International Business, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

Description

The Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in International Business is a globally recognised programme that delivers a comprehensive education in the competitive, fast-changing field of international business. 

This programme is designed for students who want to connect their strong business skills and international fluency with the large-scale challenges society is facing today.  

During your studies, you’ll build a solid foundation in the core areas of business: marketing, accounting, management, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. The focus is on practical applications, teamwork and creativity. You will learn how and why business decisions are made, and how businesses operate in real-world contexts. Your coursework will emphasise collaboration with your fellow students, faculty, outside companies and other organisations on real-life cases. 

You’ll graduate with: 

• A solid foundation across key business areas, with a focus on international business. 
• A strong set of analytical and practical skills to find, interpret, visualise, and use data to make evidence-based decisions. 
• The expertise to develop international business strategies and models. 
• The skills to manage projects from planning to execution, communicate persuasively, and collaborate effectively in international teams. 
• An understanding of how key actors and institutions – like governments, multinational companies, international organizations, and NGOs – function together in modern society. 

You’ll be joining a tight-knit community of international, forward-thinking business students. By the time you graduate, you will be equipped with a strong set of business skills and the network behind you to succeed in a competitive career in the private sector, with an NGO or government institution, or a founder pushing for societal change. 

Language of instruction

In the Bachelor’s Programme in International Business, the language of instruction is English. Before entering the programme, you should already have a good command of written and spoken English – and your lectures and group work will challenge you to further improve your proficiency.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Aalto University’s tuition fee for School of Business Bachelor’s programmes taught in English is 12,000 euros per academic year. Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than those of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.

More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.

Structure of studies

This programme has been developed together with Aalto faculty, current students, alumni, and our partner companies, ensuring it reflects the current practices and tools used in international business.  

You’ll be studying with a small group of about 80 students. Teaching emphasises practical work, collaboration and creativity through real-life business cases, group discussions and projects, teamwork, and presenting. You can also broaden your expertise beyond business by taking courses from other Aalto schools in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or art and design.  

In total, the programme is 180 ECTS, and most courses are 6 ECTS. Your studies include: 

Fundamentals of Business Knowledge, 66 ECTS 

Language and Communication Courses, 17 ECTS 

Courses in Major, 56 ECTS 

Minor Subject Studies (study abroad period), 24 ECTS 

Elective Studies, 17 ECTS 

Total: 180 ECTS 

The programme will last three years, followed by an automatic study right for a 2-year M.Sc. degree provided by the Aalto University School of Business. 

In year one, you’ll focus on building your foundation in business fundamentals together with the international business cohort. 

Year two will be spent deepening your understanding of international business and shaping the direction of your studies through one of the major’s functional theme packages.  

You will also complete your bachelor’s thesis. 

The first half of year three is when you will take your international exchange at one of Aalto’s partner universities. When you return in the spring, you will complete the capstone course, which brings together all your learning and expertise and prepares you to continue your studies or begin your career. 

Specialisations

This bachelor’s programme focuses on a single major: International Business. The concentration of the studies in your major depends on the functional theme package you choose – either global supply chain, entrepreneurship, marketing, or people management.  

Aalto University is world-renowned for its courses in design at the School of Art, Design and Architecture, and as a start-up hub. You can also apply to the newly launched Aalto Founder’s School, which includes mentoring from some of the leading tech founders in Europe. 

You can see all courses – and theme packages – in the major in the Student Guide. 

Internationalisation

You’ll be working across nationalities and cultures throughout your studies, on everything from real-life cases to projects and presentations. When it comes to teaching faculty, Aalto University is one of the most international universities in Europe. 

An exchange semester is also included in the programme for all students. The tuition fee covers the exchange studies and a travel grant to one of our more than 150 partner universities around the world. 

Further study opportunities

Graduating with your bachelor’s in international business gives you the automatic right to continue to master’s level studies at the Aalto University School of Business. 

 
You also have the option of applying to the top-ranked, international and practice-oriented CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) programme. CEMS offers a fast-tracked, one-year programme in collaboration with a network of top business schools, multinational companies and NGOs. 

Aalto Master’s Programmes 

CEMS Master in International Management 

Career opportunities

Aalto University School of Business is an internationally recognised business school that will give you the tools to succeed across a wide range of business fields. Our previous bachelor's graduates have had successful careers and progressed into leadership roles in positions across the fields of international business, marketing, sustainability, social media, IT and more.  

Typical career paths include: 

• International project manager 
• Business development manager 
• Marketing manager 
• Consultant 
• Entrepreneur or early-stage startup hire 

Research focus

During your second year of studies, you’ll carry out thesis research on a topic that sparks your interest with help from an academic advisor.  

Ongoing research at the Aalto School of Business  

Co-operation with other parties

This programme is tightly connected to the business and startup environment in Helsinki, with many of the largest companies in Finland headquartered just a few minutes away from campus. Working with outside companies and organisations through the capstone course, business cases and real-life projects will be a key pillar of your studies. 

You’ll also have opportunities to engage with visiting professors, industry experts and alumni who visit for guest lectures, events, and discussion of topical themes like technological developments, geopolitics and the global business environment. 
 
Aalto also offers optional programmes with a strong practical and collaborative focus, including: 

Aalto University Information Technology Program (ITP). ITP is a summer minor program (24 to 30 ECTS in 3 months) that brings together students from around the world to tackle real-world digital business challenges. ITP sharpens your skills and prepares you for the future of work. It’s also an opportunity to connect with companies, demonstrate your talent and open doors to potential career opportunities. 

Aalto Founder School. A highly selective 3-month project sprint that teaches you how to found and build a startup, with support from leading European entrepreneurs. 

A spirited student life 

Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus is a thriving hub of students from the fields of business, art, science and technology. Helsinki city centre is just a 15-minute metro ride away, where the bustle of a European capital city, beautiful nature, and the sea exist side by side. 

This programme’s small study cohort and focus on teamwork means you’ll get to know your fellow students and professors well. Outside the classroom, you’ll spend your time within a global community of people from various backgrounds. The Otaniemi campus is well-known for its thriving activities and student-led clubs, like Probba and KY.

Contact information

Aalto University School of Business

In case of programme-specific questions, please contact the programme.

programmes-biz@aalto.fi

Admission Services

If you have questions about the application and admission processes, you can reach out to Aalto University Admission Services.

admissions@aalto.fi

https://www.aalto.fi/en/admission-services/contact-information-for-aalto-university-admission-services