Aalto University Excellence Scholarships support outstanding non-EU/EEA students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s programs. This University offers a small number of scholarships to fee-paying students. Aalto University Excellence Scholarships are merit-based, and they are competitively awarded to the highest-achieving applicants. These scholarships are determined based on the program’s rigorous evaluation criteria. Furthermore, they are granted for the normative duration of the degree program, ensuring recipients have financial support throughout their studies. The normative study period is three years of full-time study for a bachelor’s degree and two years of full-time study for a master’s degree. The Aalto University Excellence Scholarships 2025 requires full-time study and studying according to the approved personal study plan.
Aalto University is proudly ranked 113th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence and global recognition. Moreover, these merit-based scholarships are designed to cover full or partial tuition fees, making high-quality education more accessible while fostering both diversity and innovation. Therefore, the Aalto University Excellence Scholarships 2025 presents a wonderful opportunity for international students eager to embark on a higher education journey in Finland. Importantly, the application deadline for this prestigious scholarship varies depending on the specific program, so applicants are encouraged to check the timeline carefully.
University/Institutions
Name: Aalto University
Place: Espoo, Finland
Ranking: Ranked among the top 200 globally by QS World University Rankings (2024).
Programs: Offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in engineering, business, arts, and design.
Duration: Varies; bachelor’s (3 years), master’s (2 years).
List of Scholarships:
- Aalto University Excellence Scholarship
- Discount for Early Acceptance
- Aalto University Scholarship for Master’s Students
- International Joint Degree Program Scholarships
- External Scholarships
- Fulbright-Aalto University Graduate Award
Study Areas of Aalto University Excellence Scholarships
Key areas include:
- Bachelor’s programs
Field of Business
Fields of Art and Architecture
Field of Technology
- Master’s programs
Field of Business
Fields of Art and Architecture
Field of Technology
Multidisciplinary programs
Aalto University Excellence Scholarships Benefits
- Aalto University awards Excellence Scholarships as tuition fee waivers.
- The scholarship covers the full tuition fee.
- Merit-based scholarships for academic excellence.
- The university grants scholarships for the normative period of study of the degree program.
- Career and networking opportunities through Aalto’s partnerships.
Benefits Not Included
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
Eligibilities of Aalto University Excellence Scholarships
- Open to non-EU/EEA students applying to degree programs at Aalto University.
- Only students who are liable to pay tuition fees can apply for Aalto University Excellence Scholarships
- Awarded based on academic merit, assessed during the admissions process.
- Aalto University Excellence Scholarships do not cover living costs. Students need to cover all living expenses (at least 800 euros per month) and other study related costs from their own financial resources.
Aalto University Scholarship for Master’s Students
- Available to students who graduate from Aalto University’s bachelor’s program and continue directly into a master’s program.
- Must have received the Aalto University Excellence Scholarship during their bachelor’s studies.
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Official academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
- Valid passport copy
Application Process
- Apply for admission to Aalto University through their official portal.
- Indicate your interest in the scholarship during the admission application.
- You can apply for the scholarship when you apply to Aalto University. The scholarship application is part of the application form for admission.
- Submit all required documents before the deadline.
- Await scholarship results, announced alongside admission decisions.
Tips for Successful Application
- Write a compelling motivation letter highlighting your achievements and goals.
- Ensure your academic records meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
- Submit all documents on time, and double-check for accuracy.
- Clearly demonstrate your alignment with Aalto University’s values and objectives.
Monthly living expenses
Examples of typical monthly expenses are listed here. If you need a proof of estimated expenses on a document, you can download the Certificate of Required Funds below this section.
| Accommodation | €250 – 450 | The rate for student housing. Renting from the private market is likely to cost from €600 upwards per month. |
| Transportation | €40 – 70 | The lowest rate is for 30 days of unlimited travel for students (not including doctoral students) on public transportation within the city of Espoo. The rate is higher if Helsinki is included. For more information, see Local transportation and travelling in Finland. |
| Food | €180 – 330 | Estimate includes one average priced student meal per weekday (€2,90 per meal in campus restaurants at the lowest) and groceries/other food at €40–60/week. |
| Phone | €20 – 40 | This is an estimated monthly price for a postpaid mobile phone subscription for local calling, texting and data transfer. A pre-paid phone card is often the easiest option. |
| Internet | €0 – 30 | Contracts with the student housing organisations HOAS/MOAS and the student union AYY include an internet connection (covered by the rent). If you need internet access in other accommodation, the cost will depend on where you live and how many roommates you share the service with. |
| Sports | €30 | This is an average monthly price for UniSport facilities. Note that the price per month is significantly lower with annual commitment. Private gyms generally charge more but may also offer student discounts. For further information on sport and exercise, see Support for Studying. |
| Entertainment | €50+ | Going out, eating out and socialising will have an effect on your finances even though many places offer student discounts. |
| Clothing | €30 – 50 | You may need to buy warm clothes, winter shoes etc. for the cold months if you are not used to winter at home. |
| Travel | €50+ | Exploring the regional attractions and other cities is of course voluntary but still worth budgeting for, as it is relatively cheap with student discounts. |
| Miscellaneous costs | €50 – 100 | Your budget should also include funds for spontaneous activities, one-off payments and regular costs like haircuts. |
| Total | €600 – 1200+ |
Why Choose This Opportunity?
Aalto University combines world-class education, cutting-edge research, and an innovative learning environment. The scholarships make Finland’s high-quality education accessible and encourage personal and professional growth in one of the safest and happiest countries globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for the scholarship after securing admission?
No, you must apply for the scholarship during the admission application process. - Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes, it can be renewed annually, provided you meet academic performance criteria. - Do I need a separate application for the scholarship?
No, indicating your interest during the admission process suffices. - What is the competition level for this scholarship?
It’s highly competitive, with emphasis on academic excellence and motivation. - Does Aalto University provide additional funding for living costs?
No, this scholarship covers only tuition fees. However, students can explore other funding options or part-time work opportunities.
Official Link for More Details and Application
Visit Aalto University Scholarships for detailed information and application guidelines.