Accra Technical University (ATU) has signed a Top-Up Degree Cooperation Agreement with Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu University of Applied Sciences (VAMK), marking a significant step in expanding academic opportunities for its students through international collaboration.
The agreement, signed on April 30, 2026, establishes a framework for a Top-Up Degree Programme in Energy Technology and International Business. The partnership is designed to promote academic exchange, enhance educational pathways for students, and deepen institutional cooperation between Ghana and Finland.
Under the arrangement, ATU will nominate qualified students who have completed a three-year Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant fields. These students must also meet VAMK’s academic standards and demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
Admitted students will undertake a structured academic programme at VAMK, completing 60 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. This includes coursework, a bachelor’s thesis, and practical training, which may be undertaken in Ghana, subject to approval. Upon completion, students will be awarded either a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree by VAMK.
The Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, noted that the partnership aligns with the University’s strategic vision of internationalisation and the development of globally competitive graduates. He added that the initiative will broaden academic pathways and enhance students’ prospects on the global stage.
The Dean of International Programmes and Institutional Cooperation, Professor Peter Arhenful, emphasised that the collaboration will promote academic mobility, foster cross-cultural learning, and deepen institutional ties between Ghana and Finland.
On his part, the President and CEO of VAMK, Dr. Hannu Vahtera, highlighted the importance of the agreement in strengthening academic exchange and supporting the delivery of quality education through strategic international partnerships.
The partnership will run for an initial period of five years, with the option for renewal upon mutual agreement. Either party may terminate the agreement with three months’ notice, while ensuring that enrolled students are allowed to complete their programmes without disruption.
The partnership is expected to reinforce ATU’s global engagement and further position the University as a leading institution in technical and professional education.
