Our strategy
Aalto University's future is built upon a foundation of high-quality research, education, impact and shared values – responsibility, courage, and collaboration. The purpose of the university is to shape a sustainable future.
International academic collaboration
Discover the global side of Aalto through the internationalisation measures, international partnerships and networks, and international services.
Internationalisation is an integral part of all activities, services, and operating principles at Aalto University and plays a significant role in enabling the university to rise further towards a world-class university.
Internationalisation strengthens the quality of research, education, innovation, artistic activities, and societal impact of the university and enriches the diversity of the science community.
Internationalisation plays a key role in Aalto University’s ability to fulfill its national, value-based, and ethical responsibilities and broadens the possibilities to contribute towards the betterment of the world.
Aalto University supports and promotes:
- Internationalisation of research and education
- International mobility of students and staff
- Development and coordination of international academic partnerships
- The enhancement of the global competence of students and staff
- Integration of international students and staff into the Aalto community and Finnish society
- The visibility of the university in relevant international contexts
Our partner universities
Aalto University has a wide range of partner universities around the globe. Have a quick look at our mobility partners by searching through the link:
Internationalisation of teaching and learning
Promoting international teaching and studying is a central element in Aalto University strategy.
Aalto University's international networks
Aalto University belongs to a wide range of international partnerships, networks and alliances with a university-wide scope. Each of the international partnerships, networks and alliances have a specific focus that supports Aalto University’s strategy, especially regarding shared research and education.
Global engagement team
Global engagement team is the international, collaborative, and multidisciplinary section of Aalto University that strengthens the university’s internationalisation internally and globally in the three Purpose Areas of education, research, and impact.
Internationalisation in numbers
Since 2010, the number of our international faculty, staff, and students has constantly increased. The share of international professors has risen from 9% in 2010 to 27% in 2022.
- 27% international professors
- 44% research and teaching personnel
- 26% master's degree students
- 40% doctoral candidates
- 72% post-doctoral candidates
Top 5 countries of origin for
- Incoming exchange: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands
- Outgoing exchange: Sweden, Austria, Germany, France, and Norway
How do we operate?
We are committed to the best practices that support the long-term development of internationalisation for Aalto university.
Code of Conduct - Values into practice
The Aalto University Code of Conduct is one way of putting our values and way of working — the foundation of our community culture — into practice
Aalto Avenues to internationalisation
Aalto Avenues to internationalisation crystallise the key internationalisation elements in the strategy of Aalto University.
University Partnership Advisory Group
University Partnership Advisory Group (UPAG) supports and guides the preparation and implementation of international affairs at the scope of the university. The group discusses and prepares issues that require a university-wide position, policy line, and recommendations for the leadership and decision-making body of the university.
Highlights and events
The Spring Forum for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Finland
The Finnish National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus) and the higher education institutions (HEIs) in Finland organise an annual Spring Forum (Kv-Kevätpäivät) for international affairs.
The Scholars at Risk network protects researchers from harassment and violence
Aalto University is one of the founding members of SAR Finland, a section of SAR international established by the Finnish universities.
President Ilkka Niemelä appointed as Unite! Vice President
Unite! European University Alliance will strengthen its leadership with two new Vice Presidents. Aalto University is one of the nine partner universities in the alliance founded in 2019. Unite! is building a new European university model.
Unite! European University Alliance starts its new era advancing a digital and green Europe
Unite! has closed its pilot phase and launched the new phase to implement sustainable, concrete and beneficial outputs advancing a digital and green Europe.
Key contacts for international academic collaboration
We provide various services relevant for the internationalisation of Aalto from diverse units in the university. Please find the contacts that best suit your needs from the list below.
