Exchange with Aalto University
Espoo, Finland • Fall or Spring
Spring 2027 application cycle will open in the summer 2026
What is an ArtCenter Exchange Program?
Spend a term at one of ArtCenter’s partner institutions around the world.
Earn up to 15 transfer credits. You will pay ArtCenter tuition for the term and maintain your financial aid package as eligible. Housing and other expenses are additional.
Application Deadlines
March 1 — Fall term abroad
September 1 — Spring term abroad
How To Apply
Step 1 — Apply through Global Programs — no fee to apply
Submit your application through the Global Programs Application Portal.
Step 2 — Department Nomination & Partner University Application
If nominated by your department, you will then submit a second application directly to Aalto University.
Academics
Open to
Majors: Film • Fine Art • Product Design • Spatial Experience Design (SXD) /Environmental Design
Qualifies for the Designmatters Minor and Graduate Film.
Credit
Transfer up to 15 credits to ArtCenter.
Schedule
Fall term: early September – late December
Spring term: early January – mid-June*
*The spring term overlaps with the ArtCenter summer term. Students are not allowed to depart early from the Aalto exchange program and must take a leave of absence for the summer term.
Eligibility
• Have completed at least four undergraduate terms or two graduate terms prior to the term away
• Have at least one term remaining at ArtCenter after returning
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Not be on academic or disciplinary probation at the time of application
If you are not sure if you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements, you are still welcome to apply.
Cost
Administrative fee
After you are nominated by your department and accepted by the exchange university, you will pay a $250 fee to ArtCenter Global Program to confirm your participation.
Tuition
Tuition for this exchange program is the same as full-time ArtCenter tuition for the term, including financial aid as eligible.
Additional estimated expenses to consider
• Housing (varies by location)
• Round-trip international airfare: up to $1,500
• Passport: $135
• Visa (if required) and student residence permit (if required)
• Supplemental health insurance policy if required by the location
• School project supplies (as needed)
• Daily living expenses (meals, transportation, etc.): $500–$600 per month, varies by location and personal budget
Financial aid and scholarships are not available from the exchange institution.
Additional scholarships may be available from outside sources: artcenterstudyaway.com/pay-for-study-away
About the program:
Aalto encourages enthusiastic, student-centered learning and emphasizes creativity and critical thinking.
Aalto’s students produce human-centered living, well-being, learning, and working environments.
The School of Arts, Design, and Architecture prepares students to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
Its approach combines artistic and technological skills across disciplines such as:
Communication designers, Environmental designers, Industrial designers, Design leaders
Film, set, and photography professionals, Architecture professionals, Art teachers, Visual art professionals,
Artisan masters, Applied arts researchers, Interior design architects, Trend analysts.
Connections & Partnerships
The school has active links to the surrounding society, business and industry, and the culture sector.
Partners include the best Finnish and international universities and centers of expertise.
Learn More
For more information about Aalto University:
Visit the Aalto Arts website
Watch the video overview
See a virtual campus tour
View information for exchange students
Watch the info session recording
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Aalto is located in Espoo, Finland, a city in the greater Helsinki area.
About Helsinki
Capital of Finland
Located on the shore of southern Finland
The largest Finnish city with a population of over 600,000
The city offers
One of the most livable cities in the world
Rich cultural heritage
Numerous islands, forests, and greenery nearby
Lively food and design scenes
Its unhurried attitude and self-deprecating sense of humor make Helsinki dynamic and exciting, while still maintaining a small-town charm.
The city is a sea town at heart, marked by bays, inlets, and islands, with natural beauty and welcoming people.
Here, you can read “21 reasons to love Finland”.
Still have questions?
Use our online calendar to schedule an appointment!