Aalto University
Aalto University is one of the top universities in the Nordic region, and its School of Arts, Design and Architecture has a long history dating back to 1871. The university is particularly renowned for its contributions to architecture and design, drawing inspiration from the unique Nordic architectural style and the works of Alvar Aalto. It is part of the Nordic Five Tech (N5T) alliance, strengthening its position as a leader in arts, design, and architecture education in the region.
Related Program List
Aalto University offers a wide range of architecture and related programs, which are mostly under the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture or the School of Engineering. Below are some of the frequently applied programs for students in architecture and related fields:
School of Arts, Design, and Architecture
- Department of Architecture
Master's Programme in Architecture
Degree: Master of Science (Architecture) - Duration: 2 years
Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning
Degree: Master of Science (Landscape Architecture) - Duration: 2 years
Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning
Degree: Master of Science (Architecture) - Duration: 2 years
Master's Programme in Interior Architecture
Degree: Master of Arts (Art and Design) - Duration: 2 years - Department of Design
Master's Programme in Creative Sustainability
Degree: Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration) - Duration: 2 years - School of Engineering
Building Technology
Degree: Master of Science (Technology) - Duration: 2 years
Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering
Degree: Master of Science (Technology) - Duration: 2 years
Admission Requirements
- Architecture - Bachelor's degree in Architecture or equivalent.
Good communication skills in visual formats and writing.
Academic performance evaluation based on portfolio, which should reflect:
Strong representation skills and technical skills.
A developed understanding of architecture in relation to its context.
The ability to create adequate spatial conditions and dynamics.
Motivation letter to assess the applicant’s commitment to studying at Aalto University. - Urban Studies and Planning – M.Sc. Degree in Landscape Architecture
Master's degree options:
From the University of Helsinki: Master of Science (natural sciences, environmental sciences), Master of Arts (humanities), and Master of Social Sciences.
From Aalto University: Master of Science (Architecture), Master of Science (Landscape Architecture), and Master of Science (Technology).
Specialisation in Landscape Architecture: Requires a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (or equivalent).
To fulfil the landscape architecture degree requirements, students must follow the prescribed structure of studies and select elective courses accordingly. - Urban Studies and Planning – M.Sc. Degree in Architecture
The field of architecture intersects technology and art. Students must have:
Good knowledge in architectural construction, structural design, and building physics.
Ability to apply this knowledge to shape living environments through space creation, atmospheres, and social conditions.
Evaluation criteria:
Relevant prior degree in Architecture.
Quality of the application, particularly the portfolio.
Academic performance.
Motivation and commitment, as demonstrated in the motivation letter.
Second stage evaluation: Aptitude based on the interview. - Creative Sustainability
Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied science in Finland or from a higher education institution abroad. - Interior Architecture
Eligible applicants must have earned a Bachelor of Arts or completed equivalent studies.
Evaluation criteria: Competence and suitability for the program. - Building Technology
Degree from a university or higher education institution recognized for high-quality education and research.
Academic performance should be mainly very good or excellent.
Motivation and commitment to the program should clearly align with the study option. - Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering
Degree from a university or higher education institution recognized for high-quality education and research.
Academic performance should be mainly very good or excellent.
Motivation and commitment to the program should clearly align with the study option.
Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic:
Overall score of 6.5.
Minimum 5.5 in Writing. - TOEFL:
iBT (Internet-based Test): Minimum score of 92, with at least 22 in Writing.
PDT (Paper-Delivered Test): Minimum scores of 22 in Reading, 22 in Listening, and 24 in Writing. - Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A):
Overall score of 62, with at least 54 in Writing. - Cambridge English Qualification:
C1 Advanced (previously called Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, CAE): Scores of A, B, or C.
C2 Proficiency (previously called Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, CPE): Scores of A, B, C, or Level C1.
Application Materials
Paper Documents to be Sent by Postal Mail or Delivered in Person:
- Certified copy of a Bachelor's degree certificate.
- Original official transcript of study records or a certified copy.
- Authorized translations of the degree certificate and transcript (if not in Finnish, Swedish, or English).
- Original official transcript of study records (or a certified copy) and a certified copy of any other higher education degrees to be considered for admission. Translations required if not in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
- Portfolio (paper format) for architecture and landscape architecture programs.
- Copy of a valid passport.
- Study-option-specific documents (e.g., portfolio, CV, motivation letter).
Electronic Documents:
- Portfolio (electronic version in PDF format) for certain programs.
File size: 1.0 GB max.
File name format: Portfolio-Lastname-Firstname.pdf.
If the portfolio contains password-protected video links, include the passwords within the portfolio.
Specific Requirements for Certain Programs:
- Master's Programme in Architecture:
Portfolio including CV and motivation letter to be submitted by postal mail. - Master's Programme in Interior Architecture / Master's Programme in Urban Studies and Planning:
First stage: Portfolio including CV and motivation letter to be submitted by postal mail.
Second stage: Interview (in-person or via Skype) for selected applicants. - Master's Programme in Creative Sustainability:
Phase 1: GMAT score (or comparable GRE score), study success, motivation letter, and CV.
Phase 2: Interview. - School of Engineering (Additional Documents Required):
Motivation letter and CV.
Important Notes
Application Limits:
- You can apply to a maximum of two study options.
- If applying to two programs, you only need to submit one set of application documents. However, for study-option-specific documents (e.g., motivation letter), you must submit these separately for each program if both require them. Check the specific study option pages for more details.
Application Preparation:
- Start your application well in advance and allow sufficient time for mailing any paper documents. Submitting only the electronic application form is not enough.
- It is highly recommended to apply and submit all documents as early as possible to avoid any delays.
- Two-Stage Evaluation Process for Art and Design Programs:
- Some art and design programs may have a two-stage evaluation process.
- After the first evaluation, some applicants will be invited to the second stage, which typically consists of an interview.
- Interviews may be conducted via phone or Skype for international applicants.
- Note: Programs taught in Finnish/Swedish may require physical presence for entrance exams (e.g., Kuvataidekasvatus program).