Purpose: There is a constant need to produce more entrepreneurial graduates from higher education institutions. This paper aims to present and discuss several successful cases of entrepreneurial learning environments in order to suggest some important aspects that higher education institutions should consider. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents a literature review and four previously published case studies. These are used for suggesting a hypothesis for further study. Findings: The pedagogical challenge is that entrepreneurial competencies are more holistic and psychologically oriented than traditional subject-matter skills. Entrepreneurial skills are learned via pragmatic real life development projects. The paper presents several successful cases of entrepreneurial education programmes in higher education institutions. It proposes an entrepreneurial learning cycle that supports the development of entrepreneurial competencies. Research limitations/implications: The evidence presented is case-based, and the actual results are very difficult to measure. Further large-scale research is needed to verify or falsify the hypothesis. Originality/value: Entrepreneurial education in higher education institutions should be fully reviewed and changed. Clear goals should be set regarding the development of graduates who are more entrepreneurially oriented. Furthermore, the educational process will require much restructuring to enhance skill development for entrepreneurship. (Contains 1 figure.)