Admission Services

Non-degree studies, Exchange Studies, Studies under the flexible study right agreement (JOO)

Aalto University believes that education must offer more possibilities than ready-made solutions.
Erillisopinnot, vaihto-opiskelu, JOO-opinnot ja sisäinen liikkuvuus

Non-degree studies

Non-degree studies enable studies at Aalto University without a right to complete a degree. Persons living in Finland may apply for non-degree studies at Aalto University. The purpose of non-degree studies is to improve one's professional skills by taking courses in one's own field.

Please check the school-specific instructions below, and find out about the courses in the information system Sisu (https://sisu.aalto.fi) or learning environment MyCourses (https://mycourses.aalto.fi/?lang=en)

The fee for non-degree studies is 15 euros/ECTS.

The non-degree study right is course-specific, i.e. the courses applied for are listed on the application. If the study right is granted, the applicant can complete only the courses he/she has applied for. Please send a separate application to courses organized by different schools of Aalto.

It is also possible to take Finnish language courses as non-degree studies, for instance, if you work at Aalto University or in one of the partnering research institutions, such as VTT. These applications must be sent to Aalto University Language Centre: [email protected].

Please note! Application form (pdf) for non-degree studies is at the end of this page.

Remember also to explore what open University has to offer: http://avoin.aalto.fi/en/

Exchange studies

We are also very pleased to welcome students from our partner universities to study as exchange students at Aalto. Aalto University is an internationally recognised university. Its research and students have had, and continue to have, a positive global impact. This means, for instance, that international mobility is considered a natural part of life for all members of Aalto.

Outgoing exchange students

As an Aalto University student, you have excellent opportunities become more internationally orientated and globally competent during your studies. You can study or find a work placement abroad, take part in teaching provided in English or work actively in multicultural partnerships and projects. This allows you to gain knowledge and skills that will benefit you into the future.

As you gain international experience, you gain expertise that is beneficial for both your personal and professional life. You can learn foreign languages and get to know other cultures; enhance your employability with skills gained by working in an international environment and discover alternative ways of studying, working, thinking and living in general. In addition, the friends and contacts you make abroad will contribute to your life being wonderfully rich and diverse.

The university provides you with easy access to an exchange abroad. The Schools manage exchange agreements with top universities of their field. You are guided and instructed in choosing a suitable destination, and your exchange is also supported by scholarships awarded for exchanges abroad.

Studies under the flexible study right agreement (JOO)

Based on a national agreement on flexible study rights (JOO), a student who has a right to complete a degree at a Finnish university (home university) may apply for a fixed-term right to pursue studies at another Finnish university (target university). The flexible studies must be included in the student's degree at the home university. Students may apply for a JOO study right for an individual course or module (e.g. a minor). The agreement covers both graduate and post-graduate students.

Aalto University has two application periods for JOO studies.

  • 1–30 April: for courses that are held during the next academic year (autumn, spring).
  • 1–31 October: for courses that are held next spring. 

Doctoral students can apply at any time, but it is advisable to apply within the application periods, preferably during the term before the course begins. At the latest, apply four weeks before the course registration begins.

Courses offered

Schoof of Engineering, Schoof of Chemical Engineering, Schoof of Electrical Engineering, Schoof of Science: you may apply for all courses, provided you fulfil the prerequisites. Prerequisites of courses can be seen in the Sisu information system.

School of Business and School of Arts, Design and Architecture: please see attachments at the bottom of the page.

How to apply

  1. The student fills in the electronic application form, also in 2024: https://openregistration.aalto.fi/?ff/en/JOO_2022
    - Please note! The obligatory appendices to the application are the transcript of records (either link to My Studyinfo transcript: https://opintopolku.fi/oma-opintopolku/ or transcript of records as a PDF attachment), and the endorsement of the home university, e.g. an e-mail approval from the planning officer or coordinator of student's study programme.
    - The studies applied for should be specified course by course.
  2. Aalto University's learning services will notify the student of the decision.
  3. If the decision is positive, the Learning Services will register the right to study and send instructions for starting studies.

Aalto University as home university

Students of Aalto University, who wish to apply for studies in another Finnish university, can find the relevant instructions under Other studies > Studies at other Aalto schools or in Finnish universities.

Language and Communication studies

The Language Centre is a university-level service unit responsible for providing education in languages and communication for both students and staff. The goal of the Language Centre is to provide all university students with such language and communication skills that give a strong foundation for success in both studies and in the world of work.

More information about language and communication studies

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