Student Guide

Master's Programme in International Design Business Management

For Aalto students
This site contains the student study guide for the Master's Programme in International Design Business Management. Here you will find the programme curriculum as well as detailed guidelines for planning your studies. All the materials and instructions are for the students in the programme. If you are interested in applying to the programme, follow the links at the bottom of the site to the application page.
Are you an applicant? View programme pages for applicants

Master's Programme in International Design Business Management (IDBM) is jointly organized by all the Schools of Aalto University: School of Arts, Design and Architecture, School of Business, School of Chemical Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering and School of Science. The programme is coordinated by the School of Business.

IDBM educates students with arts, business and engineering backgrounds to make better business with meaningful innovations and design, providing a strategic view into design-intensive businesses management. Graduates of the IDBM programme will be able to drive innovation and lead initiatives to undertake new business ventures within global environments.

Academically rigorous and practice-oriented IDBM programme prepares students to lead and collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams. The objective is to gain knowledge in multiple disciplines and to learn to connect one's own disciplinary expertise to a wider multi-disciplinary design business framework. During a six-month long real-life industry project students explore and develop innovative product, service and business concepts. Projects are coached by multi-disciplinary faculty and expert industry tutors.

The global approach of IDBM program prepares students to work in multi-cultural settings and collaborate across national and cultural boundaries. On the practical level, the global aspect refers to the continuous development of international networks through student selection, industry cooperation, research activities and study exchange.

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Unite! Seed Fund 2026: Open for applications

The 2026 Unite! Seed Fund call is officially open, offering funding across three strategic lines: Student Activities, Teaching and Learning, and Research and PhD. Deadline for applications is 20 March 2026.
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The Unite! Seed Fund call for 2026 is now open for students. Apply now for up to €20,000 per project, involving at least two Unite! Universities. Deadline for applications is 20 March 2026.

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UniSport services at Aalto University in spring 2026

Group excericise classes and free break excercise for students and staff at Aalto University.
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Many new things at UniSport this spring - see what’s coming!

The new year at UniSport starts energetically and brings plenty of new offerings for Aalto University staff and students – including pilates at Undergraduate Centre, plans for the Viikki sports centre, a free challenge, and much more.

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Summer Job Day 2026

During this live event, arts, design, technical and business students meet employers offering summer jobs.
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Aalto Readers' Club

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Theses & Tomatoes: Start your studies with Pomodoro

Join us for guided studying and pick up tips for more effective work during Pomodoro sessions!

How to apply

International Design Business Management, Master of Science (Technology)

IDBM is a pioneering and renowned study programme that truly embodies the vision of Aalto by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design or technology.

IDBM student explaining a concept to IDBM Impact 2018 event visitors

International Design Business Management, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

IDBM is a pioneering study programme that embodies the vision of Aalto University by integrating design and technology with global business development.

IDBM students at IDBM Impact showcasing a digital solution

International Design Business Management, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

IDBM is a pioneering and renowned study programme that truly embodies the vision of Aalto by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design or technology.

IDBM students gathered around a table and drawing

Tuition fees 

Tuition fee for tuition-fee students in this programme:

  • Study right started on or before 1 August 2024: 15,000 EUR / academic year
  • Study right started on or after 1 August 2025: 17,000 EUR / academic year

For more information, please see the Tuition fees and scholarships webpage in the Student Guide.

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