Aalto University Fully Funded PhD 2026 in Finland (No Tuition Fees + €3,400 Salary)

1. Programme Overview

Institution	Aalto University
Established	2010 (merger of Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics, and University of Art and Design Helsinki)
Location	Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland (Helsinki capital region)
QS World Ranking	#114 (2026) — #1 in Finland
Type	Public research university
Students	~15,000 degree students; ~20% international

2. Funding

There are no tuition fees for doctoral studies at Aalto — for any nationality.

Funding comes through employment contracts, not scholarships:

• STEM fields (most common): You are hired as a salaried university employee. You receive a monthly salary (typically €2,200–€3,400 gross), social security, healthcare, and pension contributions.

• Arts, Business & Design: You apply for a study right first, then secure funding — through a department position, grant, or external source after admission.

Note: A salaried position does not automatically give you a study right. You still need to apply to a doctoral programme separately. Open positions are listed at aalto.fi/en/careers.

3. Eligibility

Academic: You need a relevant Master's degree — either a 3+2 Bologna-system degree, or a degree of at least 4 years that includes a Master's-level thesis.

English language (minimum scores):

Test	Overall	Writing
IELTS Academic	6.5	6.0
TOEFL iBT	92	22
PTE Academic	62	54
Cambridge C1/C2	Grade A, B or C	—

If your previous degree was fully taught in English, you may be exempt. Check with your programme before arranging a test.

4. Application Deadlines (2026)

Programme	Application Period	Decision By	Status
ARTS	10 Feb – 3 Mar 2026	2 Jun 2026	Closed
BIZ	11 Dec 2025 – 8 Jan 2026	19 Feb 2026	Closed
ENG	28 Jan – 5 May 2026	May 2026	Open now
ENG	4 Jun – 8 Sep 2026	Sep 2026	Upcoming
ENG	9 Sep – 3 Nov 2026	Nov 2026	Upcoming
SCI	Rolling (monthly, except July)	Next committee	Rolling
CHEM / ELEC	Via open salaried positions	Varies	Check the careers page

ARTS and BIZ 2026 rounds have closed. The next rounds are expected to open in late 2026 / early 2027.

5. How to Apply

1. Find a supervisor — Contact a professor directly before applying. Without a confirmed supervisor, your application will not proceed. Browse researchers at research.aalto.fi.

2. Prepare your documents — Master's degree + transcripts, CV, research plan, language test score, and your Master's thesis abstract.

3. Apply via Studyinfo.fi — Apply to only one doctoral programme per round.

Official page: aalto.fi/en/doctoral-education/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-studies