Guidelines on the languages of the degrees and instruction
Guidelines on the languages of the degrees and instruction (in force from 1 January 2024)
Language of doctoral thesis and degree
The majority of doctoral students at Aalto University complete their degree in English. The main language of instruction in our doctoral programmes is English, but a doctoral thesis can also be written and degree can be completed in Finnish or Swedish according to an individual plan (in the field of business and economics, only English or Finnish). Usually, the language of the degree is the language in which the doctoral thesis is written.
We encourage all doctoral students to develop their writing and communication skills in both the national languages and in English, regardless of their primary tongue.
We encourage all doctoral students to develop their writing and communication skills in both the national languages and in English, regardless of their primary tongue.
Aalto University General Regulations on Teaching and Studying define the regulations related to the degree language at Aalto University.
Changing the language of the degree and thesis
You can apply to change the language of your doctoral thesis and the degree on reasonable grounds. The change of language requires updating your doctoral personal study plan and getting the approval of your supervising professor.
Submit the free format application with shortly explained grounds for the change in writing to your doctoral programme, with your updated doctoral personal study plan, and confirmation by email from your supervising professor.
Degree certificate
The language in which you have completed each course will be described on your degree certificate.
If your degree language is English, you will receive two original copies of your degree certificate: one in English and one in Finnish/Swedish. If your degree language is Finnish/Swedish, you will receive one original copy of the degree certificate in Finnish/Swedish and an official translation in English.
Language of instruction
The main language of instruction for the courses offered is predominantly English. However, there is also a wide selection of courses which can be completed in Finnish or Swedish.
The degree requirements for doctoral programmes typically include only a few compulsory studies. The remainder of the studies consist of elective courses and independently completed personal study attainments. Course choices are highly individual, and the credits earned are intended to support both the student’s personal research and career goals.
The languages of instruction and completion of the available courses are among the factors influencing individual planning, and the doctoral student may emphasize them if they wish. Each doctoral student selects their courses in a Doctoral Personal Study Plan (DPSP), confirmed by their supervising professor.
Language guidelines
General language guidelines
Aalto University language policies and principles
Doctoral education services
We support the whole university in matters related to doctoral studies, especially doctoral students, supervising professors, thesis advisors and doctoral programme directors.
Doctoral page index
Index of all aalto.fi pages about doctoral education