Ukraine war - Frequently asked questions

General

What is Aalto University's position on the war in Ukraine?

• Aalto University condemns Russia’s invasion to 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.  
• 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. 
   

Why has Aalto taken a strong stance on this war, but not on other wars whose victims also deserve our compassion and help? 

• With the war in Ukraine, we are now facing a particularly exceptional situation in Europe, which has raised strong will to help Ukraine and people there. Also the closeness of the war, and united actions in national and EU fronts require several actions from the university.

How has the university prepared for possible emergency conditions?  

• We have made provisions for emergencies and disruptions to normal conditions by keeping the Aalto University preparedness plan up to date. The plan includes steps to take concerning disruptions to the electricity and water supplies, civil defence shelters, accidents etc.   

Is it safe to study and work in Finland? 

• Yes. Finland is a well-functioning and safe country to study and work in, and life here goes on as normal. Finland has good preparedness and agility for responding to changing situations. The security situation is actively monitored, and no major changes are seen.

Support and help

How does Aalto University support its Ukrainian students and employees? 

• Learning services have increased service hours to help both Ukrainians and others in need.  

How does Aalto ensure that its Russian or Belarusian students or employees are not discriminated? 

• We are 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.

What is Aalto doing to help Ukrainian students and scientists affected by the war whose studies or research are interrupted by the war?  

• We offer study rights without fees to Ukrainian university students as well as 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 can be submitted until 11 June 2023.
• Aalto is collecting donations to the Ukraine Fund. Donations will be used for scholarships to help students cover their living costs during their studies in Finland. More information on this page, where you can also donate and find related frequently asked questions. 
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.  
• Our alumni community has also 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.  
• We will continue to employ of Ukrainian researchers already in Aalto according to the agreements. We have contacted all of them to find out if they need help. 
• The Aalto University Open University is offering studies without tuition fees for Ukraine citizens. The studies may be taken until 31 July 2023.

The coronavirus pandemic has already strained students' mental health, and now the war situation is also causing anxiety. What kind of help does Aalto offer to students in this situation?  

• Students may contact the Finnish Student Health Service, the learning services of their school or the Starting Point of Wellbeing.  
• Should you face any problems or questions arising from the Ukrainian 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.  

Where can employees get support and help in a situation that is distressing? 

• Staff members may contact occupational health care or the personnel services of their school or unit.
• Should you face any problems or questions arising from the Ukrainian situation at work, please write to [email protected]. A multi-professional team will read and treat all messages from students and staff on a confidential basis.
   

Applying, studies

What is happening to student exchanges with 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.  
• No new co-operation agreements will be signed with Russia or Belarus. This also applies to contracts that are renewable. 
• We do not accept nominations from Russian / Belarusian universities as new exchange students for Aalto (institutional cooperation). The situation will be considered separately for those who independently apply for a right to pursue non-degree studies (compliance with sanctions lists is obligatory).  

Can Russian citizens apply for and be elected to work at Aalto University in the future? 

• Russian applicants are in the same position as other applicants and are treated equally. We do not discriminate against citizens of any country on the basis of nationality or otherwise in the application process. Our recruitment process and career advancement opportunities are based on the requirements and abilities required for the position.  
• To work at Aalto, the compatibility of the applicant’s ancillary activities is assessed as part of the recruitment process.    
• The effect of sanctions must be taken into account in all of Aalto's operations. Aalto University complies with export restriction and sanction legislation. 

In the future, can Russian citizens apply for and be elected to study at Aalto University?  

• Russian applicants are in the same position as other applicants and are treated equally. We do not discriminate against citizens of any country on the basis of nationality or otherwise in the application process. 
• The effect of sanctions must be taken into account in all of Aalto's operations. Aalto University complies with export restriction and sanction legislation. 
   

Sanctions, collaboration

What will happen to Aalto University's cooperation with Russian / Belarusian research institutes and universities?   

• According to the recommendation of the Ministry of Education and Culture we will refrain from all cooperation with Russian partner organisations in higher education and science. We will not initiate new projects and existing cooperation between organisations will be suspended for the time being.  
• We will also monitor and adhere to decisions made internationally, such as any changes to restrictive measures or European exchange programmes. The EU will refrain from making any payments to Russian entities in respect of existing EU-funded research cooperation agreements.