Aalto University Summary
Aalto University is one of Finland’s most innovative public research universities and a leading Nordic institution for technology, business, economics, art, design, architecture and multidisciplinary education. The university is mainly located in Otaniemi, Espoo in the Helsinki metropolitan area and was founded in 2010 by the merger of Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. This background gives Aalto a unique academic identity that links engineering, science, business, creativity, design thinking, entrepreneurship and real-world problem solving. Aalto University is a particularly good choice for students looking for a modern university where technology, business and design are not separate worlds. Its academic model encourages students to work across disciplines, useful for careers in engineering, digital technology, product development, design, architecture, management, entrepreneurship, sustainability, data, finance, energy, materials, innovation and research. The university's main campus in Otaniemi is known for its start-up culture, laboratories, studios, workshops, business networks, technology projects and student-led innovation communities. At Aalto, you can pursue undergraduate bachelor’s studies in business and economics, technology and engineering, science, and art and design. In some fields, there are bachelor’s programmes in English, and there are also several options in Finnish or Swedish. Common English-language options for international students include studies related to business, digital systems, science and technology, design, economics and international business. These bachelor’s programs are good for students who want a strong academic base with practical project work, creativity, analytical skills and preparation for master’s study. Aalto offers a broad selection of master’s degrees in art and design, business and economics, and technology and engineering in English at postgraduate level. Students can study computer science, software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, electrical engineering, energy technology, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, architecture, spatial planning, design, visual communication, game design, creative sustainability, management, marketing, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, information networks, industrial engineering and innovation management. Many master's programs include studio work, laboratory research, team projects, thesis research, industry assignments or entrepreneurial projects. Aalto University offers doctoral education in six doctoral programmes affiliated to the schools at the doctoral level. Doctoral studies are offered in fields such as business, economics, engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, art, design, architecture, science, industrial engineering, management, materials, energy, sustainability and interdisciplinary studies. PhD candidates generally work within the framework of supervisors, research groups and doctoral program structures and may access this through funded doctoral researcher positions, research projects, external funding, scholarships or supervisor-supported arrangements. Aalto University charges tuition fees that are based on nationality, degree level and programme. Tuition fees are charged to students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Aalto says that tuition fees for bachelor’s students are typically €12,000 to €15,000 per academic year and €15,000 to €20,000 per academic year for master’s students for tuition-fee-paying students. Tuition fees for doctoral or PhD studies are not the same as those for bachelor’s and master’s programs taught in English. In general, Aalto University is best for students who are looking for a Finnish university that is forward-looking and has strong links to technology, business, design, innovation, entrepreneurship and research.
