ECTS
Study mode: Full-time studies, on Campus
Study place: Microkatu campus, Kuopio, Finland
Language: English
Intakes: October 2026 
Annual intake: 30

Application deadline: 15 April 2026

Programme Overview

The Diploma designed for professionals and graduates seeking advanced knowledge in sustainable business practices, leadership, and management. The programme blends strategic management theory with practical, project-based learning to prepare students to operate effectively in complex, international, and sustainability-focused work environments.

Through a combination of courses, applied projects, and case studies, students gain expertise in sustainable strategy, ethical leadership, digital solutions, and responsible business development. Studying in Finland also provides exposure to Nordic innovation, sustainability-driven practices, and multicultural collaboration.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the programme, students will be able to:

  • Develop and implement sustainable business strategies for growth and impact
  • Lead organisations with ethical, humane, and responsible practices
  • Communicate effectively as experts in international and multicultural business contexts
  • Design customer-focused services using sustainable principles
  • Manage quality, finance, and operations with sustainability in mind
  • Plan, execute, and evaluate sustainability-focused projects

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

  • Sustainability Manager / Coordinator
  • Business Development Manager (Sustainable Business Focus)
  • Operations Manager with Sustainability Responsibility
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist
  • Project Manager – Sustainable Initiatives
  • Strategy Consultant for Sustainable Growth
  • Team Lead / Department Manager in international organisations

This programme equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective required to lead businesses and organisations toward sustainable success.

Admission Requirements

Educational Background

  • Bachelor’s degree in any field

Language Proficiency

  • Minimum English level: B2 (Upper Intermediate)
  • Verified during the admission interview
  • English language certificates are accepted (IELTS; TOEFL; PTI)

Online interview

Admission is based on a successful interview conducted by Savonia UAS.

Work Experience Requirement

  • Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience, accumulated after the bachelor’s degree
  • Must be verified with an official employment certificate including:
    • Company name
    • Start and end dates
    • Job title and duties
    • Employer contact information
    • Working hours (if part-time)
    • Signature and date

Note: Employment contracts or appointment letters are not accepted.

Progression to a master’s degree

After completing the Diploma, students may apply for the master’s degree programme

  1. Diploma phase: 60 ECTS | 15 months (October 2026- December 2027)
  2. Master’s degree phase: 30 ECTS | 12 months (January 2028- December 2028)
  3. Total: 90 ECTS | 26 months (October 2026- December 2028)

Important notes:

  • A separate admission process will be organised for progression to master’s degree
  • Savonia will verify both academic qualifications and work experience
  • Meeting the Post- graduate Diploma requirements does not automatically guarantee admission to the master’s degree

A separate admission process will be organised after the master phase..

Ready to start your journey with Savonia?

For application guidance and detailed information, reach out to our official local partners:

EduMandate
Email: contact@edumandate.com
Website: www.edumandate.com
Call: (+91) 96 67 00 95 75

Meet your teachers:

Lyhyet ruskeat hiukset omaava mies hymyilee ja katsoo kameraan. Hänellä on vaaleansininen paita ja tummanharmaa liivi, ja hän seisoo vaaleanharmaata taustaa vasten.

Ilkka Virolainen
Senior Lecturer, Sustainable Management
ilkka.virolainen@savonia.fi

Lyhyet, valkoiset hiukset ja silmälasit omaava henkilö hymyilee kameralle, yllään musta toppi ja villatakki vaaleanharmaalla taustalla.

Nina Huotari
Head of Education, Master School
nina.huotari@savonia.fi

Keski-ikäinen mies, jolla on lyhyet vaaleanruskeat hiukset, vaalea parta ja viikset, hymyilee hieman. Hänellä on yllään oliivinvihreä villapaita sinisen kauluspaidan päällä, ja hän seisoo tavallisen vaaleanharmaan taustan edessä.

Timo Ovaskainen
Senior Lecturer, Sustainable Management
timo.ovaskainen@savonia.fi

Hymyilevä nainen, jolla on aaltoilevat, vaaleanruskeat hiukset, tumma toppi ja värikäs kukkahuivi, seisoo vaalean taustan edessä.

Ulla Pekkarinen
Senior Lecturer, Sales Management
ulla.pekkarinen@savonia.fi

Vaaleatukkainen nainen, jolla on musta villatakki ja tumma toppi, hymyilee lempeästi seisoessaan vaaleanharmaata taustaa vasten.

Sirpa Vauhkonen
Senior Lecturer, Strategic Management
sirpa.vauhkonen@savonia.fi

Harmaa käyttäjäkuvake, jossa on pyöreä pään ja hartioiden siluetti vaaleanharmaalla pohjalla, käytetään yleensä oletusprofiilin tai avatarin kuvana.

Armi Huopainen (Tutor Teacher)
Senior Lecturer, Business Management
armi.huopainen@savonia.fi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the post-graduate diploma programme?

Anyone who has completed their bachelor’s degree, is eligible to apply. Graduates with any study field can apply to the programme.

For programme specific details, please check with our recruiting partners.

2. Is English language proficiency required?

Yes, proficiency in English language is required. However, English language certificate is not mandatory.

You may provide an English language certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) to prove your language proficiency.

If you do not have an English language certificate, you must attend and pass an online interview to assess your language skills.

3. Are these programmes conducted in English?

Yes. All our post-graduate diploma programmes are fully taught in English by qualified faculty.

4. What happens after completing the post-graduate diploma programme?

After completing the post-graduate diploma, students may apply for the Master’s degree programme (30 ECTS / 12 months).

Admission to the  master’s degree programme, however, requires that applicants meet the specific eligibility criteria of the chosen programme and pay the applicable tuition fees.

5. Do I apply directly to Savonia for the post graduate diploma?

No. You must apply through one of our authorized recruiting partners listed under each programme. They will assist you throughout the process — from application to visa and arrival.

6. Where will I study during the post-graduate diploma?

All post-graduate diplomas are delivered on-campus in Kuopio, giving you early exposure to Finnish life, student culture, and academic practices. In case of a delayed visa, a hybrid study option will be available to ensure students don’t miss the start of their studies.

Map and addresses

Post address: P.O.Box 6, 70201 Kuopio, Finland
Visiting address: Microkatu 1, Kuopio

3D campus map
Video campus tour
Printable campus map

7. Is accommodation or visa support provided?

Your authorized agent will guide you through visa application and accommodation arrangements. Finland offers safe and student-friendly living options for international students.

Also, Savonia will provide you with the list of accommodation options where you can book it yourself.

8. How much does the programme cost?

The education fees for the post-graduate diploma programmes may vary depending on the diploma and intake. Your agent will provide you with the exact fee, details of what is included, and the payment schedule. In general, the programme fee covers teaching, study materials provided by the university, academic support services, and access to campus facilities. Also, the agent’s service fee is included in the total amount.

Please note that living expenses, accommodation, and personal costs in Finland are separate from the Programme fee.

9. What is the application process?

  1. Contact one of our listed partners
  2. Submit your documents (transcripts, passport, English certificate)
  3. Attend screening and interview, if required
  4. Receive conditional acceptance letter
  5. Make payment and receive an offer letter
  6. Begin the visa process
  7. After visa approval, book accommodation, arrange finances
  8. Travel to Finland and start your studies!

10. What is it like to live and study in Finland as an international student?

Finland offers high-quality education, a safe environment, and a welcoming student culture. You will benefit from modern teaching methods, practical learning, and strong support services. Outside studies, Finland provides a high standard of living, excellent public services, and plenty of opportunities to experience its culture and nature.

Please note that some information and benefits apply only to degree students, while general information is valid for all students regardless of their status. In case of any confusion, you can always contact sudipta.chatterjee@savonia.fi for clarification.

Find more information below:
Arrival to Finland
Residence permits and student visas
Housing
Bring your own computer and learn about our IT services
Library
Dining on campus
Registering at DVV
Insurances and finances
Life in Finland