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:

• TOEFL:

  • A minimum score of 92-100 on the iBT (Internet-Based Test) is generally required, although some programs may have different thresholds.

• 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.

• Cambridge English Qualifications:

  • A minimum of C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) is often accepted.

• 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.

Applying to Bachelor's Programmes | Aalto University

Applying to master's programmes | Aalto University

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.

Research & Art | Aalto University

Programmes | Aalto University

Scholarship information

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Careers at Aalto | Aalto University

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.