Lahti will get a full-fledged business school next year when LUT Business School launches its English-language bachelor's programme in digital business in autumn 2026. The new bachelor’s programme will be LUT’s first in business administration in Lahti. The school’s expansion is made possible by funding from the City of Lahti and other regional entities.
“The English-language Bachelor’s Programme in Digital Business will make Lahti even more appealing to international students and bring local businesses new expertise, helping them take advantage of the digital transformation. It will strengthen both the vitality of the Lahti region and the renewal of Finnish industries," says Dean Sami Saarenketo of LUT Business School, thanking all donors and partners.
The intake of the new bachelor’s programme will be 75 students. In addition, the funding will enable the establishment of a new business master’s programme in autumn 2029. In the future, students will be able to complete business studies from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level in Lahti.
The City of Lahti is funding the effort in collaboration with many regional partners, including businesses, foundations, associations, and municipalities.
“Lahti's year of growth continues. LUT University's expansion in Lahti has been truly fast and inspiring, and through strong regional collaboration, we’re now taking the next leap,” says Niko Kyynäräinen, mayor of the City of Lahti.
“This expansion will offer new growth opportunities and expertise to both current and new businesses. The internationally renowned LUT Business School will help us boost our profile as an attractive university city in Finland,” Kyynäräinen continues.
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When LUT succeeds, so do the city and the region
The vitality and employment division of the City of Lahti decided in April 2025 that the city will fund LUT Business School’s expansion with up to 1.75 million euros, matching each euro donated by a partner. The full launch of the new programmes costs 3.5 million euros, meaning the city’s maximum donation covered only half.
Now, the goal has been achieved and full funding is secured. Henna Eskonsipo-Bradshaw, director of growth services for the City of Lahti, compares building a vital university city to a team sport.
“The local businesses, foundations, associations, and municipalities that contributed funding see LUT as an important factor for the region’s future success. Many of them stated that it’s a matter of common interest. When LUT succeeds, so do the city and the region.”
“Lahti is the youngest university city in Finland, and its educational repertoire is growing and developing rapidly. It’s truly exciting that people in Lahti can soon complete a business degree in their home town,” a delighted Eskonsipo-Bradshaw says.
Donors:
- Municipality of Asikkala
- City of Heinola
- Helmi Savings Bank and Padasjoki Savings Bank Foundation (Helmi Säästöpankki ja Padasjoen säästöpankkisäätiö)
- Municipality of Hollola
- Häme Chamber of Commerce
- Kemppi Group
- City of Lahti
- Lahti Industrial Society
- Luhta Sportswear Company
- Lähi-Tapiola Wellamo (insurance company)
- Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation
- City of Orimattila
- Osuuskauppa Hämeenmaa – Cooperative Store Hämeenmaa
- OP Häme
- OP Järvi-Häme
- PHP Foundation
- Spatium Toimitilat – Spatium Premises
- Viipurin taloudellinen korkeakouluseura Vitako – Society for Viipuri School of Economics Vitako
Funding amount varies from 50 000 to 250 000 euros.
More information:
Niko Kyynäräinen
Mayor of Lahti
The city of Lahti
050 559 0538
Henna Eskonsipo-Bradshaw
Director of growth services
The City of Lahti
044 482 0838
