Aalto University Excellence Scholarship 2027: Finland Tuition Waiver Guide
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Aalto University Excellence Scholarship |
| Host university | Aalto University, Finland |
| Study level | English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes; this guide focuses on master’s admission |
| Award type | Competitive tuition fee waiver |
| Coverage | Aalto states Excellence Scholarships are granted in the form of tuition fee waivers; official page describes full tuition waiver awards for top applicants |
| Living costs | Not covered; Aalto says students need at least €800/month from own resources |
| 2027 master’s application period | 7 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 |
| Application method | Apply for scholarship inside the master’s admission form by answering “yes” to the scholarship question |
| Official pages | https://www.aalto.fi/en/admission-services/apply-to-masters-programmes and https://www.aalto.fi/en/admission-services/scholarships-and-tuition-fees |
Aalto University is one of Finland’s top destinations for technology, business, art, architecture, design, and multidisciplinary master’s programmes. For autumn 2027 entry, Aalto states that the master’s application period will run from 7 December 2026 to 5 January 2027, with final instructions to be published in autumn 2026.
For wider Nordic planning, compare this with `/finland-scholarship-2027-guide`, `/university-of-helsinki-scholarship-2027`, and `/kth-scholarship-2027-sweden`.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition waiver | Aalto Excellence Scholarships are tuition fee waivers for fee-paying students |
| Competition basis | Awarded to top applicants according to programme evaluation criteria |
| Living expenses | Not covered; Aalto says students need their own living-cost funds |
| Application form | Scholarship request is part of the degree application form |
| Timing | You cannot apply before or after the admission application period |
| Results | Scholarship and admission decisions are issued together |
Aalto’s official scholarship guidance is clear: the scholarship helps with tuition, not living expenses. The university says living costs must be financed independently and references at least €800 per month as the applicant’s own financial responsibility.
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicant liable to pay tuition fees.
- Apply to an English-taught Aalto master’s programme during the official application window.
- Meet the programme’s academic and language eligibility requirements.
- Apply for the scholarship as part of the admission application form.
- Answer the scholarship question during the application period; late scholarship requests are not accepted.
- Submit all required documents before the official document deadline once published for the 2027 cycle.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are not liable to pay tuition fees.
- You forget to request the scholarship on the application form.
- You try to apply for the scholarship after submitting or after the application period closes.
- You rely on the scholarship to cover housing and living costs.
- You are admitted from a waiting list; Aalto states applicants admitted off the waiting list cannot receive a scholarship.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose up to two Aalto study options
Aalto allows applicants to choose and rank study options. Read the evaluation criteria carefully because scholarships are awarded to top applicants according to programme evaluation.
Step 2: Prepare academic and language documents
Aalto evaluates complete applications only. Prepare degree documents, transcripts, language proof, translations, portfolio if required, GMAT/GRE if required for your business programme, and programme-specific documents.
Step 3: Complete the Studyinfo application
Aalto uses Finland’s Studyinfo system. For the 2027 intake, Aalto states the application period will run from 7 December 2026 to 5 January 2027.
Step 4: Answer “yes” to the scholarship question
This is the critical step. Aalto says eligible tuition-fee-liable applicants apply for the scholarship by answering “yes” to the scholarship question on the application form. You cannot apply later.
Step 5: Prepare living-cost funding
Even a full tuition waiver does not cover rent, meals, insurance, travel, equipment, or residence-permit financial requirements.
Comparison Table: Finland Scholarship Options
| Scholarship | Coverage | Deadline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aalto University Excellence Scholarship | Tuition fee waiver; living costs excluded | Jan 5, 2027 application close | Top Aalto master’s applicants in tech, business, design, architecture |
| University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme | 50% or 100% tuition waivers | Jan 19, 2027 application close | Master’s applicants to Helsinki international programmes |
| Finland Scholarship / university routes | University-specific tuition/living components vary | Jan 2027 admission windows | Non-EU applicants comparing Finnish universities |
| KTH Scholarship | Full tuition in Sweden; no living costs | Jan 15, 2027 | Sweden-first applicants with sustainability focus |
Insider Tips
1. Treat the scholarship checkbox as a deadline item
If you do not request scholarship consideration during the application period, Aalto says you cannot apply afterward.
2. Rank options strategically
Scholarships are study-option-specific. Your programme choice and evidence must match the evaluation criteria.
3. Do not depend on waiting-list movement
Aalto states applicants admitted off the waiting list cannot receive a scholarship. A strong on-time application matters.
4. Budget beyond tuition
Finland living costs, housing deposits, winter clothing, insurance, and arrival expenses should be planned before you accept an offer.
5. Check autumn 2026 instructions
Aalto says 2027 admission instructions will be published in autumn 2026 and may be subject to change. Recheck before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2027 Aalto master’s application period?
Aalto states that the application period for studies beginning in autumn 2027 will run from 7 December 2026 to 5 January 2027.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Eligible tuition-fee-liable applicants request scholarship consideration on the master’s application form by answering “yes” to the scholarship question.
Does the Aalto Excellence Scholarship cover living costs?
No. Aalto says Excellence Scholarships are tuition fee waivers and students must cover living costs from their own resources.
Can I apply after the deadline?
No. Aalto states the scholarship must be applied for during the application period and cannot be applied for before or after.
Are scholarship decisions appealable?
Aalto states that according to the Universities Act, scholarship decisions cannot be appealed.
Timeline Table
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Sep-Nov 2026 | Confirm Aalto 2027 admission instructions and programme criteria |
| Dec 7, 2026 | Aalto 2027 master’s application period opens |
| Dec 2026 | Complete Studyinfo form and answer “yes” to scholarship question |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Application period closes for autumn 2027 entry |
| Early 2027 | Documents and evaluations proceed under official schedule |
| Admission results | Admission and scholarship decisions are issued together |
| Autumn 2027 | Start studies if admitted and funding is sufficient |
Your Action Plan
1. Shortlist Aalto programmes and read evaluation criteria.
2. Confirm whether you are liable to pay tuition fees.
3. Prepare documents before 7 December 2026.
4. Complete the Studyinfo application and request scholarship consideration inside the form.
5. Build a living-cost funding plan separate from tuition.
6. Compare University of Helsinki through `/university-of-helsinki-scholarship-2027`.
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