Aalto University in 2025: strong results in research, education and innovation activities

Aalto University published its Annual Review 2025 including highlights of the year as well as Annual Board Report and Financial Statements.  

In a rapidly changing world, the role of universities in renewing society has become increasingly important. Aalto University continued to strengthen its impact in 2025 by advancing internationally recognised research, high-quality education, and the vibrant innovation ecosystem grown around Aalto.

The academic performance remained strong, and Aalto University kept its first place among Finnish universities and was ranked 114th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings. Its art and design field continued to rank among the very best in the world. These results reflect Aalto’s long-term commitment to excellence and its ability to combine science, art, technology and business in a unique way.

In research, one of the highlights of the year was the launch of ELLIS Institute Finland, a world-calibre research hub in AI and machine learning coordinated by Aalto.

As an education provider Aalto University has now an even broader impact on societal renewal. In 2020, Aalto began increasing its student intake to respond proactively to a growing shortage of new talent in its fields. This is reflected in a significant increase in the number of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 2025. In addition, course offering and number of participants in lifewide learning activities increased notably.

One of the most important initiatives in education was introducing a new multidisciplinary bachelor’s programme where students will choose their own field only during their studies. The first students in the new programme will start their studies in autumn 2027.

‘Economic growth requires innovation and entrepreneurship, in addition to an educated workforce. In 2025, we invested in student-centric entrepreneurship and research-driven innovation, establishing the Aalto Founder School for students and the Aalto Inventors programme for researchers. These efforts seek a renewal of the corporate landscape and the formation of new industries to spur economic growth. Aalto has already been a major force behind the creation of such rapidly developing fields as the Finnish space industry and quantum business; indeed, these would not exist were it not for Aalto,’ says President Ilkka Niemelä. 

Some highlights from the annual review

• The number of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees grew significantly. During 2025, 1 938 (1 732 in 2024) students completed a bachelor’s degree, 2 797 (2 258) a master’s degree and 266 (281) a doctoral degree.  
• The number of doctoral degrees is being accelerated by a national doctoral education pilot funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, launched in 2024–2025, through which the university was awarded funding for 178 additional doctoral students.  
• In 2025, a record 55 000 children, young people, teachers and parents across Finland took part in Aalto University Junior activities, such as workshops, events and courses. 
• 21 413 lifewide learners (17 599 in 2024) participated in the courses offered by Aalto University Executive Education, Aalto Open University Summer School and Fitech Network University
• Ten Aalto University research infrastructures were selected for the Research Council of Finland’s roadmap of national research infrastructures. OtaNano was also granted the lighthouse status.  
• Aalto was the only university listed among the Finnish organisations with the most patent applications, securing 5th (3rd) place overall with 56 applications. During 2025, the university processed 168 (147) invention disclosures and performed 17 (15) technology transfers to companies.  
• Aalto University had an overall index of 4.05, out of 5 in the Wellbeing at Work survey implemented jointly by Finnish universities. The average index was 3.93 across all universities. The share of international personnel in teaching and research positions continued to grow, reaching 51 (49) per cent.  
• At the end of 2025, the university had 446 (437) professors. Women accounted for 27 (25) per cent of the professors, while non-Finnish professors accounted for 30 (29) per cent of the total.

Financial key figures

• In 2025, Aalto University’s endowment portfolio provided EUR 42 (41) million to support education and research and delivered a return of 8,6%. This funding accounts for approximately 9% of the university’s annual budget. At the end of the year, the endowment funds’ capital amounted to EUR 1 591 million (EUR 1 498 million).  
• Aalto University Group’s total income was EUR 607 million (EUR 620 million) and total expenses EUR 511 million (EUR 518 million) main expense item being personnel expenses. The group recorded a net profit of EUR 96 million (102 million) for the financial year.
• The group’s balance sheet total was EUR 2 336 million (EUR 2 251 million). The increase in the balance sheet total is primarily explained by the increase in the value of the university’s endowment assets. 

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Read Aalto University's Annual Review 2025