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Master of Business Administration - IBM

Master of Business Administration - IBM

Batch Starts 15th Aug'2025

Abroad Intake Sep'2026

Key Benefits of the Program

  • INR7 Lakhs


    Significant savings of upto INR 7 Lakhs compared to studying full degree in Finland1

  • Upto24 Months


    Eligible for PGWP/Post Study Work/OPT visa application after graduation2

  • EUR55 K


    Average salary in Finland after completion of the course1

Program Structure and Fees

The Master of Business Administration- IBM program commences with a rigorous 7.5-month online curriculum, delivered by Golden Gate University, offering an academically enriching and flexible learning environment. The tuition fee for the online component is INR 4,50,000. Upon completion of the online phase, students will engage in an intensive 12-month on-campus residency at the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) in Finland, with tuition fees amounting to approximately EUR 13,500. Additionally, anticipate an estimated living cost of EUR 9,600 per annum.

About the Program
At Xamk in Finland — where innovation meets quiet confidence — this Master’s programme helps you find your answer. You’ll learn how to grow businesses across borders, manage real-world challenges, and rethink strategy in a global context. Designed for working professionals, this MBA isn’t just a degree. It’s a chance to turn your work experience into leadership power, guided by Finnish values: clarity, sustainability, and collaboration. You’ll finish with a thesis that solves an actual problem — not a theoretical one — and come out ready to make decisions that matter.
  1. Country

    USA

    Course Name

    • Professional Certificate in Global Business Management (6 Modules)

    Eligibility

    • Applicants should hold a BBA, B.COM, BMS, BHM, BAF degree in relevant disciplines with a minimum of 55% marks.
    • 2 Years of Work Experience required after graduation in the business field.

    Tuition Fees

    ~ INR 4,50,000

    Cost of Living

    N/A

    Mode of Teaching

    Online

    Duration

    8 Months

  2. Country

    Finland

    Course Name

    • Master of Business Administration- IBM

    Eligibility

    • Learner needs to score an aggregate of 3 GPA in GGUs Professional Certificate in Global Business Management Program and 1.7 GPA in each individual course.
    • English Proficiency Requirements are TOEFL Academic (iBT) of >=60 overall or IELTS Academic >= 6.0 overall with no sectional score less than 6.0 or Cambridge English -169 overall or PTE - 55 overall or Oxford ELLT >= 6.0 overall.

    Tuition Fees

    ~ EUR 13,500

    Cost of Living

    ~ EUR 9,600 per annum

    Mode of Teaching

    On-Campus

    Duration

    1 Year

Other Benefits

  • XAMK is a member of the European University Association (EUA), connecting it to a network of universities across 49 European countries.
  • Xamk's quality system was audited by The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) and awarded a quality label, which remains valid until 2027.
  • Finland's premier hub for cutting-edge Applied Sciences and Innovation.
  • upGrad end to end assistance for applications and visa.
  • Dedicated Student Success Team.
  • Eligible to apply for up to 36-months STEM OPT after graduation
  • In-built TOEFL/IELTS prep to be provided by upGrad
About Golden Gate University
About South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK)
About Finland

Scholarship 5

The Early Bird Scholarship

scholarship

The Early Bird Scholarship

Award Amount :
10%
Eligibility :
  • 10% discount for the tuition fee if the fee is paid within 21 days from the admission notice

Career Opportunities


Master of Business Administration

  • Human Resources Manager

    EUR 62,510 Annually 1

  • Risk Manager

    EUR 68,000 Annually 1

  • Business Development Manager

    EUR 60,949 Annually 1

  • Marketing Manager

    EUR 43,120 Annually 1

  • Supply Chain Manager

    EUR 50,000 Annually 1

Syllabus

Golden Gate UniversityProfessional Certificate in Global Business Management (6 Modules)

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South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK)Master of Business Administration- IBM

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Frequently Asked Questions

Course Curriculum

What is the scope of the Master of Business Administration- IBM program?

The Master of Business Administration- IBM is an engaging yet rigorous course split into 2 parts- 7.5 months online course (with Golden Gate University) and 12-months on-campus program (South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK), Finland) designed for students to develop practical knowledge and skills, establish a professional network, and accelerate entry into the field of Entrepreneurial law, Strategic business insights,  Research and project work.  

What should I expect from a Master of Business Administration- IBM program?

The Master of Business Administration- IBM program equips students with the skills needed to meet the high demand in the field of Business. The curriculum focuses on essential areas such as Introduction to entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, Leadership, and provides hands-on experience through real-world projects. With diverse programming options, students can tailor their studies to align with their interests and career goals. Additionally, the program facilitates the development of a strong professional network, allowing students to connect with industry leaders. Graduates of the program can pursue rewarding careers as Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager, Supply Chain Manager and Risk Manager. Upon program completion, students also have the opportunity to apply for PSW in Finland and receive support from South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) Career Services to kickstart their careers in Finland. 

Which topics are going to be covered as part of the online coursework?

The program will be delivered on a new technology platform to create a superior learning experience for participants who want to be on the cutting edge of the management. With this program, Golden Gate University, U.S.A. & South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK), Finland together seek to develop the next generation of leaders. The topics that are going to be covered are Fundamentals of Business, Management and Leadership, Marketing Management, Foundations of Business Analytics, Corporate Finance and much more. 

What type of learning experience should I expect from the online coursework?

The online learning experience will be a mix of interactive lectures from industry leaders as well as world-renowned faculty. Additionally, the program comprises live lectures dedicated to solving your academic queries and reinforcing learning. The on-campus learning experience will offer students the opportunity to engage directly with faculty.

Is any certification granted at the end of the program?

Post successful completion of the online program, Professional Certificate Management in Global Business Management would be awarded from Golden Gate University and on completion of the on-campus degree program, a Master's degree in Master of Business Administration- IBM shall be conferred upon by South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK), Finland. 

Can I sign up only for a few specific modules if I am interested in it?

No, the program is designed to be completed in its entirety, and cannot be taken as standalone modules. 

About South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK), Finland

Why should you pursue a Master of Business Administration- IBM from South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK), Finland?

  • You get to be in Finland, the world’s happiest country and one of Europe’s most innovative and livable places, with excellent post-study work opportunities. 
     
  • Learn through practical, hands-on projects, strategic simulations, and collaboration with real international companies — not just theory. 
     
  • Designed for working professionals, with flexible electives and a master’s thesis focused on real business challenges. 
     
  • Build critical skills in cross-cultural leadership, strategic thinking, and international business management — highly valued worldwide. 
     
  • Whether you want to climb the leadership ladder or expand your own business internationally, this MBA equips you with the tools and confidence to do so. 

Can international students work to pay for their educational expenses?

 A student who has been granted a residence permit for studies is allowed to work in paid employment in any field for an average of 30 hours per week. The number of working hours can be exceeded some weeks, as long as the average working hours are no more than 30 hours per week at the end of the year.

When will I go to the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK), Finland?

South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) offers two intakes for students coming through the accelerator route. The first intake of the year will be the March intake and second intake will be in September. Though the application process for South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) will start during the Golden Gate University online program, you will be able to go to South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) in the nearest intake which is at least 3 months away from completion of your Golden Gate University program. 

When will I get an Offer Letter from the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK)?

upGrad will apply for you to the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) once all the documents are provided by you (as given in the offer letter issued to you by upGrad). Apart from the documents mentioned in the offer letter of the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) you will have to give proof of English proficiency for application of admission in South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK). upGrad will support you to get your English proficiency scores within 3 months of the start of the batch to accelerate this process. 

Selection Criteria

How can I determine if this program aligns with my goals and aspirations?

  • Those with a strong academic foundation, offering a valuable edge in the Master of Business Administration- IBM program. 
  • Individuals aspiring to excel in roles such as Business Development Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Human Resources Manager and Marketing Managers.  
  • The Master of Business Administration- IBM  program fosters hands-on learning, enabling participants to cultivate their distinctive leadership approach, spearhead innovation, steer organizational change, and attain exceptional outcomes. 

Is there any minimum educational qualification required to take this program?

To be eligible for the program, the following criteria need to be fulfilled:  
For GGU 
  • Applicants should hold a BBA, B.COM, BMS, BHM, BAF degree in relevant disciplines with a minimum of 55% marks. 
  • 2 Years of Work Experience required after graduation in the business field.
     
 For South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) 
  • Learner needs to score 3 GPA in GGU’s Professional Certificate in Global Business Management Program and 1.7 GPA in each individual course. 
  • English Proficiency Requirements are TOEFL Academic (iBT) of >=60 overall or IELTS Academic >= 6.0 overall with no sectional score less than 6.0 or Cambridge English -169 overall or PTE - 55 overall or Oxford ELLT >= 6.0 overall.

Is work experience required for this course?

A relevant 2 years of professional work experience is required. 

What are the documents needed for the application?

  • Scanned copies of Graduation Marksheets or Transcripts 

  • Scanned copy of Graduation Degree 

  • Scanned copy of Work Experience Letter 

  • Passport 

  • Statement of Purpose 

  • Two Letter of Recommendation 

  • Photographs 

  • Resume 

  • Proof of English Proficiency Score

What is the selection process for this program?

There are 4 simple steps in the Admission Process which is detailed as. 
Step 1- Complete Application -Complete your application and submit the required details. The Admissions Committee will then review your application - which include your work experience & educational background. 
Step 2- Apply for the Scholarship- Submit your Statement of Purpose to join a GGU program. 
Step 3- Get Shortlisted & Receive the Offer Letter- Upon qualifying, an Offer Letter will be sent to you confirming your admission to the course. 
Step 4- Block your Seat - Block your seat with an initial payment of INR 25,000 to enroll into the Program. Begin your leadership journey.

Visa

Will upGrad help me in writing Academic and Visa SOP?

Yes, upGrad will help with your Academic and Visa SOP and will also organize training on how to write a good SOP. 

How much are living expenses for a year in Finland?

Living expenses in Finland for international students are approximately EUR 9,600 per annum. The same needs to be reflected in your bank account

Time Commitment

What is the time commitment expected for the program?

At least 12-15 hours per week of time commitment is expected to be able to graduate from the program. 

How will my doubts/questions be addressed in an online program?

Peer-to-peer discussion forum where you can post your queries and your peers/faculty/teaching assistants answer your queries within a day. Regular Q&A sessions with faculty to get clarification on conceptual doubts. 

Payment

No cost CC EMI FAQ's

0% EMI with Third Party Credit Facilitators /Credit card option availability will vary program wise.

1. Which banks allow using 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC)
2. Is there any minimum transaction limit ?
Yes. 50000 is the minimum.

3. Standard Chartered Bank offers 18 or 24 months No Cost EMI ?
No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.

4. Will I have to pay any extra amount for the EMI transaction?
If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.

5. Are there any fees or down payment?
Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between INR 99 - 500 on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.

6. Can I use my International credit card for 0% credit EMI or Credit Card EMI?
Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.

7. Are there any charges in case I opt for cancellation/refund from the course after paying balance with no cost EMI ?
Yes, there will be additional charges to the extent of interest paid by the upGrad to the bank, you will be refunded only Principal amount, i.e. the amount actually deducted/blocked from your card. This deduction will be in addition to the amount mentioned in the refund policy shared with your offer letter.

8. Can I Pay Using Multiple Credit Cards ?
Multiple cards can be used to complete the payments using Part payment option make sure to inform the learner, minimum transaction is INR 50000 to opt for 0% CC EMI E.g. Amount to be paid: 150000. I can pay using 2 Credit cards. Yes, Example :
HDFC Card – Part payment – INR 100000
ICICI Card – Part payment – INR 50000

9. How can I opt for Credit card EMI if my bank is not listed in the 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
You can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions.

10. Why is the entire amount blocked on my credit card?
Initially your bank will block the entire amount from your available purchase limit and from your next billing cycle, you will be charged the EMI amount. As you start paying your EMI, your credit limit will be released accordingly. For example, if you have made a payment of ₹100000 on 6-months EMI and your credit limit is ₹200,000 then initially your bank will block your credit limit by ₹100000. After payment of your first month EMI of Rs.15000, the blocked amount will come down to ₹85000.

11. Why is interest getting charged on No Cost EMI?
Your bank will charge you interest. However, this interest charge has been provided to you as an upfront discount at the time of your payment, effectively giving you the benefit of a No cost EMI. The total amount paid during the entire EMI tenure to the bank will be equal to the amount to be paid to upGrad.

Eg. Amount payable to upGrad: INR 405000
Let's say Amount deducted at the time of transaction: INR 379850 (Principal amount) Bank charges interest of 12-15% per annum on INR 379850
[Note: Interest factor is reducing rate and not Flat rate]
EMI AMOUNT = INR 33750 x 12 = INR 405000
Effectively, you have taken loan on 379,850 instead of 405,000

Refund Policy

Is there any deferral or refund policy for this program?

Refund Policy:
1. Students must pay an applicable Caution Amount for the enrollment to the Program. This Caution Amount will be adjustable against the total Program fee payable by the student. 
2. Once the student has made a partial or full payment of Program fee, such student can claim a refund for this amount at any time before the cohort commencement date by raising a refund request through ‘My applications’ page on our website (www.upgrad.com), stating the specific reason for the refund. The refund shall be subject to a deduction of INR. 20,000/- towards processing fee. If less than INR. 20,000/- have been paid in total, students shall not be eligible for any refund in such a case. 
3. Students shall not be eligible for a refund (under any circumstances) if the refund request is raised post-program/Batch Start Date. In such a case, the student will continue to pay the EMI of his loan (if applicable) as the loan cannot be canceled. This is also applicable to students who could not complete their payment and could not get enrolled in their opted cohort. However, the student can request a pre-program deferral as per the policy defined below for the same. 
4. Student shall not be eligible for refund of any amount paid towards the Program in case any discrepancy is identified between your application and self-attested documents including but not limited to wrong details about your grades or any other incorrect information provided in your application. 
5. In case of a valid refund request post obtaining the loan from a third party loan facility provider, we would like to clarify that the responsibility of canceling the loan will lie with the student as upGrad is not privy to such arrangements between the student and the third party loan facility provider. 
6. If students do not provide documents as per the timeline mentioned in the offer letter, they will be deferred to the next batch and they will not be eligible for any refund.

Deferral Policy: (Pre- Program Commencement)
1. If a learner, due to unavoidable circumstances is unable to commence with the cohort and requests for a deferral before the Cohort Commencement Date, learner will have an option to defer to another batch. 
2. However, the learner is required to pay 50% of the Total Program Fee amount (inclusive of taxes) before the deferral can be approved. Till this condition is complied with, the learner will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort. 
3. A learner can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the batch start date of the initial batch the Learner enrolled for. 
4. The learner has time till the current Cohort Commencement Date to make the payment of the 50% of the Total Program Fee, post which the deferral request will expire. Once the deferral window expires and the learner asks for a refund after the Cohort Commencement Date, the above-mentioned applicable refund policy will apply. 
5. The fee applicable to the deferred learner will be as per prevailing Total Program Fee for the batch learner as opted to defer to (No additional deferral fee is required to be paid).

Deferral Policy: (Post Program Commencement)
1. If a learner is facing severe issues in dedicating time to the course, learner will have an option to defer to another batch.A learner can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the Cohort Commencement Date of the initial batch the Learner enrolled for. 
2. The learner will be required to pay a deferral fee of 5% of the Total Program Fee (inclusive of taxes) if any along with the differential program fees between the two cohorts. 
3. The deferral request will be approved once the deferral fee is paid. 
4. Till this condition is complied, the learner will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort. 
5. The learner has 7 days (including holidays and weekends) from the date of deferral request to make the payment of the deferral fee, post which the deferral request will expire, and the learner will continue as part of the current cohort. 
6. If the learner completes the deferral payment, the learner’s login will be disabled. The learner will leave the deferred cohort and the learner will start learning on the new cohort from the point of the last assignment that was graded in the deferred cohort. All grades and progress till that point will be carried forward as it is to the new cohort. 
7. The deferral can only be requested during the batch for which the learner has enrolled is ongoing. Once the batch has been completed, deferral requests shall not be entertained. For clarification, the batch completion here shall mean the “last grace deadline” as communicated by upGrad. Case Deferral fee Before Program Commencement 50% program fee (including taxes) to be paid upfront- no additional deferral fee to be paid Post Program Commencement (0-7 days after program start date) 5% of the program fee (including taxes) to be paid within 7 days as deferral fee Post Program Commencement (8 days after program start date) Will have to continue as a part of the current cohort.
CaseDeferral fee
Before Program Commencement50% program fee (including taxes) to be paid upfront- no additional deferral fee to be paid
Post Program Commencement (0-7 days after program start date)5% of the program fee (including taxes) to be paid within 7 days as deferral fee
Post Program Commencement (8 days after program start date)Will have to continue as a part of the current cohort

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

  • Finance, No Cost EMI and Credit Card EMI options, are provided by third-party financial institutions. Terms and conditions are subject to change at their discretion without prior notice. Please verify details with the respective service provider before proceeding.
  • Cost-of-living estimates are indicative only and subject to variation based on personal lifestyle choices, location, exchange rates, and other factors. Actual expenses may differ from the stated figures.
  • Tuition fees are subject to change by the university at any time during the course. upGrad has no control over such revisions. Learners are responsible for monitoring communications from the university regarding any fee modifications.
  • Past record is no guarantee of future job prospects.
  • The Universities providing the programs have relevant accreditation/recognition in the country where the University is based and are not recognised by the UGC.
  • Document requirements may vary and are subject to change as per the policy of the University. upGrad has no control over these requirements and are purely dictated by the university.
  • Learners are solely responsible for all expenses related to visa applications, travel, and Post Study Work Permits. upGrad and its partners do not guarantee visa approval or permit issuance. Any visa denial, revocation, or cancellation resulting from personal conduct—whether online or offline, including participation in protests or social media activity—will be the sole responsibility of the learner. upGrad and its partners accept no liability for such outcomes.
Disclaimer
  1. The above statistics depend on various factors and individual results may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
  2. The student assumes full responsibility for all expenses associated with visas, travel, and related costs. upGrad does not provide any assurance or make representations regarding visa approval or the procurement of the visa.
  3. upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of an educational institution. upGrad does not make any representations regarding the recognition or equivalence of the credits or credentials awarded, unless otherwise expressly stated. If you intend to pursue a post graduate or doctorate degree upon completion of this course or apply for employment which requires specific credits, we advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this degree for your academic and/or professional requirements before enrolling.
  4. Please note that the financial support provided by a third-party loan facilitator for the program is in the form of a Personal Loan, not an Educational Loan. This distinction means that the loan does not come with tax benefits or other amenities. We strongly advise all learners to carefully consider this information before proceeding with enrollment.
  5. The estimates provided on savings are indicative and may vary based on the program, scholarships, and promotions available. Actual savings will depend on individual circumstances.
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