What the funding covers
- The full tuition fee, for three years of a bachelor's or two years of a master's.
- It continues during exchange or internship periods.
- Living costs are not covered; Aalto says to plan for at least €800 a month.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee: €15,000 to €20,000 a year for a master's, €12,000 to €15,000 for a bachelor's | The scholarship, in full, if you win it |
| Living costs in Finland, at least €800 a month | You; the scholarship does not cover them |
Who can apply
- Tuition-fee-liable students, generally citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA.
- Selection is on merit and is competitive, and a programme may decide not to award any.
- You must study full time with an approved personal study plan.
- Applicants admitted from a waiting list cannot receive one.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality except citizens of the European Union, the EEA countries outside the EU and Switzerland.
Documents you will need
- Your Aalto application, with the scholarship option chosen, by 5 January 2027.
- The application documents your programme asks for, uploaded by 12 January 2027.
How to apply
- Apply to your Aalto master's between 7 December 2026, 9:00, and 5 January 2027, 15:00 (UTC+2).
- Choose the scholarship option on the application form during that period. You cannot get a scholarship if you did not apply for it then.
- Upload all application documents by 12 January 2027, 15:00 (UTC+2).
- Results come on 30 March 2027 at the earliest; bachelor's applicants should check Aalto's own bachelor's admission dates.
Before you apply: things to know
- It is not automatic: forget the option on the form and you cannot get it.
- Missing documents after 12 January 2027 mean your application is rejected as incomplete.
- Without the scholarship, a master's costs €15,000 to €20,000 a year at the rates Aalto lists.
Common questions
Is the Aalto Excellence Scholarship a full waiver?
Yes. Aalto says the scholarships are awarded as tuition fee waivers that cover the full tuition fee, for the normal length of the degree. They do not cover living costs.
Is it automatic?
No. You must select the scholarship option on your admission application during the application period.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Jan 5, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 13, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Oct 27, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 10, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Nov 24, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 8, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 22, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Dec 29, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 5, 2027Deadline