On September 28 and 29, 2026, the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) welcomed a delegation from the Finnish Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK). The two-day exchange focused on the further development of the existing double-degree partnership as well as new opportunities for collaboration between the two universities.
The double-degree program already enables students to complete part of their studies at the respective partner institution and earn two internationally recognized bachelor’s degrees within the standard duration of study. The program comprises a total of seven semesters and 210 ECTS credits. Two semesters, or 60 ECTS credits, are completed at the partner institution and are fully recognized toward the degree at the home institution. HWG LU students enrolled in the“Business Administration – International Management (BIM)” and“Business Administration – Management, Controlling, and Information (BMC)” degree programs can study at HAMK in Valkeakoski. Conversely, HAMK students are hosted at HWG LU.
The exchange offers far more than a traditional stay abroad. In Finland, students can expect, among other things, practice-oriented, team-based business projects in the “HAMK Business Lab” as well as courses on internationalization, the circular economy, sustainable business, and innovation management. HAMK students in Ludwigshafen, for example, can take courses in areas such as ERP/SAP, strategic controlling, international marketing, and financial management. The program is complemented by language and cultural activities, as well as the opportunity to get to know companies in the metropolitan area Rhine-Neckar.
During the visit, the existing agreements were jointly reviewed and further developed with an eye toward future requirements. Topics included aligning curricula in areas such as digitalization and sustainability, ensuring the recognition of credits earned abroad is as straightforward as possible, and further improving the organizational framework for students.
At the same time, both universities focused on opportunities for further development. They discussed expanding the double-degree partnership to include additional degree programs. This includes, in particular, the HWG LU Bachelor’s program in Business Administration with a focus on sustainability management (BNM). Opportunities for collaboration at the master’s level, as well as joint Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs), guest lectures, research activities, and an increased exchange of faculty and staff were also discussed.
By further developing its partnership with HAMK, HWG LU is strengthening its international orientation and creating additional opportunities to firmly integrate international experiences into the curriculum. For students, the double degree program offers a unique opportunity: to study in Germany and Finland, get to know different university and corporate cultures, and ultimately earn two Degrees within the standard period of study.
Interested in the Double Degree program with Finland?
Students in the BIM and BMC degree programs can learn about the existing opportunities for a study abroad term at HAMK and the requirements for the Double Degree program from our program manager, Simeon Gkontokos, during the information session on November 12, 2026, 2:00 p.m., Room C1.012.
