In short
Aalto University in Espoo, Finland, offers internationally acclaimed technology, business, and art & design programs with many taught in English. It provides a highly international environment with a focus on research, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2010
- Students
- 4,700
- International students
- 3,500
- Acceptance rate
- 12%
- Tuition (intl)
- €12–20k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FI, SV
- Location
- Espoo, Finland
Aalto University, located in Finland, is a highly international institution known for its focus on technology, business, and art & design. It aims to shape a sustainable future through internationally acclaimed research and innovative education. The university offers a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs, with many taught in English, and emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration. Established through the merger of three prominent Finnish universities, Aalto University combines scientific research, artistic activities, and teaching. Its campus in Otaniemi is continuously developing with new state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster both academic and research excellence. Aalto University is recognized globally for its strong academic standing and international outlook, attracting students and faculty from around the world. It actively engages in research that impacts everyday life, from advanced energy solutions and health technology to art and design breakthroughs.
Why study here
- Gain a world-class education with strong international recognition in technology, business, and art & design.
- Benefit from a highly international and diverse community, fostering a global perspective.
- Engage in cutting-edge research and innovation focused on real-world impact and sustainable solutions.
- Study in an environment that promotes cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.
- Access modern campus facilities designed for advanced teaching and research.
Student life
Aalto University offers a vibrant student life on its Otaniemi campus. The campus is continually evolving with new facilities for teaching, research, and events, designed to support cross-disciplinary interaction. Students have access to a wide range of support services, including student services, library and IT services. The university promotes a sense of community and offers various opportunities for students to engage in activities and develop their careers. New buildings like Marsio and Kide provide modern, multifunctional spaces for various student and academic endeavors.
Fees
InternationalTuition fees for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens in English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programs vary by field. Bachelor's programs: Business €12,000, Arts and Architecture €15,000, Technology €12,000 per academic year. Master's programs: Business €15,000, Arts and Architecture €20,000, Technology €17,000, Multidisciplinary programs (Creative Sustainability, International Design Business Management, Urban Studies and Planning) €17,000 per academic year.
HomeCitizens of EU/EEA member states or Switzerland, and holders of certain Finnish residence permits, are exempt from tuition fees for degree studies.
Living—
Tuition fees do not cover personal study-related costs or living expenses. New Bachelor's students may receive a 25% reduction on their first-year tuition fee if they accept their offer and pay by a specific deadline. International joint degree programs may have different tuition and scholarship schemes. Doctoral programs do not have tuition fees.
Admissions
Master's Programs Application Period (for Autumn 2026 start)1 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 (3 pm, UTC +2)
Bachelor's Programs in English Application Period (for Autumn 2026 start)7 – 22 January 2026
Deadline for Master's application documents9 January 2026 (3 pm, UTC +2)
Master's Admissions Results Published8 April 2026
Maximum study optionsApplicants may apply to a maximum of two study options.
IELTS AcademicOverall score 6.5 and writing score 6.0 (valid for two years from test date)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026#9 in Art & Design
Times Higher Education 2026#53 for International Outlook
THE World University Rankings 2026 by Subject#65 in Business & Economics
QS World University Rankings 2026Top 100 in Data Science & AI
QS World University Rankings 2026Top 100 in Architecture
University scholarships
Aalto University Scholarship Programme—
Accreditation
Aalto University is accredited by the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) and operates under the Finnish Universities Act. Its degree programs meet the standards of the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process).
Programs
a selectionAalto University · Finland
Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science
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.
PhD
Level
Free
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Aalto University · Finland
Accounting, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
The Master's Programme in Accounting at Aalto University equips students with essential skills to produce and utilise financial and non-financial information, crucial for effective company control and management. Accounting is fundamental to all businesses, influencing planning and strategic decision-making. Graduates gain highly adaptable knowledge, preparing them for diverse roles across various industries and continents. This program focuses on developing in-depth economic competencies, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills, enabling graduates to contribute significantly to an organization's strategic and operational direction.
Master's
Level
€15k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Aalto University · Finland
Architecture, Master of Science in Architecture
The Master of Science in Architecture program at Aalto University offers an in-depth exploration of architecture, building upon your undergraduate knowledge. It combines technical, scientific, and artistic approaches to address the social, cultural, environmental, and economic aspects of the field. The program emphasizes creative exploration, experimentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration to prepare you for a socially responsible and sustainable future. Designed for individual development, the program allows for specialization in areas such as wood construction, building design, adaptive reuse, human-centered design, computational design, preservation, and urban planning. It is fully accredited and aligns with professional regulations outlined in EU directives, preparing graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in Finland and internationally.
Master's
Level
€20k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Aalto University · Finland
Bachelor's Programme in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architecture
The Bachelor's Programme in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architecture at Aalto University is offered in Finnish and Swedish. This program is designed to provide a foundational education across these interconnected design fields. Students will develop essential skills and knowledge required for future careers or further studies in architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design. The program is organized by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Aalto University · Finland
Bachelor’s Programme in International Business
The Bachelor’s Programme in International Business at Aalto University equips students with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in global business environments. This program is designed to develop future leaders capable of building, developing, and managing companies on an international scale. Starting from autumn 2026, the program will be taught at the Otaniemi campus in Espoo, offering a vibrant and modern learning environment. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of international business practices, economic principles, and business administration. The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation, allowing students to progress seamlessly into master's level studies upon graduation. The program is organized by the respected Aalto University School of Business.
Bachelor's
Level
€12k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Aalto University · Finland
Collaborative and Industrial Design, Master of Arts (Art and Design)
The Collaborative and Industrial Design (CoID) Master's program at Aalto University focuses on the evolving role of design in society, extending beyond traditional industrial design to encompass interaction design, service and social design, and co-design. This two-year program helps students develop critical, strategic, and technical competencies, preparing them to become design experts, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in diverse sectors. Graduates will gain a deep understanding of design's relationship with innovation and contemporary culture, and learn to lead design processes in multidisciplinary contexts. The program is part of the Master's Programme in Design, known for its world-class teaching and facilities, and is globally recognized by QS World University Rankings.
Master's
Level
€20k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Finlandliving only fundingFinnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI)
EDUFI Fellowships (Finland Government Scholarship Pool)
For early-stage doctoral students and young researchers of any nationality to spend 3 to 12 months of their doctorate at a Finnish university. A Finnish host professor must invite and supervise the visitor and submits the application; the fellowship funds a research visit, not a full degree.
living only
Funding
€18k
Max
Oct 17, 2026
Deadline
tuition only fundingUniversity of Oulu, Finland
University of Oulu Tuition Fee Scholarships
Open to fee-paying international (non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss) students admitted to an English-taught Bachelor's or Master's degree at the University of Oulu; the scholarship covers tuition and continues each year if the student completes at least 60 ECTS credits per academic year.
tuition only
Funding
€18k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFulbright Finland Foundation & University of Helsinki
Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award
Open to students from the United States, Finland and other countries who have been admitted to one of the University of Helsinki's two-year International Master's Degree Programs taught in English. Applicants must take part in the Fulbright Finland Foundation grant competition and separately apply for admission to the University of Helsinki, with final award selection made by the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingFinnish higher education institutions, supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland
Finnish Government Scholarships (University Finland Scholarships)
For non-EU/EEA international students who pay tuition fees in Finland and are applying for a fee-charging bachelor's or master's programme at a Finnish university or university of applied sciences. Each institution sets its own scholarship criteria, coverage, and deadline within its admission process.
partial
Funding
€15k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
tuition only fundingUniversity of Eastern Finland (UEF)
University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Master's Scholarships
Open to international and domestic applicants to UEF Master's programmes. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent), and meet all programme-specific requirements. Non-EU/EEA students pay a EUR 10,000 annual tuition fee against which waivers of 30%, 50%, or 100% are awarded by academic merit; no separate scholarship application is required.
tuition only
Funding
€10k
Max
Jan 21, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Aalto University?
+
Tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens in English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programs. Fees vary by field, ranging from €12,000 to €20,000 per academic year. Doctoral programs do not have tuition fees.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, Aalto University offers a Scholarship Programme for top non-EU/EEA/Switzerland applicants who are liable for tuition fees. These scholarships are competitive and can provide a full or partial tuition fee waiver.
What are the English proficiency requirements for Master's programs?
+
Applicants for Master's programs taught in English must provide proof of English proficiency. Only IELTS Academic tests are accepted, with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and a writing score of 6.0. Test results must be submitted by the specified deadline.
When is the application period for Aalto University programs?
+
The main application period for Master's programs taught in English is typically in December–January for studies starting in the autumn. Bachelor's programs in English also have an annual application period in January.
What is Aalto University's international reputation?
+
Aalto University is internationally recognized, ranking #9 globally in Art & Design and within the Top 100 for Data Science & AI and Architecture. It is also ranked #53 for International Outlook by Times Higher Education.
Last updated