Who has more than whom, and why? What are the costs and benefits of different environmental policies to deal with global warming? What are the causes and effects of unemployment? Throughout its history, economics has sought to understand how the world works and create an environment where individuals and nations thrive. It is an exciting discipline for students interested in politics, history, international affairs and consumer behaviour – while not forgetting logic and mathematics. To find out more about economics as a subject matter, check out the free online textbook, The Economy, by the Core team, that we use in our first-semester course. We also provide a free online course, Talouskurssi.fi, in Finnish for secondary school students.
After completing the Bachelor's Programme in Economics, you will have:
Eeva Hietamäki, Analyst, Compass LexeconStudying Economics was one of the best decisions of my life, giving me the tools to apply my knowledge in a variety of fields.
In the Bachelor’s Programme in Economics, the language of instruction is English. If a student wishes, they may take some electives and/or minor studies in Finnish.
The tuition fee for this programme is 12 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.
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.
The Bachelor’s Programme in Economics lasts three years and comprises a total of 180 ECTS. The programme is organized as full-time studies and teaching is organized as contact teaching on campus (except for a few exceptions).
In the first year, students are introduced to the major through basic studies in economics and quantitative methods. There is a strong emphasis on mathematics throughout the year. A course example from the first year is the Global Challenges course, which deals with critical societal challenges such as the causes and consequences of economic inequality, the economics of an ageing population, economic effects of immigration, climate change and trade wars.
Students will dive deeper into economics in the second year and choose a minor according to their interests. The studies also include sequences in mathematics and programming taught at the Aalto School of Science. Thus, we draw on the core competencies of Aalto University, particularly the ones at the Business School and the School of Science.
The final year is dedicated to elective courses and the Bachelor's seminar, during which students write their BSc thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. There is also room to gain international experience during the program by spending a semester abroad at one of the Aalto partner universities.
You also have the opportunity to complete your minor studies (30 ECTS) at an official exchange programme partner school of Aalto School of Business.
To find out more about the courses and degree requirements, visit the Aalto Student Guide (aalto.fi)
Upon completing the basic studies, students prepare their personal study plan with the help of a supervising professor. The study plan helps students to direct their studies and make choices according to their unique interests, goals and life situation. For example, a minor in data science combined with a major in economics provides an excellent background for a career in consulting or as an economic analyst.
Most students continue their studies in the Master's Degree programme in Economics at Aalto University School of Business or other Master's Degree Programmes at the Aalto University School of Business. The Department of Economics also has a strong track record of helping students to enter some of the most prestigious graduate programmes abroad.
Our professors are internationally renowned scholars who have worked in some of the best universities worldwide. Economics bachelor students will gain internationally recognised qualifications and knowledge that build an excellent foundation for an international career or continuing academic work at leading universities around the world. As a part of their studies, students have a chance to spend a semester abroad at one of the Aalto partner universities.
Aalto University is international by nature, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad each year. Program administrators, active student tutors and student support services work rigorously to help international students integrate into the Nordic culture and feel at home in Finland.
After the Bachelor’s degree, students automatically have the right to continue studies in a Master’s Programme at Aalto University School of Business. If a career in research or academia interests you, then the Master’s in Economics is a great foundation for further opportunities.
Economics opens up opportunities to pursue a career in major national and international institutions that demand rigorous analytical reasoning and data analysis. Graduates of the Master’s Programme in Economics typically become analysts, consultants, advisors, policymakers or researchers in their first jobs. Examples of possible workplaces include The European Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, major data-driven technology companies and NGOs.
Aalto University has well-established career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Thanks to the flexible curriculum, many Aalto students work already during their studies and guarantee themselves entry positions before graduation. There is also a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, working as a springboard for founding a company. Finally, if an academic career is of interest, Economics Master’s programme is a very good foundation for a PhD in economics.
Research at the Department of Economics is particularly focused on the economics of competition and innovation, labour markets, energy and environment, cities and urban economics, mechanism design and microeconomic theory.
As a field of study, the programme in economics encompasses a wide range of subfields. Thus, the programme provides an excellent basis for further studies in economics or other quantitatively oriented fields, and the programme is in close collaboration with the Aalto School of Science.
The programme is also part of the Helsinki GSE – The Best in Economics Combined, bringing together Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics, and University of Helsinki. Students have the opportunity to interact with students from other universities as well as include courses outside of Aalto University in their elective studies.
Aalto University is well-known for bridging disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the university bring students from different fields under one roof. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
Maija Keskinen Data Analyst, Finnish Tax AdministrationStudying Economics at Aalto has landed me in my dream job: Making an impact on our society through evidence-based policy-making.
Aalto University is located in Otaniemi, ten minutes away from the Helsinki city centre. The brand new campus, with its cutting-edge facilities near nature, is a cosy home base for over 12,000 students. These bright minds meet each other not only during their studies but also at multiple recreational events and activities. Hundreds of different student clubs and associations related to culture, sports and other hobbies are active – something for everyone, as an attendee and organiser. Overall, everyday life at the campus is filled with inspiring encounters among students, professors, personnel and companies looking to hire.
The Bachelor's Programme in Economics also welcomes you to an inspiring and warm-hearted study community. Our student organization Aalto University Business Students (KY) offers countless different hobbies, experiences and lifelong friendships as a counterbalance to studies. In addition, each major has its own subject club, through which you can get to know students with the same major even outside the classroom.
Do you want to study in the Nordics in Finland? At Aalto University science and art meet technology and business. We believe in the power of curiosity and encourage our students to explore the unknown as well as to learn and do things in a whole new way.
Finland’s excellent reputation in education, combined with a wide range of courses offered in English, makes Finland and Aalto University an attractive study destination for international students.
The School of Business alumni community offers possibilities for lifewide learning, networking and contributing to our School's mission: Better Business - Better Society. Join our alumni community!
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Elina Yrjänäinen
In case of programme-specific questions and inquiries, please contact the programme coordinator Elina Yrjänäinen.
https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/bachelors-programme-in-economics
Admission Services
If you have questions about the admission process, please contact Aalto university Admission Services.
https://www.aalto.fi/en/admission-services/contact-information-for-aalto-university-admission-services