Aalto University 
[Finnish] Aalto-yliopisto 

Multi-Departmental Agreements 
Partner Affiliation: School of Arts, Design and Architecture 

Aalto University was established in 2010 as a result of the merger of three universities: Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Aalto University is named after the leading Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto.  

The University of Art and Design in Helsinki, founded in 1871, was the predecessor of Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture, which has an inter-departmental exchange agreement with the School of Design and Graduate School of Design. It is one of the leading research institutions in Finland and is world-renowned in the field of “industrial design”. 

The School of Art, Design and Architecture has five majors: Film, TV and Scenography, Media, Design, Architecture and Arts, with a strong interdisciplinary approach to innovation education. The building was renovated in 2018 and is now accessible by subway from the central station. The School of Engineering conducted a problem-based learning educational program in collaboration with domestic companies at the Design Factory (TKK). 

Please click here for more information about the exchange programs (In Japanese only)

Name of University and Department	Aalto University, School of Arts Design and Architecture
Department Available for Student Exchange	School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Exchange Programs	The final registration to courses takes place after you have arrived, and therefore you might have to change your study plan once you start your studies.
Semester/Academic Calendar Autumn term	– Orientation: August 26 – September 1, 2024 – Period 1: September 2 – October 20, 2024 – Period 2: October 21 – December 8, 2024
Nomination Deadline	During March(Acceptable until the beginning of April)
Application Deadline for Host University (Partner University)	March 15 – April 15
Application Deadline at School of Design, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University	March 15
Semester/Academic Calendar Spring term	– Period 3: January 6 – February 23, 2025 – Period 4: February 24 – April 13, 2025 – Period 5: April 14 – June 6, 2025
Nomination Deadline	Required (October 6)
Application Deadline for Host University (Partner University)	September 15 – October 15
Application Deadline at School of Design, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University	September 15
Application Procedure	Submit a 200-word in English (or 400 characters in Japanese) summary of the following information to Professor Hirai via e-mail. (hirai@design.kyushu-u.ac.jp) – Desired period of exchange study (6 months or 1 year) – Reason for applying – English proficiency (self-evaluation or score if available) *Please be sure to contact Prof. Hirai at least one month before the deadline.
Language Proficiency (English)	Although no official test records of English are required, the expected level of English proficiency is equivalent to B2 on the CEFR scale, in all aspects (listening, speaking, writing and reading).
Remarks	Undergraduate: Finnish Graduate: English
Number of Exchange Students	3
Department and Professors in Charge (Professors with “(*)” is primary in charge)	<Department of Strategic Design> – (*)Professor HIRAI Yasuyuki
E-mail of Professors	Prof. HIRAI: hirai@design.kyushu-u.ac.jp

(Updated on February 1, 2024)