Home › Colleges › Finland › Aalto University
40%
Acceptance rate
~$17k
Tuition / yr
6.5
IELTS required
30%
Intl students
2010
Founded
#114
QS World rank
Finland's innovation hub; strong CS, design & startups. This guide covers Aalto University's courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at Aalto University
Aalto University is best known for Computer Science, Design, Business. Popular programs for international students include:
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Machine Learning
- MSc Finance
- MSc Design
Class profile: Tech + business + design; English-taught. Notable alumni: Rovio (Angry Birds) & Nokia founders.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 92 |
| PTE Academic | 62 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
| GRE | Not required |
| GMAT (MBA) | N/A |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.0/4.0 |
| Work experience | Not required |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for Aalto University.
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | ≈ €15,000/yr (non-EU) |
| Application fee | €100 |
| Living costs (est.) | €700–1,000/month |
| Scholarships | Aalto Scholarship (50–100% tuition) |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
📄 Documents checklist
- Transcripts
- Motivation letter
- LORs
- CV
- IELTS / TOEFL
- Proof of funds (~€6,720/yr)
- Admission letter
- Passport
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · Finland
- Student visa: Student residence permit
- Work while studying: ≈30 hrs/week average
- Post-study work: 2-year residence permit to seek work after graduation
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Beat the bar. With about 40% acceptance, aim above the minimums — target IELTS 7+ and a strong GPA, and lead with research, projects or publications.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at Aalto University and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. Aalto University needs IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 92 / PTE 62. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (≈ €15,000/yr (non-EU)) plus living costs (€700–1,000/month); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. Aalto University's main intakes are Fall (Aug) — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Fall (Aug) |
| Typical deadline | Jan (Fall, non-EU) |
| Acceptance rate | 40% (competitive) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (aalto.fi) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for Aalto University?
- Aalto University typically requires IELTS 6.5 (TOEFL 92, PTE 62). GRE: Not required.
- How much does Aalto University cost?
- International tuition is approximately ≈ €15,000/yr (non-EU), plus living costs of €700–1,000/month. Application fee: €100.
- What is the acceptance rate at Aalto University?
- Aalto University has an indicative acceptance rate of about 40% (Tech + business + design; English-taught).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at Aalto University?
- Intakes: Fall (Aug). Typical deadline: Jan (Fall, non-EU).
- Is Aalto University hard to get into?
- Aalto University is competitive, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 40%. Aim above the minimum scores and build a standout profile.
- Does Aalto University require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Not required. GMAT (for MBA): N/A. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at Aalto University?
- 2-year residence permit to seek work after graduation (Finland). You can typically also work part-time while studying: ≈30 hrs/week average.
- What documents do I need to apply to Aalto University?
- Typically: Transcripts, Motivation letter, LORs, CV, IELTS / TOEFL, Proof of funds (~€6,720/yr), Admission letter, Passport. Check program-specific requirements before applying.