LUT University in Finland is offering SMU students a chance to participate in a 1-week Summer Program to take intensive courses in sustainability, climate action, marketing, management and business.
Program Venue: LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland
Program Theme/Name: LUT Summer School
Program objectives and options
At LUT Summer School, you will deepen your understanding of current, relevant topics in business and technology, all the while experiencing the beauty of Finland in the summer!
This summer school aims to both challenge and inspire you with exceptional academic opportunities and an entertaining social programme. You will enjoy a unique blend of workshops, classes, group work, and fun social activities surrounded by unspoiled Finnish nature.
The summer school offers bachelor’s and master’s courses, and you can choose one course. Each course is worth 3 ECTS credits.
Sustainable Food Value Chain Transition (3ECTS credits)
This course explores sustainable food manufacturing and food system transitions. Students will investigate how environmental, economic, and social factors interact with food processing and how actors across the value chain can contribute to a just transition. The course is important because future food professionals must understand systemic sustainability challenges and opportunities to drive meaningful change.
This course is suitable for advanced level undergraduate and graduate students from food science, engineering, environmental studies, business, and social sciences.
Prior courses in engineering and social sciences are beneficial.
Energy Transitions and Society (3ECTS credits)
In this interactive course, we will critically engage with the pressing questions about the future shape of our energy systems from a social perspective, examine the new challenges posed by the transition to renewable energy, consider why history matters when thinking about energy, and explore how you can contribute to more just energy systems as a citizen.
This is an undergraduate course. There are no formal prerequisites.
Critical Issues in International Business and Entrepreneurship (3ECTS credits)
The course explores how globalization, mobility of capitals, and sustainability challenges shape international business and entrepreneurship in diverse and evolving contexts. It provides an updated view to different business actors and contexts. This course equips students to navigate complex global challenges and drive sustainable, inclusive business practices and flourishing. It fosters critical thinking and global awareness essential for responsible management.
This is a graduate-level course, suitable for postgraduates and PhD students. Previous courses in entrepreneurship, international business, and management are helpful but not required.
Upon successful completion of the LUT Summer School, international students receive two documents: a certificate of attendance and an official transcript of study records.
LUT Summer School involves more than mere classroom work. To add to your learning experience and help you get to know other students, the summer school organizes an action- packed social programme.
Eligibility/Language Requirements
This program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in good standing who will have completed 1 year of Bachelor studies by the end of Winter 2026. Please also the prerequisites for each course.
Language of instruction: The program is delivered in English.
Program website: Please visit https://www.lut.fi/en/studies/lut-summer-school.
Dates: August 3-August 7, 2026 (1 week)
Program Fee: Tuition for a 3ECTS course: EUR900 or approx. CAD$1450 (EUR800 or approx. CAD$1300, if registered before April 12 2026). The tuition fee includes attendance in course and social activities.
Students are additionally responsible for accommodation, meals, airfare, insurance, local transportation between the university and accommodation, and daily expenses. A $100 SMU Study abroad admin fee will be charged on banner.
If academic credits are earned, students will not be assessed a separate SMU tuition at SMU for the transfer credit hours.
Canadian passport holders and those who hold citizenship from countries eligible for a visa-free entry may enter Finland without a visa for the duration of the program. If a visa is required, the host university will provide the necessary supporting documents (note: please consider the costs of applying for a visa; it may be necessary for those who need a visa to travel to a visa processing centre in another Canadian city to apply in person, so budget accordingly). Please see the Immigration section below.
Transfer credits:
Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of your SMU degree. Please meet with your academic advisor of your program (visit https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for credits from another institution in your degree requirements, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found at https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) and course descriptions to the SMU Academic Advising Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed.
Note: Each course in the LUT Summer School is 3ECTS. Normally 6ECTS is needed to earn 3cr at SMU; however, discuss the course detail (found on the website) with your academic advisor so that they can review the instructional hours, learning outcomes, etc. to determine if SMU credits can be considered.
Alternatively, if not transferring credits, you may receive recognition for extra-curricular experiences through the Co-Curricular Record (see here).
Funding
Limited funding ($500 on average) may be available. Students who are accepted to the program will be invited to request funding.
Immigration:
Citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a visa before entering Finland, while visas are waived for others. Questions related to immigration should be directed to the Embassy if Finland in Ottawa (https://finlandabroad.fi/web/can/entering-finland) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (https://um.fi/visa-to-visit-finland).
Number of SMU students accepted: 3
How to apply:
Interested students should submit the SMU Exchange Program application* by February 28 2026 to the Global Learning Office.
*To complete your application, you will:
fill out your Study Abroad Application (https://studio.smu.ca/s/StudyAbroadApplication2021.pdf)
write a one-page letter of intent. (Tip: book an appointment with The Writing Centre once you have a draft https://studio.smu.ca/wc-student-tutoring)
print (in pdf) your unofficial transcript from banner
prepare your resume, and
secure two references (one must be from a SMU professor of one of your courses) – referees can email their letters directly to Global@smu.ca. Inquiries can be sent to Miyuki.arai@smu.ca.
Once you have all four pieces of application documents (except for references), upload them at the application link here https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55UpfboKu5sImUe.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application package is received, the Global Learning Office will be in touch to schedule a short interview. If you are selected, 1) you will be nominated to the host university by the SMU Global Learning Office and 2) you will be instructed to complete a set of applications for the host university by early April. Once the host university accepts you into the program, they will provide all program-related information as well as instruction for the payment of the program fee. You will also be expected to attend our pre-departure orientation meetings. You will arrange your own international travel.
Questions?
Email the Global Learning Office (Global@smu.ca or Miyuki.arai@smu.ca).
