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.

Summer studies

News

Mediterranean salad
Campus, Studies, University Published:

Respond to the quality survey on restaurants 9. - 15.3.2026

All respondents are entered into a draw to win, e.g. lunch tickets.
MyCourses activity
Incidents, Studies Published:
Studies Published:

Apply for a 2–6-month research internship in Japan!

Aalto's Master and PhD students can apply for a 2–6-month internship at the National Institute of Informatics (NII) in Japan.
A person working on a laptop at a desk with notebooks, pens, and another laptop nearby.
Studies Published:

Submitting theses for grading as PDF/A files

Theses are to be submitted in PDF/A format, as this ensures their long-term preservation. Use Aalto's thesis templates and carefully check your file's compatibility with a PDF/A format before submission.

Events

Spring time on campus. New leaves on trees in focus, green grass on the background. Sun is shining.
Campus, Other, Students

A feel-good event in Alvar Aalto Park

On Wednesday, March 11th, from 11 am to 2 pm, a feel-good event will be held during students' mental health week. Welcome!
OrangeCDL
Students

Career Design Lab: job search support

We will answer your questions about job hunting and provide feedback on your job application documents.
Student Guide, tapahtumakuva
Students

Beat the Blues: Friends and freetime fun

As the light increases, the Finnish spring and summer with it's various festivities approach. However, what to do if you don't know where to go and with whom? Beat the Blues event in March is dedicated to finding friends and enjoying the upcoming Finnish spring. Come and find friends for a shared adventure and share the best tips.
A yellow-coloured illustration with dandelions, a satellite dish and a student, as well as the words research and art, impact, and education.
For Aalto community Other, Students

‘This is Aalto’ community event 12 March – Year 2025 in figures and stories

The webcast link is available on this page - welcome to a community event open to all Aaltonians and hear about our achievements in 2025!

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.

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!