Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026 offer an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue a world-class education in Finland. If you are planning to study at one of Europe’s leading institutions, this guide covers everything you need to know about Aalto University Master’s admissions 2026, including eligibility requirements, required documents, tuition fees, scholarship options, and important deadlines to help you plan your application effectively.
Located in Espoo, Finland, Aalto University is a multidisciplinary hub known for innovation, research excellence, and creativity. Formed in 2010 by merging the Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics, and University of Art and Design Helsinki, Aalto combines science, business, art, and technology under one vibrant campus. With strong global rankings in design, engineering, and architecture, the university offers students a dynamic international community, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities to develop skills in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving.
Benefits
Aalto University Excellence Scholarship
Aalto University offers a limited number of scholarships for fee-paying students. These scholarships are awarded as tuition fee waivers to the most outstanding applicants.
- Based on academic merit and program evaluation criteria.
- Awarded only to students liable to pay tuition fees.
- Scholarships do not cover living expenses (students must budget at least €800/month for living costs).
- Scholarship and admission decisions are announced together.
- Decisions cannot be appealed under the Finnish Universities Act.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Aalto University Master’s admission 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to 180 ECTS credits or a minimum of three years of full-time study.
- The degree must grant eligibility for master’s studies in the awarding country.
- Provide proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted tests).
- Upload all required documents before the deadline.
Note: Applicants with incomplete bachelor’s degrees may apply if they will graduate by 31 July 2026.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before applying:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Official transcript of records
- Authorized English translations (if required)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Motivation letter (specific to each study option)
- Portfolio (for Art, Design, or Architecture applicants)
- GMAT or GRE test results (for Business and some Engineering programs)
All documents must be uploaded in color PDF format to the Studyinfo.fi system by 9 January 2026.
Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026 Admissions Schedule
The application period for Aalto University Master’s programs 2026 runs from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 (UTC +2).
Here’s the full admissions timeline:
- 1 December 2025: Application form opens on Studyinfo.fi
- 2 January 2026 (3 PM UTC+2): Application form closes
- 9 January 2026: Deadline for uploading all application documents
- 8 April 2026: Admission results are published
- 29 April 2026: Deadline to accept the admission offer
- August–September 2026: Orientation week and start of studies
Evaluation and Selection Process
Each Master’s program at Aalto University has specific evaluation criteria. Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance of previous studies
- Academic performance
- Motivation and study plan
- Portfolio (for design, architecture, and art programs)
- GMAT/GRE test results (for business programs)
- Only the best-qualified applicants are offered admission due to limited study places.
How to Apply?
- Visit the official Aalto University application portal.
- Fill out the online application form between 1 December 2025 and 2 January 2026.
- Select up to two study options in order of preference.
- Pay the €100 application fee, if applicable.
- Upload all required documents (degree certificate, transcript, CV, motivation letter, motivation video, English proficiency proof, passport copy, and course descriptions) by 9 January 2026.
- Submit the application and ensure all documents are complete before the deadline.
- Wait for the admission results, which will be published in April 2026.
- Accept the admission offer by the specified deadline if admitted.
- Submit certified copies of your bachelor’s degree and transcripts (and translations if needed).
- Prepare for orientation week and the start of your studies in August to September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026 provides merit-based tuition fee waivers (full or partial) for non-EU/EEA students applying during the Master’s admission. Decisions align with admissions and last for the normative study period. External funding may supplement it.
What is the Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026?
Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026 is a merit-based tuition fee waiver programme available to non-EU/EEA students who are liable to pay tuition fees. Scholarships are assigned during the admission evaluation, not separately.
Who is eligible for Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026?
You must be liable to pay tuition fees (i.e. non-EU/EEA student) and apply for a relevant master’s programme. Only applicants who tick the scholarship option in the admission form are considered.
When do I apply for Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026?
You must apply for the scholarship during the Master’s application period. There is no separate or later scholarship application step—if you skip it in the form, you won’t be eligible.
Is Aalto University’s Excellence Scholarship funded by the Finnish government?
No. The Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026, including the Excellence Scholarship, are funded directly by Aalto University. These scholarships provide tuition fee waivers to exceptional non-EU/EEA students based on academic performance.
Can I apply for more than one Master’s program at Aalto University?
Yes. Applicants for the Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026 can choose up to two study options in one application round through the national Studyinfo.fi portal. Each selected programme will be evaluated separately for admission and scholarship eligibility.
Does the Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026 cover living expenses?
No. The scholarships cover tuition fees either fully or partially but do not include living costs, accommodation, or personal expenses. Students should budget around €800 per month to cover daily living expenses while studying in Finland.
What is the duration of Aalto University Master’s programs?
Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026 apply to two-year master’s programmes, equivalent to 120 ECTS credits. Students are expected to complete their degree within the normative study period while maintaining full-time academic progress.
What are the English language requirements for Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026?
Applicants must prove English proficiency through accepted tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. In some cases, previous degrees completed fully in English may also meet this requirement according to Aalto University’s admission criteria.
Are there programme-specific scholarships?
Yes, for example, the Pekka Mattila Excellence Scholarship is open to applicants of the Master’s in Marketing or International Management. It includes a €3,000 relocation grant and is decided during admissions.
How long does the Aalto University Masters Scholarships 2026 last?
It covers the normative study period of the master’s degree (typically two years full-time), provided you maintain full-time study progress each year according to your approved study plan.
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