Aalto University
Address: Otakaari 24, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Phone: +358 9 47001
Email: info@aalto.fi
Website: www.aalto.fi
About Aalto University
At Aalto University, you can study technology, arts, and business. Our students have the freedom to choose courses in all three fields or specialise in one area of study. Aalto University’s purpose is to shape a sustainable future. We do high-quality research, excelling and making breakthroughs in and across science, art, technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building a sustainable future. We are Finland’s #1 university in the fields of arts and design, technology and engineering, and business and economics.
International community
With a unique combination of technology, arts and business programmes, of which more than 100 offered in English, Aalto University is an excellent study choice for international students. Currently, around 25% of our 13 000 degree students are international students, making us one of the most international universities in Europe. In our truly global environment, you have excellent opportunities to become more internationally oriented during your studies.
Great career prospects
Hands-on and participatory learning allows you to boost creativity and develop problem-solving skills. With your specialised know-how, these make an excellent foundation for your future working life. At Aalto, you can also tailor your study path flexibly to fit your career dreams. To foster a culture of innovation and change-making, we want to inspire our students to think and learn like entrepreneur. We aim to provide all students with chances to develop their entrepreneurial mindset during their studies.
Learn more about your great career prospects at Aalto
Reasons to study at Aalto
- Field combination. Aalto offers multidisciplinary studies in arts, technology and business. You can take courses from each field!
- Top-notch education. Aalto has a high academic standing in international university rankings. We have several high-ranking fields of study!
- Internationality. Aalto ranks high for international outlook, so you have great opportunities to become more globally competent.
- Well-organised and safe country. Finland scores high in international comparisons in education, safety and quality of life. Finns value equality, and our society has a low hierarchy.
- Vivid campus. Aalto University Campus in the Helsinki Capital area offers excellent services, affordable housing for students, versatile learning facilities, and it is closely connected with nature.
- Unique student culture. The Finnish student culture is full of exciting traditions. There is a plethora of different student clubs operating within the Aalto University Student Union, so you can surely find fun ways to spend your free time.
Aalto University was born in the merger of three esteemed Finnish universities in 2010 – bringing science, technology, art and business together to produce innovations. Despite its young age, Aalto’s history goes back to 1849 and the foundation of the Helsinki University of Technology.
Why Aalto University
Aalto University is renowned for several key factors that contribute to its reputation as a leading institution in Finland and internationally:
1. Innovative Education Model
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Aalto University is known for its focus on interdisciplinary education, combining science, art, technology, and business. This encourages collaboration among students from different fields, fostering creativity and innovation.
- Project-Based Learning: The university emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through projects, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
2. Strong Research Output
- Leading Research Institution: Aalto University is recognized for its high-quality research in areas such as technology, economics, design, and arts. It has been ranked among the top universities globally for its research contributions.
- Research Centers: The university hosts various research centers and labs that focus on cutting-edge research in fields like energy, digitalization, and sustainable development.
3. Focus on Technology and Innovation
- Technology and Business Hub: Aalto University plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Finland, particularly in technology and business sectors.
- Partnerships with Industry: The university collaborates closely with industries, promoting research and development initiatives that benefit both academia and the private sector.
4. Global Reputation
- International Rankings: Aalto University consistently ranks highly in various global university rankings, especially in areas like business and technology education.
- Global Partnerships: The university has established numerous international collaborations, attracting students and researchers from around the world.
5. Creative Community
- Art and Design Programs: Aalto University is well-regarded for its programs in art, design, and architecture, producing talented graduates who contribute to creative industries.
- Cultural Events and Activities: The university hosts various cultural events, exhibitions, and workshops, promoting creativity and artistic expression within the campus community.
6. Sustainability Initiatives
- Commitment to Sustainability: Aalto University prioritizes sustainability in its research, teaching, and operations, focusing on solutions for global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.
- Sustainable Campus: The university has invested in creating a sustainable campus environment, including energy-efficient buildings and green spaces.
7. Notable Alumni
- Influential Graduates: Aalto University has produced successful alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including technology, business, art, and design.
Aalto University has specific language requirements that vary depending on the program and the medium of instruction. Here’s an overview of the language requirements for both Finnish/Swedish-taught and English-taught programs:
1. Finnish/Swedish-Taught Programs
- Finnish or Swedish Proficiency: For programs conducted in Finnish or Swedish, students are generally required to demonstrate proficiency in the respective language.
- Language Tests: This may include tests such as the YKI (Yleinen kielitutkinto) for Finnish or other standardized language assessments.
2. English-Taught Programs
Aalto University offers a range of programs taught in English, particularly at the master's level. The language requirements for these programs typically include:
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TOEFL:
- A minimum score of 92-100 on the iBT (Internet-Based Test) is generally required, although some programs may have different thresholds.
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IELTS:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 to 7.0 is commonly required, with specific minimum scores in each section depending on the program.
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Cambridge English Qualifications:
- A minimum of C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) is often accepted.
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Other Tests: Some programs may accept other standardized English proficiency tests, but it’s essential to check the specific requirements of each program.
3. Exceptions
- Native Speakers: Students who are native speakers of English or have completed their previous education in English may be exempt from providing proof of English language proficiency. However, confirmation of this may be required.
- Preparatory Language Courses: Aalto University offers preparatory language courses for students who may need to improve their Finnish or English skills before starting their degree programs.
Aalto University offers a diverse array of course specialities across its various schools, catering to a wide range of academic interests. Here are some key areas of specialization:
1. Business and Economics
- International Business: Focuses on global business strategies, international marketing, and cross-cultural management.
- Entrepreneurship: Emphasizes startup development, innovation management, and business model design.
- Finance: Covers topics such as corporate finance, investment analysis, and risk management.
2. Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science: Offers specializations in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science.
- Electrical Engineering: Focuses on telecommunications, embedded systems, and energy systems.
- Mechanical Engineering: Covers areas like robotics, materials science, and sustainable energy technologies.
3. Art and Design
- Visual Communication Design: Emphasizes graphic design, branding, and visual storytelling.
- Interior Architecture: Focuses on spatial design, furniture design, and user experience.
- Fashion Design: Covers fashion theory, garment construction, and textile technology.
4. Architecture
- Architectural Design: Offers courses in sustainable architecture, urban design, and historical preservation.
- Building Technology: Focuses on construction methods, building materials, and energy-efficient designs.
5. Science and Technology
- Physics: Covers areas such as condensed matter physics, quantum mechanics, and photonics.
- Chemistry: Focuses on organic, inorganic, and materials chemistry, with applications in nanotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
6. Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Sustainable Development: Emphasizes environmental management, climate change mitigation, and sustainable resource use.
- Energy Systems: Focuses on renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and smart grid solutions.
7. Social Sciences and Humanities
- Media Studies: Examines the impact of digital media, communication theories, and media production.
- Cultural Studies: Explores the intersections of culture, identity, and society.
8. Design and Creative Industries
- Service Design: Focuses on designing customer experiences and service innovations.
- Product Design: Covers product development processes, user-centered design, and prototyping.
9. Digital and Interactive Media
- Game Design: Offers courses on game development, narrative design, and interactive storytelling.
- User Experience Design: Focuses on usability testing, user research, and interface design.
Aalto University has many distinguished professors known for their expertise, research contributions, and leadership in their respective fields. Here are some of the top professors affiliated with the university:
1. Professor Valtteri Meriläinen
- Field: Management and Business
- Notable Achievements: Renowned for his research in organizational behavior and strategic management. He has published extensively in top-tier academic journals.
2. Professor Jari Hakanen
- Field: Work and Organizational Psychology
- Notable Achievements: An expert in job design, work engagement, and well-being at work. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of work-related psychological factors.
3. Professor Marja-Liisa Kakkuri-Knuuttila
- Field: Philosophy and Science Studies
- Notable Achievements: Known for her work in philosophy of science, she has focused on the intersections between philosophy, science, and ethics.
4. Professor Roope Raisamo
- Field: Computer Science and Human-Computer Interaction
- Notable Achievements: A leader in research on interaction design, user experience, and the application of technology in creative fields.
5. Professor Tomi Jaakkola
- Field: Environmental Engineering
- Notable Achievements: Focuses on water resources management and sustainability, contributing to research on innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
6. Professor Jukka Heinonen
- Field: Energy Systems
- Notable Achievements: An authority in sustainable energy technologies and smart grid systems, he has played a crucial role in advancing energy research.
7. Professor Jussi P. Laitinen
- Field: Information Systems
- Notable Achievements: Known for his research on digital business models and the impact of information systems on organizational performance.
8. Professor Anne P. R. Kallio
- Field: Design
- Notable Achievements: An influential figure in design education, focusing on the role of design in innovation and societal development.
Aalto University has notable connections to the Nobel Prize, particularly in the fields of science, economics, and literature. Here are some key points regarding its association with the Nobel Prize:
1. Nobel Laureates Affiliated with Aalto University
- Johan Gadolin: A chemist and physicist known for his work in chemistry and materials science, Johan Gadolin has historical ties to the academic community in Finland. Although he is not a Nobel laureate himself, he has influenced the field of science in Finland.
- Harri Haapasalo: An alumnus and researcher at Aalto University, he has made contributions to quantum computing and information theory, although he is not a Nobel Prize winner.
2. Influence of Alumni and Faculty
- While specific Nobel Prize winners may not be directly affiliated with Aalto University, many faculty and alumni are involved in fields that overlap with Nobel-recognized areas, such as economics, technology, and environmental studies.
3. Research Excellence
- Aalto University is recognized for its high-quality research, which often aligns with themes prevalent in Nobel Prize discussions, particularly in sustainability, innovation, and economic development.