Aalto University in Finland has officially opened its application cycle for the two-year Master’s programmes starting in Autumn 2026. This opportunity is perfect for students who want to study in one of Europe’s leading universities in the fields of art and design, business and economics, technology, and engineering.
The application period runs from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, and the entire admissions process is well-structured, detailed, and designed to help students prepare thoroughly.
Whether you’re planning ahead or exploring study options abroad, here’s everything you need to know about applying to Aalto University’s Master’s programmes.
Application Timeline for 2026 Intake
Aalto University has a very clear admissions schedule. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Key Dates
- 1 December 2025 (9:00 UTC +2) – Application opens
- 2 January 2026 (15:00 UTC +2) – Application closes
- 9 January 2026 (15:00 UTC +2) – Deadline to upload all application documents
- Jan–Mar 2026 – Evaluation of applications
- 16 March 2026 – First-stage results for Art, Design & Architecture applicants
- 8 April 2026 – Final admissions decisions published
- 29 April 2026 – Deadline to accept the study place
- 13 May 2026 – Deadline for certified documents (early admitted applicants)
- 11 June 2026 – Waiting list admission ends
- 31 July 2026 – Deadline to graduate if applying with an incomplete degree
- 14 August 2026 – Final deadline for certified documents
- Aug–Sept 2026 – Start of studies and orientation week
It’s important to note that every deadline is strict. Late submissions or incomplete applications will be rejected.
Fields of Study and Degrees Offered
Aalto University offers Master’s degrees across three major fields:
1. Art and Design
Degree granted: Master of Arts (Art and Design)
2. Business and Economics
Degree granted: Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
3. Technology and Engineering
Degrees granted:
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Science (Architecture)
- Master of Science (Landscape Architecture)
Applicants may choose up to two study options and apply for both using a single application form.
Each programme has its own admissions criteria, evaluation process, and required documents, so it’s important to check your chosen study option before applying.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria, which include:
- A Bachelor’s degree that qualifies you for Master’s level study
- Valid proof of language proficiency (English, Finnish, or Swedish depending on the programme)
- All required documents submitted by the deadline
Applications that meet these criteria will then be evaluated by each study option separately. Some programmes also require:
- GMAT or GRE scores (especially business-related programmes)
- A portfolio (for art, design, and architecture programmes)
- Study-option-specific essays or assignments
Students applying with an incomplete degree may still apply but must complete their Bachelor’s by 31 July 2026.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a clear breakdown of the application process:
1. Fill Out the Online Application
Submit the application via the Studyinfo.fi portal between 1 December 2025 and 2 January 2026.
Only one application form is allowed per applicant.
2. Pay the Application Fee (if applicable)
Non-EU/EEA applicants must pay a €100 application fee.
Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are exempt.
3. Upload All Required Documents
Deadline: 9 January 2026 at 15:00 (UTC +2)
This includes:
- Degree certificate
- Transcript of records
- Valid passport or ID
- Language test results
- Translations (if needed)
- Portfolio (for certain fields)
- GMAT/GRE scores
- Study-option-specific attachments
- Proof of residence permit (if it exempts from fees)
Incomplete applications or missing documents will not be considered, so early preparation is key.
Document Submission Guidelines
Aalto requires high-quality, clearly scanned PDF documents. Here’s what you should remember:
- Scan original documents in color
- Maintain correct orientation (horizontal/vertical)
- Name files clearly (example: Transcript-Surname-Firstname)
- Upload each document to the correct section
- Follow all instructions exactly
Once the admission results are published, accepted students will need to submit certified educational documents by the specified deadline.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Finland charges tuition fees to non-EU/EEA students in English-taught programmes. Aalto University offers:
Tuition Fees
Applies to non-EU/EEA students only. Fees vary by programme.
Scholarships
Eligible students can apply for the Aalto University Excellence Scholarship, which may fully or partially cover tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and potential.
GMAT and GRE Requirements
Only applicants to the School of Business study options, and the Machine Learning, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence programme, need GMAT or GRE scores.
Scores must be valid and submitted by 9 January 2026.
Contacting Aalto University
Applicants can reach Aalto Admissions through email or phone:
- Email: admissions@aalto.fi
- Phone: +358 2944 29290
For programme-specific questions, contact details are listed at the bottom of each study option’s page.
Why Apply to Aalto University?
Here are a few reasons Aalto is a top choice for international Master’s students:
- A world-class reputation in innovation, technology, and design
- Strong links to industry, research, and entrepreneurship
- A multicultural campus environment
- High-quality education with practical relevance
- Access to Finland’s world-leading education ecosystem
For students seeking a strong academic foundation and global opportunities, Aalto University is a life-changing destination.
Final Thoughts
The Aalto University Master’s Admissions 2026 is a major opportunity for students around the world who want to study in Finland’s leading multidisciplinary institution. With clear guidelines, structured timelines, and excellent study options, Aalto provides a strong pathway to world-class higher education.
Start preparing early, gather your documents, and explore your study options to increase your chances of admission.