Aalto University Summer School

Aalto University Summer School

Everything you need to know about Summer School! Make this summer unforgettable and experience the best of Aalto University and Finland under the Nordic summer sun.
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Photo: Mikael Niemi

The application period for summer 2026 is open

At Aalto University, we are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative and sustainable future.

Aalto University Summer School offers courses in cutting-edge topics, with a focus on future-led teaching and interactive learning methods that emphasise collaboration with industry and society.

Each course is complemented by a social programme where participants from all summer school courses can easily network and connect in a relaxed environment. The social events and extracurricular excursions allow you to get to know the unique Finnish culture, nature and history through authentic experiences. 

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Find a course you like for this summer

Get a taste of arts, business and technology all at one campus.

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Nordic Design Futures

Design thinking is a problem-solving methodology that helps organisations and individuals to identify challenges and create solutions in many industries. This undergraduate-level summer course explores the Nordic aspect of design, emphasising sustainability and ecological thinking, as well as functionalism and critical design.

Aalto University Summer School
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Designing Brand Strategy

Join an intensive course focused on branding and design thinking. This project-based course allows students to work in small teams to redesign the brand of Finnish companies and product lines.

Aalto University Summer School
People in a room using VR headsets, with a large screen displaying a virtual environment in the background.

Introduction to Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence

Learn how to conceptualise, design and prototype real VR experiences through artificial intelligence tools in this highly practical intensive summer course.

Aalto University Summer School
Artistic impression of quantum-limited heat conduction of photons over macroscopic distances. Credit: Heikka Valja.

Introduction to AI and Machine Learning

Explore the future of technology! In this two-week intensive course, participants will dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with a special focus on Large Language Models (LLMs).

Aalto University Summer School
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Human-Centered UX Design

Human-centered design plays an important role in a wide range of applications, particularly in start-ups and the development of new services. Why create something that the end user will not want? This course focuses on prioritising human needs and experiences in the development of technological innovations, ensuring that products and services are tailored to their needs.

Aalto University Summer School
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Happiness Science from Finland

This course is designed for anyone curious about the science behind well-being, happiness, and work-life balance. Discover practical ways to improve your own life while exploring the unique perspectives of Nordic and Finnish approaches to happiness.

Aalto University Summer School
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Nanotechnology – Introduction to Molecular Programming

Discover the future of computing and nanotechnology this summer. Learn how DNA, RNA, and proteins can be engineered to sense, adapt, and build, unlocking new possibilities in smart materials, soft robotics, and next-generation biomedical technologies.

Aalto University Summer School
Mies ja kannettava tietokone. Kuva: Aalto-yliopisto / Petri Anttila

Introduction to AI-Enabled Wearable Technologies

This course explores the foundations of wearable technology and how it shapes healthcare, fitness, and everyday human–computer interaction today. You will learn how sensor data, signal processing, and intelligent algorithms work together to create responsive, personalised systems.

Aalto University Summer School
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English for Impact and Innovation

Become a confident English speaker this summer! Learn how to use English as a tool for shaping ideas, inspiring creativity and creating meaningful impact.

Aalto University Summer School
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Change Management for Digital Transformation

Implementing change during uncertain times is an essential competitive skill in today’s business environment. Develop expertise in stakeholder collaboration and digital platform transformation, and learn how to lead people effectively through periods of rapid change.

Aalto University Summer School

Hear it from our alumni

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Summer School alum story: How Finnish happiness found its way to Japan

Summer School in Happiness Science gave Junko Motohashi a reason to slow down and reflect on her
personal life and career.

News
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Summer School Alum Story: “If you’re interested in game design, there’s no place like this”

Aaron Misra from Mumbai, India, joined the Game Design course by Aalto University Summer School in July 2025.

News
People at a VR event, some are wearing the VR headsets and and holding the motion controllers

Summer school students showcased immersive virtual reality prototypes at demo day

One of the first-ever Summer School undergraduate courses let students design their own immersive virtual reality experiences.

News
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Summer School alum Suvi: “Successful brands don’t just wing it”

We spoke with Summer School alum Suvi Valtonen-Kim, a Korean-Finnish design student in her senior year, based in Hong Kong.

News
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Summer School Alum Story: Different perspectives on AI results in endless possibilities

Arjun Krisha, a construction engineering student from India, attended the Introduction to AI and Machine Learning summer course by Aalto University Summer School.

News
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Summer School Alum Story: Why diversity and inclusion matter – learnings from this summer

This summer’s course shows students that no organisation can afford to overlook its commitment to this topic, neither now nor in the future.

News

Aalto’s Global Recognition for Academic and Innovation Excellence

Aalto University proudly ranks 6th worldwide in Art & Design and secures a place within the top 100 in numerous other disciplines across international university rankings. According to the latest QS Rankings, Aalto stands 39th globally for graduate employability and 53rd for social and environmental impact—both the highest in Finland. These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence, innovation, and making a meaningful difference in the world.

Get to know Finland and our Social Programme

Summer School is not all about academics – having fun and making new friends are equally important.

Students of the Radical Creativity Summer School course exploring Somenlinna Sea Fortress.

Get to know Finland through Summer School

Gain new friends and experience the best Finnish summer has to offer.

Aalto University Summer School
Aalto University Summer School networking event

Summer School social programme and events

Get to know your coursemates and Finland through engaging extracurricular activities and social events organised by the Summer School team.

Aalto University Summer School

Practical Information and Travel Arrangements

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Travel arrangements for Summer and Winter School students

Learn about the guidelines for visa application and budgeting for your stay during the summer course.

Aalto University Summer School
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Information for Summer and Winter School Applicants

Get to know the application guidelines and tuition fees.

Aalto University Summer School
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Safety in Finland and on campus

Finland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world.

Aalto University Summer School

This is Aalto University

Contact us

 Summer School team

Summer School team

We will get back to you as soon as possible! At the office from Monday to Friday.
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