Aalto University

Espoo Uusimaa, Finland

overview

Aalto University, located in Espoo, Finland, is a multidisciplinary institution formed in 2010 through the merger of three leading Finnish universities: the Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Aalto integrates science, art, technology, and business to foster innovation and address global challenges.

The university is globally recognized for excellence in education and research, particularly in art and design, where it ranks among the top 10 universities worldwide. Its six schools—covering fields from engineering and science to business and the arts—offer a collaborative academic environment with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.

Aalto’s main campus in Otaniemi, Espoo, provides a vibrant, modern setting for education and research, emphasizing creativity, community, and cutting-edge facilities.

For more, visit the Aalto University website.

EXPLORE Aalto University

Academic Resources

Global Campuses and Center

2000 Students per Faculty

English

Institutes and Centers

Industry Connection

Financial Aids

Visa Information

Cultural and Extracurricular

Accreditation

Faculty and Campus Life

International Student Support service

Cultural Diversity

Location Description

7200

On-Campus

Aalto University provides a wide array of academic resources to support student learning, research, and innovation. These resources are designed to foster creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic excellence across its six schools.

1. Libraries and Knowledge Services

Aalto University Learning Centre:
- Offers extensive collections of books, journals, and digital resources.
- Provides spaces for quiet study, group work, and access to digital tools.
- Includes special collections in areas like art, design, and architecture.
Digital Library Services:
- Access to databases, e-books, e-journals, and other academic resources for students and faculty.
- Remote access available for most resources.

2. Studios and Workshops

State-of-the-art facilities for both physical and digital projects, such as:
- Media studios for video, audio, and photography.
- Prototyping labs and maker spaces for engineering, design, and creative arts.
- Specialized workshops for architecture, textiles, woodworking, and metalworking.

3. Research Labs and Centers

Interdisciplinary Research Platforms:
- Collaborations across art, technology, and business disciplines.
- Labs such as Aalto Design Factory and Media Lab Helsinki foster innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Sustainability Labs:
- Focus on sustainable design, energy solutions, and climate research.

4. IT and Digital Learning Tools

Comprehensive IT support for students and staff, including software licenses and hardware support.
Learning platforms such as MyCourses for course materials, assignments, and communication with faculty.
Access to cutting-edge tools for data analysis, visualization, and creative production.

5. Career and Study Services

Academic Advisors: Provide guidance on study planning and academic progression.
Career Services: Assist with internships, job placements, and entrepreneurship support.
Language and Writing Support: Offers courses and workshops to improve academic and professional communication skills.

6. Collaborative Spaces

Open Innovation Hubs:
- Facilities like Aalto Design Factory encourage collaboration between students, faculty, and industry professionals.
Coworking Spaces:
- Available for group projects and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Aalto University ensures students and researchers have access to high-quality resources to succeed academically and creatively. For more, visit Aalto University Academic Resources.

While Aalto University is primarily based in Espoo, Finland, it maintains a global presence through partnerships, networks, and collaborative initiatives. The university's focus on internationalization ensures that students and researchers have access to global opportunities for academic and professional development.

1. Main Campus: Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland

The Otaniemi campus serves as Aalto’s primary hub and is one of the largest and most innovative university campuses in Europe.
It integrates state-of-the-art research facilities, creative spaces, and interdisciplinary hubs across its six schools.
Features the iconic Väre building, housing the School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

2. International Collaborations

Aalto University is a member of several global university networks, such as:
- CEMS (The Global Alliance in Management Education): For international business and management programs.
- UNITE! (University Network for Innovation, Technology, and Engineering): A European alliance focusing on collaborative education and research.
- EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology): Offers programs in sustainability, digitalization, and urban mobility.

3. Exchange and Partner Universities

Aalto has partnerships with leading institutions worldwide, offering exchange programs for students and faculty.
- Examples include collaborations with universities in the US, Asia, and Europe, such as MIT, Tsinghua University, and Imperial College London.

4. Satellite Centers and Initiatives

Design Factory Global Network (DFGN):
- Established in over 10 countries, including Australia, China, and Chile.
- Supports interdisciplinary design thinking and innovation in partnership with local institutions and industries.
Aalto Ventures Program (AVP):
- Facilitates entrepreneurship education globally through international workshops and collaborations.

5. Research and Innovation Hubs

Sustainable Design and Energy Initiatives:
- Collaborations with international organizations and governments for sustainability-focused projects.
Media Lab Helsinki:
- Attracts global students and researchers in digital media, interaction design, and visual communication.

6. International Summer Schools

Hosts summer programs that draw students and professionals worldwide to study innovation, design, and technology on the Espoo campus.

Global Impact

Aalto’s strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration ensures its presence extends well beyond Finland, fostering a global network of students, researchers, and industry partners.

For more information, visit the Aalto University website.

Institutes and centers are integral components of universities, research organizations, and industries, designed to support specialized academic, research, and outreach activities. They vary in scope and function but often serve as hubs for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination.

1. Institutes

Definition: Institutes are large, often multidisciplinary organizations within universities or independent entities focusing on broad areas of study or research.
Features:
- Encompass multiple departments or research groups.
- Engage in extensive research, teaching, and professional training.
- May offer degree programs or certifications in specialized fields.
Examples:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): A renowned independent institution excelling in science and technology.
- Kellogg Institute for International Studies (University of Notre Dame): Focuses on global development and peacebuilding.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): A collection of 27 institutes under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Purpose:
- Drive innovation and interdisciplinary research.
- Provide education and professional development in specialized fields.
- Partner with industries and governments for large-scale projects.

2. Centers

Definition: Centers are typically smaller units within universities, organizations, or industries focusing on specific topics or issues.
Features:
- Often tied to a department or a broader institute.
- Focus on specific research areas, policy analysis, or public engagement.
- Frequently host events like conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Examples:
- Harvard Center for International Development: Specializes in development economics.
- Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI): Researches AI applications in healthcare.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Works on public health research and response.
Purpose:
- Address focused research questions or societal challenges.
- Facilitate collaboration among experts, stakeholders, and the public.
- Serve as platforms for testing innovative ideas and technologies.

Key Differences

Feature	Institutes	Centers
Scope	Broad and multidisciplinary	Focused and specific
Size	Larger, encompassing multiple projects	Smaller, with narrower areas of focus
Functions	Education, research, policy development	Research, outreach, public engagement
Examples	NIH, MIT, Kellogg Institute	CDC, Stanford AIMI, Harvard CID

Common Goals

Advance knowledge in specialized fields.
Foster innovation and collaboration across disciplines.
Address global challenges through research and policy.

Both institutes and centers play crucial roles in academia, industry, and society, enabling focused expertise or broad interdisciplinary collaboration to solve pressing problems and advance knowledge.

Aalto University emphasizes collaboration with industries to bridge academic excellence and real-world impact. Its strong ties with global companies, startups, and public organizations provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and contribute to innovative projects.

Key Features of Industry Connections

1. Corporate Partnerships

Aalto collaborates with leading companies across sectors, such as:
- Technology: Nokia, KONE, and Siemens.
- Design and Arts: Marimekko and Iittala.
- Business and Innovation: Deloitte, EY, and McKinsey.
Companies often sponsor research projects, innovation hubs, and competitions at the university.

2. Internship and Job Opportunities

Aalto’s Career Services connects students with internships, part-time roles, and full-time employment in industries.
Events like career fairs and networking meetups bring together students and potential employers.

3. Design Factory and Startup Ecosystem

The Aalto Design Factory fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between students, researchers, and industry professionals to solve real-world problems.
Aalto is home to Startup Sauna, a globally recognized startup accelerator, and A Grid, one of Northern Europe’s largest startup hubs.

4. Industry-Sponsored Projects

Many degree programs integrate industry-sponsored projects where students work on practical challenges posed by companies.
These collaborations provide real-world insights and exposure to the working methodologies of leading organizations.

5. Alumni Network

Aalto’s vast alumni network includes professionals and leaders in diverse industries who mentor students, provide internships, and collaborate on academic projects.

6. Research and Development Collaboration

The university partners with industries on cutting-edge research in fields like:
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Sustainable Energy Solutions.
- Design Thinking.
Research outcomes often translate into innovative products, services, or business models.

Events and Initiatives

Aalto Talent Expo:
- An annual career fair where students meet recruiters and explore job opportunities.
Hackathons and Innovation Challenges:
- Industry-sponsored events encourage students to develop solutions for complex problems.
Guest Lectures and Workshops:
- Industry experts frequently share insights and trends with students through special events.

Global Impact

Aalto’s focus on industry collaboration ensures that students are equipped with the skills, experience, and networks necessary to excel in their careers while contributing to impactful innovations.

For more information, visit the Aalto University Industry Collaboration.

Aalto University offers various financial aid options to support students in managing their education and living costs. These aids include scholarships for tuition fee waivers, relocation grants, and external funding opportunities. Financial aid is primarily available for non-EU/EEA students, as EU/EEA students are exempt from tuition fees.

1. Aalto University Scholarships

Tuition Fee Waivers

Eligibility: Open to non-EU/EEA students enrolled in tuition-based bachelor’s or master’s programs.

Coverage:

100% waiver: Covers the full tuition fee.
50% waiver: Covers half the tuition fee.

Application: Indicate interest during your program application on the Studyinfo Portal.

Finland Scholarships

Eligibility: First-year non-EU/EEA master’s students.
Benefits:
- 100% tuition fee waiver.
- A €5,000 relocation grant to support living expenses in the first year.
Continuation: Renewal in the second year depends on the student meeting academic performance criteria.

2. KELA Student Benefits (For Residents of Finland)

Eligibility: Available for students living in Finland who meet Finnish social security requirements.
Benefits:
- Study Grant: Approximately €250–€350 per month.
- Housing Allowance: Up to €400 per month, depending on housing costs and income.
Application: Submit an application through KELA.

3. External Scholarships and Grants

Finnish Government Scholarship Pool:
- Open to students from eligible countries.
- Provides funding for academic and research purposes.
Private Foundations and Organizations:
- Numerous Finnish and international foundations offer grants and scholarships for students pursuing studies in Finland.
- Examples include the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.

4. Student Loans

Available through Finnish banks and supported by the Finnish government for students who qualify.
Loan Guarantee: Offered by KELA, making it easier for students to secure loans.

How to Apply

During Program Application:
- Indicate your interest in scholarships on the Studyinfo Portal.
Submit Supporting Documents:
- Academic transcripts.
- Motivation letter (detailing financial need and career goals).
- Proof of financial status (if applicable).
Monitor Deadlines:
- Scholarship applications typically align with program deadlines (November to January).

Further Information

Aalto University’s financial aid options ensure that talented students from around the world can access its high-quality education, regardless of their financial circumstances.