Quick Summary
Aalto University, in Espoo, Finland, is a public that has shaped higher education since 2010. Ranked #113 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 20000 students including 25% from outside Finland. Known for strengths in Art & Design, Architecture, Business & Management, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Aalto offers a world-leading multidisciplinary environment where students can mix studies in tech, business, and arts. It is the heart of Finland's startup ecosystem and provides high-quality education in one of the world's most stable countries.
Subject Strengths
Art & DesignArchitectureBusiness & ManagementComputer ScienceMaterials ScienceEngineering and Technology
Founded2010
TypePublic
Total Students20000
Intl Students25%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusUrban
Campus Size100 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationAACSB, AMBA, EQUIS (Triple Crown Accredited)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#113
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (Select MOOCs and professional education certificates)
Online Programs
Aalto Design Factory, Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT), Metsähovi Radio Observatory, OtaNano
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS (Triple Crown Accredited)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL92
Min GPA3.0/4.0 (Estimated equivalent)
GRERequired for certain Master's in Science and Technology
GMATRequired for Master's in Business programs
SATRequired for English-taught Bachelor's programs
ACTAccepted for English-taught Bachelor's programs
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (Joint application for international degrees)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
For Arts and Design, the portfolio is the most critical component. For Business and Tech, high SAT/GMAT scores are essential due to competitive quotas. Always ensure English language proficiency tests are valid and results sent directly to the university.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€12,000/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€9,600/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€15,000/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€24,600/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAalto University Scholarship (50% or 100% tuition), Finland Scholarship (100% tuition + 5000 EUR relocation grant)
Avg Scholarship$14,000
Financial AidKela student financial aid available for Finnish citizens and permanent residents
Work-StudyAvailable through university research assistant roles and campus jobs
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Finance | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Architecture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Industrial Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh; career services facilitate industry links for master's thesis work
Industry Connections
Extensive partnerships with companies like NokiaKoneRovioand ABB
Notable Alumni
Risto Siilasmaa (Nokia), Sari Baldauf (Nokia), Teemu Selänne (Honorary Doctorate), Alvar Aalto (Namesake/Historical Legacy)
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (Provided by HOAS and AYY student union)
Sports Facilities
UniSport gyms, indoor halls, and outdoor sports fields across Otaniemi and Helsinki
Student Clubs
Over 200 clubs covering hobbies, sports, and professional networking through AYY
Library Resources
Harald Herlin Learning Centre (Award-winning library facility)
Exchange Programs
Active Erasmus+, Nordplus, and Global Exchange agreements with top tier universities
Summer Programs
Aalto University Summer School in Digital Business and Design