Aalto University

Ukraine war

On this page, we will gather information on how Russia's invasion of Ukraine affects Aalto University’s operations. We will update the contents regularly.

Aalto University condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and expresses its support to Ukraine and its academic community. We strive to provide various forms of support to those affected by the war. We expect every member of our community to act according to our values, appreciating and respecting each other, taking a cooperative and responsible approach. We have zero tolerance for all forms of hate speech and harassment.

Read more detailed information

We have ensured that the work and studies of Aalto’s Ukrainian employees and students will not be interrupted during the war. We are also in contact with Russian and Belarusian members of our community to provide support.
Regardless of the critical situation and our nationalities, we are all members of the Aalto community where every individual is equally important and valued. We expect every member of our community to act according to our values, appreciating and respecting each other, taking a cooperative and responsible approach. We have zero tolerance for all forms of hate speech and harassment.
The financial situation of many Aalto students has become or will become more difficult due to the war. We are currently investigating the support needs of each of them individually.
If a student has been admitted to an English-medium degree programme in spring 2024, and they have entered Finland having received temporary protection and are liable to tuition fees, they may, on humanitarian grounds, apply for the Aalto scholarship. This applies to students who did not receive a Category A scholarship on academic grounds. More detailed information and instructions on this page.
We will adhere to the travel advice of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs which is calling for people to avoid travel to Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. We will actively work to find alternative exchange places for those who have planned to go on a student exchange in these countries. The exchange coordinators of each school will provide further assistance in this matter.
Aalto University has established a coordination group for Ukraine-related matters, chaired by the president. The group coordinates the actions Aalto University will take in response to the situation in Ukraine and is in charge of the related communications and cooperation with our partners and the authorities.

We offer scholarships and study rights without fees to Ukrainian degree students and degree students who have received asylum from Ukraine. The study right entitles the student to complete individual courses (or study modules, e.g. minors), but not a degree. Most of the courses offered in English are on master's level. Applications for the study rights can be submitted from 12th of June 2023 to 30th of August 2024. Applications for scholarships for the non-degree studies can be submitted from 13th of October to 30th of November 2023. The scholarships cover the spring term 2024. Further scholarship rounds may be announced, subject to available funds, in June 2024.
Aalto University collects donations to be used for scholarships to help these students cover their living costs during studies in Finland. Read more.
Aalto has launched two open online courses on Finnish working life and entrepreneurship for Ukrainians. The free courses are ín Ukrainian language and introduce Finnish working life, career-building and how to launch a business in Finland. Read more.
Aalto University is offering researchers forced to leave Ukrainian universities due to Russia’s invasion the chance to continue their academic work at Aalto. The application process for one-year visiting scientists’ positions continues, and a few researchers have already started their work. The positions offered will go to altogether about 20 researchers. See the recruitment announcement here.
The Academy of Finland has opened a call for researchers from Finland to invite a researcher from Ukraine to Finland. Read more on the Academy's website.
Our alumni community has expressed their strong support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. The Aalto alumni network board has asked the alumni for ideas on ways to help people in need.

Aalto University follows the recommendation of the Ministry of Education and Culture to refrain from all cooperation with Russian partner organisations. We will not initiate new projects and existing cooperation will be suspended for the time being. Read more on this internal page.

Should you face any problems or questions arising from the situation at work or during your studies, please write to [email protected]. A multi-professional team will read and treat all messages from students and staff on a confidential basis.
The staff may also contact occupational health care or the HR Services of their school or unit.
Students may contact the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), the learning services of their school or the Starting Point of Wellbeing.

Watch recording of the discussion between Professor of Practice Jarno Limnéll and F-Secure's Chief Research Officer Mikko Hyppönen. English subtitles to be added.

8.3.2022 11:00 – 11:45 Events

Banner of cyber war event on 6 April with yellow pattern on blue background

Professor of Practice Jarno Limnéll and Chief Research Officer Mikko Hyppönen continue their discussion on the cyberwar in Ukraine. Watch recording of the event.

6.4.2022 11:00 – 11:45 Events