AALTO UNIVERSITY · FINLAND
Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Doctor of Science (Technology)Degree Awarded
- 4 yearsFull-time Duration
- English, Finnish, SwedishLanguages of Instruction
- MultidisciplinaryFocus
- School of ScienceOrganising School
The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science is a four-year, multidisciplinary program designed for students who want to conduct high-standard international research. It combines science, technology, and business, preparing doctoral students to address complex societal challenges in areas like energy, environment, health, and well-being. The program offers specialisations in physics, mathematics, biomedical engineering, computer science, or industrial engineering and management. Students pursue a Doctor of Science (Technology) degree, focusing on rigorous basic research within a dynamic environment. The curriculum is tailored to individual needs, supporting research that often leads to publications in international peer-reviewed journals. This program equips graduates with advanced professional skills for demanding roles in academia, research, development, and other specialist positions in the information society.
Curriculum
The Doctor of Science (Technology) degree comprises an approved doctoral thesis and a structured set of theoretical studies designed to support your research. The curriculum is individually tailored to meet each doctoral student's specific needs, ensuring a strong foundation in both research and relevant academic fields.
- Overall Degree Structure
- Approved Doctoral Thesis
- Research Field Studies
- General Research Studies
Frequently asked questions
- Do doctoral students have to pay tuition fees at Aalto University?
- No, doctoral programmes at Aalto University do not have tuition fees for any students, regardless of nationality. However, students are responsible for mandatory annual fees for the Student Union membership and healthcare services.
- What is the duration of the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science?
- The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science is a four-year, full-time programme. It is designed for students who wish to conduct high-standard international research.
- What are the entry requirements for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science?
- Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree and crucially, secure a supervising professor willing to oversee their doctoral studies before applying. Full-time students also need to have secured funding for at least six months.
- What is the application period for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science?
- The application period for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science typically runs from 3 December to 2 June. It is essential to find a supervising professor and prepare all required documents before submitting your application.
- What is the language of instruction for this doctoral programme?
- The languages of instruction for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science include English, Finnish, and Swedish. The programme focuses on conducting high-standard international research.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science?
- Graduates are prepared for high-level academic research and teaching positions, as well as leadership, research and development, and specialist roles in the information society.
Entry requirements
Master’s degreeA relevant master’s degree awarded by a Finnish university or a Finnish university of applied sciences, or a corresponding degree completed abroad.
Applicants must secure a supervising professor willing to oversee their doctoral studies, ensuring alignment with research group expertise. Full-time doctoral students must have secured funding for at least 6 months (e.g., employer, project funding, or grant). If employed outside Aalto, a certificate proving the possibility to dedicate a minimum of 80% of working hours to doctoral studies is required. Non-Finnish citizens pursuing part-time studies without funding must meet Finnish Immigration Service income requirements. All doctoral students must reside in Finland for at least part of the study time.
Fees
Tuition (international)Doctoral programmes at Aalto University do not have tuition fees for any students, regardless of nationality.
Tuition (home)Doctoral programmes at Aalto University do not have tuition fees for any students.
LivingEstimated living costs in Finland are approximately 1000 EUR per month. This covers personal study-related costs (e.g., materials), mandatory annual Student Union membership fees, and FSHS healthcare services, which are not included in tuition.
Tuition fees apply only to Bachelor's and Master's programmes taught in English for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens. Doctoral students are exempt from tuition fees. Students must also cover mandatory annual fees for the Student Union membership and FSHS healthcare services.
How to apply
1. Find a Supervising Professor and Research TopicIdentify a research topic that aligns with your interests and the research groups at the School of Science. Contact potential supervising professors directly to discuss your research proposal and secure their agreement to supervise your doctoral studies. You can search for research groups and professors on the Department pages, Aalto University's research portal, or through advertised salaried doctoral researcher positions.
2. Secure Funding (for full-time students)If applying as a full-time student, ensure you have secured funding for at least 6 months. This could be from an employer, project funding, or a grant. If you are employed elsewhere, you will need a certificate from your employer confirming that you can dedicate at least 80% of your working hours to doctoral studies. For part-time studies without funding, non-Finnish citizens must meet the Finnish Immigration Service income requirements.
3. Prepare Required Application DocumentsGather all necessary appendices for your application. These include, but are not limited to, official transcripts, degree certificates, a research plan, and a letter of support from your supervising professor. Additional documents may be required if your master's degree was not awarded by Aalto University.
4. Submit Your Application for Study RightOnce you have agreed with a supervising professor and prepared your documents, submit your application for the study right in the doctoral programme during the official application period. Note that you are not officially a doctoral student until you have been admitted to the programme, even if you have a salaried position.
Frequently asked questions
Do doctoral students have to pay tuition fees at Aalto University?
+
No, doctoral programmes at Aalto University do not have tuition fees for any students, regardless of nationality. However, students are responsible for mandatory annual fees for the Student Union membership and healthcare services.
What is the duration of the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science?
+
The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science is a four-year, full-time programme. It is designed for students who wish to conduct high-standard international research.
What are the entry requirements for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science?
+
Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree and crucially, secure a supervising professor willing to oversee their doctoral studies before applying. Full-time students also need to have secured funding for at least six months.
What is the application period for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science?
+
The application period for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science typically runs from 3 December to 2 June. It is essential to find a supervising professor and prepare all required documents before submitting your application.
What is the language of instruction for this doctoral programme?
+
The languages of instruction for the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science include English, Finnish, and Swedish. The programme focuses on conducting high-standard international research.
What are the career prospects after completing the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science?
+
Graduates are prepared for high-level academic research and teaching positions, as well as leadership, research and development, and specialist roles in the information society.