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START A
CAREER IN TECH

Hive is a full-time, tuition-free path into your first role in tech.

What is Hive

Hive is an 18-month, full-time, on-site study program focused on software development, working in tech, or creating your own startup. You build real projects together through hands-on problem-solving and collaboration. There are no traditional teachers or lectures.

Who is it for

Hive is for people ready to change careers and curious about tech, even if they are starting from zero. What matters most is the motivation to commit full-time and learn by doing.

Real transformations

Many Hive students start with no programming experience. Through Hive, they build the skills, confidence, and experience to work in tech companies across Finland or go on to start their own startups.

meri eskelinen

Before: Hairdresser
After: Software Developer

caruy chen

Before: Economic Consultant
After: Game Programmer

anamaria camarasan

Before: Retail Logistics
After: Software Engineer

heikki huhtanen

Before: Farmer
After: Software Developer

Otto Koponen

Before: Highschool Student
After: Project Lead

Josefina Husso

Before: Special Education
After: Security Delivery Analyst

Carlos Orrelena

Before: Chemistry Teacher
After: Software Developer

Bengisu Kandemir

Before: Molecular Biology Researcher
After: Data Scientist

Ami Viholainen

Before: Receptionist
After: Software Architect

The journey at Hive

From applying to starting a career in tech, this is the journey at Hive. It’s an 18-month, full-time, on-site program designed to prepare you for real work in the tech industry.

1. apply

Apply through our application portal.
Start with an online game and join a Check-in event to get a feel for Hive and ask any questions you might have.

2. selection sprint

Take part in the Selection Sprint.
A three-week, on-site period where you experience how learning at Hive works and earn your place in the program.

3. STUDIES

Study full-time on site.
Work on real projects with others as part of the Hive community for 18 months. Learning is self-directed and collaborative, with a strong focus on problem-solving and ownership.

Illustration showing steps leading to a final goal, representing the learning journey at Hive

new career

Venture into tech. Graduate with the skills and experience to apply for junior roles or start building your own products, and continue growing in the field

What you learn at Hive

Modern software development requires more than technical knowledge. Hive focuses on the skills that matter in real work.

Illustration of a computer screen and keyboard, showing projects that are part of the curriculum, indicating project based learning

technical skills

You build a strong foundation in programming and software development.
By focusing on how code works, not just specific tools, you gain skills that transfer across languages and technologies.

This makes it easier to adapt as tech changes and new stacks come along.

An illustration of three individuals engaged in an active discussion. A thought bubble above their heads contains three interlocking gears, symbolizing collaborative problem-solving or shared ideas. The person on the left is pointing upwards, the person in the middle is speaking, and the person on the right is gesturing with both hands.

soft skills

Learning at Hive is collaborative and self-directed.
By working closely with others on real projects, you develop communication, teamwork, and ownership from start to finish.

These skills grow naturally through the way you work and learn.

THE outcome

Real tech work happens in teams, under change, and with shared responsibility.

The combination of technical and soft skills at Hive prepares you to contribute from day one, adapt as technologies evolve, and build a sustainable career in tech.

What happens after Hive

Hive graduates work in tech roles across Finland. More than 100 companies, from startups to established organisations, have hired Hive alumni. Some also go on to found their own startups.

OP Financial Group logo in black and white

Life at Hive

Life at Hive is about learning together, supporting each other, and showing up every day to build something real.

An active and collaborative open-plan workspace at Hive Helsinki, filled with people working on Apple iMac computers. In the foreground, a group is gathered around a desk, with one person pointing at a screen that displays code or a programming interface, indicating teamwork and problem-solving. The background features bright yellow panels and a neon sign.

A place to do real work

Hive feels more like a workplace than a classroom. You spend your time building, testing, and solving real problems in a professional environment.

Learn side by side

Most of your learning happens with others. You solve problems together, give feedback, and learn how to work as part of a team.

A group of Hive Helsinki students or community members having a casual conversation around a table, holding drinks. The person in the red cap is speaking animatedly. In the background, posters with "HIVE" branding are visible, representing the relaxed and social atmosphere at the tech education campus in Helsinki, Finland.

A supportive community

You’re surrounded by people who are also changing direction. When things feel hard, the community is there to support you.

Interior view of Hive Helsinki, a modern open-plan office or coworking space. Rows of light-colored desks with green legs are equipped with Apple iMac computers. A person is seated and working at a desk on the left, while another person walks in the aisle towards the right. The space features exposed industrial ceilings, bright lighting, and a decorative neon hand sign on a pink textured wall.

Space to focus

You manage your own time and take ownership of your learning, with support when you need it.

A diverse group of students and attendees, seen from behind, seated in an auditorium or event space at Hive Helsinki, facing a stage where a presenter is speaking in front of a large screen displaying colorful graphics. Some attendees are wearing "Hive " branded clothing.

Part of something bigger

Life at Hive includes events, shared moments, and experiences beyond coding. You grow not just as a developer, but as part of a community.

Key Partners

Hive is made possible by the long-term support of Supercell and OP Pohjola, who fund the core operations of the program.

Is Hive right for you?

Hive is not a casual course or a side project. It’s a full-time, on-site program built for people ready to commit and learn by doing. Here’s what that looks like in practice.

The commitment

  • Full-time, on-site studies (on average 18 months)
  • No teachers, lectures, or workbooks
  • Peer-to-peer, project-based learning

Who can apply

  • No previous education or coding experience required
  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • EU citizen or a valid Finnish residence permit

Cost & support

  • The studies are free of charge
  • Hive students are eligible to apply for Kela student financial aid and student loan

Outcomes

  • A strong combination of technical and collaborative skills
  • Readiness to work in teams or build your own startup
  • Access to a wide alumni network and industry connections in Finland

If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’re looking for, the next step is simple.

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