Bachelor's Programme in International Business – FAQ

The Bachelor’s Programme in International Business is offered at the dynamic Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus, close to Helsinki city centre and surrounded by a booming start-up ecosystem and large multinational firm HQs.

Yes, it is. In case you want to visit the campus and receive a tour around the school premises as well as a chance to ask questions about the programme from one of our students, please fill in the survey on this page: https://www.aalto.fi/en/visiting-aalto-university/campus-tours-for-prospective-students 

The Bachelor's Programme in International Business is a three-year programme. If one wishes to continue to the Master’s programmes offered in Aalto University School of Business, the combined normative duration of the studies is 5 years.

All students of the Bachelor's Programme have International Business as their major. International Business introduces an international aspect to the different fields of business; courses relate to for example marketing, management, accounting and finance.

Students who are not citizens of the member states of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarships are granted in the form of a tuition fee waiver. The best applicants who are liable to pay fees may be granted scholarships.

More information here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/admission-services/scholarships-and-tuition-fees 

The next application period for studies starting in fall 2026 is held from 7 to 22 January 2026 (Admission Groups I-III).

Admission to the Bachelor's Programme in International Business is organised through Aalto University's application to English-taught bachelor's programmes. Submit the online application form in the Studyinfo.fi system during the application period. You can submit only one application form. 

→ Application form

You are eligible to apply for the programme if you have completed a diploma that gives you eligibility to university studies in your own home country. More details can be found on our admission criteria page.

It does if it gives you eligibility to apply for university-level studies in your own home country. It does not matter where you come from or what is the formal title of your diploma, if you can apply to universities in your home country with the diploma, you can apply to the Bachelor's Programme in International as well.

No official proof of English skill level is required. However, because English is the language of instruction, it is essential that all participants are prepared to understand rapid, idiomatic English spoken in lectures and group discussions. The university does not offer preparatory language courses before the beginning of studies.

The applicants in admission groups I and II need to complete the SAT or the ACT test. In Admission Groups I and II, the SAT or ACT results are sufficient proof of language proficiency.

If you have completed a Finnish matriculation examination diploma, an IB or EB diploma or an RP/DIA diploma in Finland, you may apply in admission groups II and/or III. Admission in group III is based on high school diploma grades, and in group II on SAT or ACT scores.

If you have not completed one of the four diplomas mentioned above but have completed such a degree that gives you eligibility for university studies, you belong to admission group I, where admission is based on the SAT or ACT test scores. If you have

one of the high school diplomas mentioned above and you have also completed the SAT or ACT test, your scores will automatically be considered in both admission groups II and III.

The SAT test is organised by the College Board, an American organisation founded by universities and colleges. The SAT test tests mathematical, writing and critical reading skills.

Please note that SAT tests can be fully booked before the final registration date, so make sure to register for the test well in advance, because they are organised only a few times per year. Aalto University does not organise SAT tests or answer inquiries concerning the tests. More information on the SAT test can be found at http://www.collegeboard.org/.

The ACT test is a standardised test used for college admissions in the United States. It can be used as an alternative to the SAT test. The ACT test tests mathematical, writing, critical reading, and science skills.

Please note that ACT tests can be fully booked before the final registration date, so make sure to register for the test well in advance, because they are organised only a few times per year. Aalto University does not organise SAT tests or answer inquiries concerning the tests. More information on the ACT test can be found at https://www.act.org/.

The SAT test must have been taken accordingly:

• Only SAT tests completed on 1 January 2024 or after will be considered in the 2026 admissions.
• The applicant must achieve a minimum total score of 1200 for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics sections on the SAT test.

More information about taking the SAT test and the delivery of the results to Aalto University can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/admission-to-the-bachelors-programme-in-international-business-bachelor-and-master-of-science-in 

The SAT test must have been taken accordingly:

• Only SAT tests completed on 1 January 2024 or after will be considered in the 2026 admissions.
• The applicant must achieve a minimum total score of 1200 for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics sections on the SAT test.

More information about taking the SAT test and the delivery of the results to Aalto University can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/admission-to-the-bachelors-programme-in-international-business-bachelor-and-master-of-science-in 

Lowest accepted scores 2025:

You can find admissions statistics for the previous years here.

Unfortunately, the Bachelor's Programme in International Business does not accept students based on Open University studies.

Unfortunately, the Bachelor's Programme in International Business does not accept transfer students.

Unfortunately transferring directly from a foreign university is not possible. You may, however, apply for our programme through the normal applying procedure and after admission get some of your courses transferred as a part of your studies, if their workload and content match the courses offered at Aalto University School of Business.

Unfortunately no. An Aalto University School of Business student with a right to study in one of the Aalto University School of Business bachelor’s programmes may not apply for transfer to any other bachelor's programmes in the field of business.

After acceptance, students may apply for student accommodation from the Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki region, HOAS, and Aalto University Student Union, AYY. Student apartments typically cost between €300 – €600 per month, depending on the location and type of accommodation (shared vs. single).

You can also try to find accommodation from private markets. Private apartments can be found from Vuokraovi and Oikotie. Renting privately can be more expensive, ranging from €700 – €1,200 per month in Helsinki.

The orientation week for students starting their studies in the fall semester of 2025 begins on 24.8.2026. More information here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/bachelors-programme-in-international-business-mikkeli/starting-your-studies 

All necessary information about the orientation week, events and your tutors will be sent to you by mail by our Aalto BIZ Learning Services during the summer. Studying beforehand is not required.

The student association for the programme, Probba ry, organises a lot of events for the students throughout the year, including the orientation week evening events. Probba: https://www.probba.org/ 

Additionally, the programme has its own student clubs that organise events regularly, too, such as our sports club, SkiBBA or culinary club, Baba’s Kitchen.

The student association for Aalto University School of Business, organises many student-led clubs and activities as well that thrive in the university setting. KY: https://www.ky.fi/ 

Working on free time is the student’s own choice, but studying should be kept as the priority. There are some part-time jobs suitable for students offered by the local companies. The university also hires students each year to work for the school.