Not the first choice, but in the end, the best possible one

Aalto University continues to offer study rights without fees at least still for the spring semester 2025 to university students from Ukraine whose studies have been interrupted by the war. While the separate study right entitles students to complete individual study units, not a degree, students may apply to Aalto University later for bachelor’s or master’s degree studies.

Good decisions

Making decisions on one’s future is never easy nor without a doubt, we all know that. But when you’re still in your teens and are settling to which country you’re moving your life to for the unforeseeable future and how to give yourself the best possible premise for your career, the difficulty factor only multiplies. Marharyta, however, trusted her gut and kept an open mind:

“In the beginning, Finland wasn’t number one on my list when mapping out my options. By chance I came across some information about the non-degree program and got interested. I contacted several universities but Aalto seemed the most favorable and suitable for me.“

Supportive campus and beyond

The non-formal approach to many aspects in life is something a lot of Finns take for granted, but the ease of asking also the so-called stupid questions and the approachability of authority figures, is something Marharyta lists as one of the main reasons she chose to stay here. 

“I like the open culture, that I can always email the professors even about the little things. I appreciate that teachers meet you in the level of a human being rather than highlighting the fact that there is a hierarchy difference. People understand circumstances. You’re here to learn, but sometimes life happens and then you have to deal with it. It’s not like we as students can come up with any excuse for turning papers in late, for example, but there’s a level on understanding and mutual respect. I really value that both at Aalto and in the Finnish society.“

Grateful and ambitious

Marharyta just started as a 2^nd year Digital Systems and Design in Science and Technology degree-student. The program teaches upcoming engineering leaders how to build digital systems that run the world. In this field particularly, the world needs driven people from different backgrounds who know to think fast and collaborate – Marharyta definitely fits the bill!

It is very clear that this impressive young woman is grateful for the opportunities given, and is ready to make the most of them. She’s not content to settle for the status quo but is looking ahead, setting goals for herself, and working towards them – the specifics might not be all clear, nor do they need to be, but it is evident that she wants to keep moving forward. 

“I don’t know what my future looks like. I don’t even know what my dream job would be. Can’t plan everything and perhaps that is for the best. I wouldn’t have been able to plan my experience at Aalto, none of this. And look how it all turned out!” 

Regards to the community

When asked about her sentiments towards the donors who had contributed to the grants, Marharyta has a plain answer: 

“Just simply, thank you! For me, the financial support has been a crucially important enabler. It has been an enormous help, not just for me but for my family. It has been like a burden lift of my shoulders that my family doesn’t have to worry: I have a roof above my head and food on my plate. I’m happy.”

Donation target closed

The university has been supporting Ukrainian students financially through tuition-free separate study rights and monthly scholarships since spring 2022. The tuition-free separate study rights will continue until the spring semester of 2026. The donation target for scholarships is now closed, and the remaining, already collected, funds will be paid to students based on applications in autumn 2025.