Innovative Sustainable Energy Engineering (Nordic Master), Master of Science (Technology)
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Description
The term sustainable energy engineering comprises a wide array of practices, policies and technologies (conventional, renewable and alternative) aimed at providing energy at the lowest possible economic, environmental and social cost. Emphasis is placed on dealing with energy engineering tasks with due consideration of related technical, environmental and socio-economic issues.
Strong emphasis is also put on the innovative and entrepreneurial aspects of the energy society, especially with regard to how existing and new efficiency-improving innovations can be brought to market in different countries. The innovative aspects of the programme are related to both the advanced renewable energy concept in the Nordic countries as well as new businesses in the energy sector.
Students gain expertise in project design, implementation, operation and maintenance, as well as the crucial phases on policy generation. The studies also include research-oriented, in-depth training from the energy sector.
Language of instruction
The language of instruction of the programme is English.
Tuition fees and scholarships
The programme follows each university's own tuition fee policies. As a general rule, students who are not citizens of EU or EEA member countries are tuition fee liable, but can also apply for scholarships offered by universities. Read more about tuition fees:
The programme follows each university's own scholarship policies. As a general rule, students who are not citizens of EU or EEA member countries are tuition fee liable, but can also apply for scholarships offered by universities. Read more about scholarships:
Structure of studies
In this double degree programme, the student studies for one year at two different Nordic universities. Participating universities depend on the chosen study track. The length of the stu dy period in each university corresponds to 60 ECTS and the total degree amounts to 120 ECTS.
Specialisations
Nordic Master ISEE is a unique programme as it allows students to study and graduate from two different top-ranked universities. The programme has four study tracks:
- Bioenergy (KTH – Aalto)
- Energy Systems (Aalto – KTH)
- Heat and Power Engineering (Aalto – Chalmers)
- System Integration of Wind Power (KTH – DTU)
Objectives and courses of study tracks
The programme has four specialized study tracks, which are presented in more detail below. At the end of each description you will find a link to the curriculum and course descriptions.
Year 1 at KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Department of Energy Technology.
Year 2 at Aalto University: Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The Bioenergy study track provides state-of-the-art education in thermal conversion of biomass into power and biofuel production. Thermal conversion of biomass is considered to be one of the main methods to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and in replacing fossil carbon sources. This is due to the fact that biomass is a carbon neutral fuel as the emitted CO2 was previously captured from the atmosphere by the plants being thermally processed. Power generation technology from biomass can be achieved through different processes, for example, combustion, gasification, pyrolysis and combined processes, while biofuel production technology can be achieved through pyrolysis, gasification, fermentation and/or distillation process.
Second year studies at Aalto University include two modules, "Power Generation from Biomass" and "Bioenergy in Transport". Power Generation from Biomass module focuses on sustainable production of power from biomass, which includes all aspects related to bio-boilers principles, planning, structure and operation. Bioenergy in Transport module on the other hand focuses on the use and usability as well as combustion of bio-derived fuels in transport, where on-road, off-road and marine transport is covered. Also the basics of bio-fuel production principles are covered. Learning methods include lectures, literature, simulation exercises, excursions, seminars and group project work.
Learning outcomes:
- Student acquires a state-of-the-art education and training in the fields of sustainable power generation from biomass and biofuel; becomes familiar with the principles, planning, structure and operation of bio-boilers, combustion and gasification techniques in different types of boilers; obtains constructive knowledge in biofuel production, use, combustion and relevant environmental aspects.
- Student becomes skilled in calculation, simulation, design and analysis of thermal processes in bioenergy power plant through training in multidisciplinary problem analysis and solving (with emphasis on critical thinking).
- Combining theoretical and practical experience; close collaboration with industry during Master's thesis work and organizing excursions during the courses to provide versatile and hands-on knowledge about biomass technology.
Year 1 at Aalto University: Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Year 2 at KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Department of Energy Technology.
The Energy Systems study track derives from the understanding that affordable access to essential services underpins development, and energy fuels many such services. The "energy system" harnesses a resource and transforms it into energy carriers that are used in appliances and machinery to provide services. Furthemore, in order to provide services to current and future generations, the energy system itself needs to be sustainable, while taking into account that the system may impact and interact with the economy, the environment (including other physical resources or commodity systems) and society. That is why the effects of this impact and interaction should also be sustainably managed. An energy decision-maker is thus concerned with: (i) enabling appropriate, affordable and adequate service access; (ii) ensuring that the energy system can do so in a sustainable manner; and (iii) ensuring that the broader interactions between systems do not compromise the sustained development of the planet.
Learning outcomes:
- Student becomes exposed to the context, role and process of energy systems analysis for medium to long-term decision-making, technology and economic assessments; acquires skills to apply a range of standard energy analysis techniques to stereotypical problems; learns to design, implement and apply energy systems models to a given assessment.
- Student understands: why energy systems (rather than descrete energy technology) are important and how energy systems affect sustainability outcomes; the process of energy-environment-economic (3E) modeling: knowing why modelling is important, as well as who the stakeholders and decision-makers are; introduction to the formulation of accounting, econometric, input-output and optimization modeling; development of energy service and energy demand projections; characterization of resources, technologies, economic, policy, and other elements to be considered within the modeling process; the role of scenarios and assumptions (forecasting, backcasting and so forth) and the importance of transparency; the relationship between modeling and action (policy, investment formulation, technology development); typical model scopes, types and their application; assessment of limitations and dealing with uncertainty.
- Combining theoretical and practical experience; close collaboration with industry during Master's thesis work and organizing excursions during the courses to provide versatile and hands-on knowledge.
Year 1 at Aalto University: Deparement of Mechanical Engineering.
Year 2 at Chalmers University of Technology: Department of Space, Earth and Environment.
The Heat and Power Engineering study track meets the challenges set by global warming and depletion of fossil fuel resources by providing high quality education in advanced technologies and systems for an efficient, clean and competitive conversion, distribution and use of electricity, heating and cooling. Training is offered in the use of optimization and modelling tools for design and planning on the technical plant level (including state-of-the-art technologies) at the same as necessary knowledge on energy systems is given to gain perspective. The enormous transformations needed in the energy system in the future makes the competence and know-how provided by the training indespensible and highly valuable.
Learning outcomes:
- Students become skilled in analysis, optimization and design of combined heat and power plants as well as industrial heat processes, acquiring also knowledge on technologies for fuel conversion with reduced or zero CO2 emissions (biomass and waste conversion, carbon capture and storage technologies).
- Students acquire complementary knowledge on an energy systems level, which trains them to approach problem-solving in an interdisciplinary way.
- Students prepare for a professional career within the energy industry and power generation companies.
- Combining theoretical and practical experience; close collaboration with industry during Master's thesis work and organizing excursions during the courses to provide versatile and hands-on knowledge.
Year 1 at KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Department of Energy Technology.
Year 2 at DTU Technical University of Denmark: Department of Management Engineering.
The System Integration of Wind Power study track trains students to achieve a general and wide-ranging understanding of wind energy as part of the total energy system. Students gain specific knowledge on wind turbines, but also on the various technologies related to wind energy in a system context. Training combines socio-economic aspects of sustainable energy with relevant technical disciplines, such as measurement techniques, design of wind turbines, planning and development of wind farms, grid integration of wind energy systems and relation to smart grid development.
Learning outcomes:
- Students are equipped with skills needed to be able to analyse, design, develop and operate wind energy systems.
- Students prepare for a professional career within the rapidly expanding wind energy sector, including engineering companies and public bodies carrying out planning and development wind power and energy systems.
- Combining theoretical and practical experience; close collaboration with industry during Master's thesis work and organizing excursions during the training to provide versatile and hands-on knowledge.
Internationalisation
The programme is implemented in strong international cooperation with the Nordic5Tech partner universities, and international mobility is an essential part of the studies.
Further study opportunities
The programme qualifies for doctoral studies.
Career opportunities
After graduation, the student has two Master of Science diplomas from different Nordic universities, which opens up strong prospects for the job market on a global scale. As an Innovative Sustainable Energy Engineer, there are extensive opportunities for employment in international and domestic energy sector expert positions. Energy engineering companies have a growing need for future makers and an ever-increasing career potential to offer for specialists, not only in conventional energy technologies, but also in the growing business of renewable energies.
Research focus
The main focuses of Aalto University's energy engineering research:
- Energy efficiency plays a key role in solving challenges related to developing a sustainable future for human societies, highlighting the need to optimise energy systems of all sizes.
- Energy Conversion. Development of combustion technologies is central in reducing the emissions of energy production, particularly in the transition towards new biomass-based fuels. To this end, we utilise both empirical and computational thermodynamics.
Co-operation with other parties
The Nordic Five Tech universities participating in the organization of the programme are amongst the top international technical universities and maintain high academic standards, enabling students to pursue their spesific academic interest. Each university works closely with the local energy sector and companies.
Join our Nordic Master Webinar in November!
Nordic Five Tech (N5T) universities offer five excellent joint degree programmes in the fields of Energy, Environmental, Cold Climate, Maritime Engineering and Polymer Technology. In these programmes you earn two-for-one degrees and study in two Nordic countries.
In this webinar, you’ll get to hear and ask questions about the programmes, career opportunities, student experiences and how to apply. Meet professors, alumni, students and admission services in the webinar on 14 November 2024 at 16.00 (4 pm, UTC +2)! The webinar is held in English.
Admission 2025
The admission process is coordinated by Aalto University. Link to the application form (Studyinfo.fi) appears on these pages when the application opens. The application period for studies beginning in the autumn of 2025 runs from 2 December 2024 to 16 January 2025 (3 pm, UTC +2).
Admission timeline
December 2, 2024 at 9 AM (UTC +2) | Application period starts and online application form on Studyinfo.fi opens |
January 16, 2025 at 3 PM (UTC +2) | Application period ends and online application form on Studyinfo.fi closes |
January 23, 2025 at 3 PM (UTC +2) | Deadline for application documents to be uploaded to application form |
January – March 2025 | Eligible applications undergo academic evaluation |
Beginning of April 2025 | Admissions results published |
July 31, 2025 | For applicants who applied with an incomplete degree: Deadline for graduation |
August 15, 2025 at 3 PM (UTC +3) | Deadline for submitting certified copy of degree certificate |
End of August 2025 | Studies begin with orientation week at first-year university |
Who can apply?
The following requirements apply to all applicants regardless of study track. Please note that each study track still has also its own requirements and they are presented further down on this page.
- A BSc degree or equivalent corresponding to a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. Students in their final year of their Bachelor's studies are eligible to apply, provided they complete their Bachelor's degree by 31 July and submit the degree certificate (and official translation if needed) by the given deadline.
- The institution that has awarded the degree must be a recognized part of the official national education system of the country, i.e. to be listed as a degree-granting higher education institution by the country where it is located or by a relevant international organisation (such as UNESCO).
- The applicant's qualifications should include the following minimum requirements:
- A minimum of 20 ECTS credits of mathematics including linear algebra, calculus and differential equations.
- A minimum of 5 ECTS credits of statistics.
- Numerical methods and elementary programming using e.g. MATLAB or a similar programming language.
You can apply to the programme with an incomplete bachelor’s degree, provided that you will graduate by 31 July 2025. If you are accepted to the university, you must deliver a certified copy of your degree certificate by 15 August 2025 at 15.00 (3 pm, UTC +3). In case you are not able to graduate or fail to deliver your degree certificate by the deadline, your conditionally granted study right will be cancelled.
If you apply with an incomplete degree, note that it may not be possible to graduate during the summer months. You should look into the graduation schedules and requirements of your own faculty or school in advance.
Only studies included in an official transcript of records submitted with the online application form by the deadline can be taken into consideration in the evaluation. Updated transcripts or any studies completed after the deadline cannot be taken into consideration.
At Aalto University, a student may have only one valid study right towards a given degree. If the student accepts a new study right in a master's programme leading to the same degree (for example, Master of Science in Technology) at Aalto, the old study right will be cancelled.
Study track spesific requirements
A BSc degree corresponding to a minimum of 180 ECTS credits in one of the following fields: Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
Applicants must also document that they have fulfilled the following minimum requirements:
- Mathematics: 20 ECTS including linear algebra, calculus and differential equations
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer: 5 ECTS
- Energy & Environment: 5 ECTS
- Statistics and dynamics: 5 ECTS
- Fluid mechanics: 5 ECTS
- Materials science: 5 ECTS
Moreover, the applicant must have sufficient qualifications within numerical methods and elementary programming using e.g. MATLAB or a similar programming language.
A BSc degree corresponding to a minimum of 180 ECTS credits in an engineering field with a background of energy, economics and mathematics or equivalent.
Applicants must also document that they have fulfilled the following minimum requirements:
- Mathematics and/or statistics: 20 ECTS
- Energy and/or Environment-related courses: 10 ECTS
Applicants with knowledge of numerical methods and basic programming using e.g. MATLAB or a similar programming language will be given precedence for admission.
A BSc degree corresponding to a minimum of 180 ECTS credits in one of the following fields: Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry and Physics.
Applicants must also document that they have fulfilled the following minimum requirements:
- Mathematics: 21.5 ECTS including linear algebra, calculus and differential equations
- Thermodynamics: 6 ECTS
- Heat transfer: 6 ECTS
- Fluid mechanics: min. 5 ECTS
The applicant’s qualifications must include a strong working knowledge of mathematics and energy/thermal engineering.
Applicants with knowledge of numerical methods and basic programming using e.g. MATLAB or a similar programming language will be given precedence for admission.
A BSc degree corresponding to a minimum of 180 ECTS credits in one of the following fields: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other relevant BSc.
Applicants must also document that they have fulfilled the following minimum requirements:
- Mathematics: 25 ECTS including linear algebra, calculus and differential equations
- Statistics and probability theory: 5 ECTS
- Electric circuits/Circuit analyses: 5 ECTS
- Basics in control systems
- Basics in electrical machines
- Basics in fluid mechanics
Moreover, the applicant must have sufficient qualifications within numerical methods and elementary programming using e.g. MATLAB or a similar programming language. Students without this qualification must be prepared to complete these during the first year.
How to apply
The application period for studies beginning in the autumn of 2025 runs from 2 December 2024 to 16 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
The application consists of an electronic application form and a set of required application documents. Read the instructions for required application documents carefully.
Fill in the online application form in the Studyinfo.fi system during the application period. You can edit your application form within the application period. Application period ends 16 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Late applications are not considered.
All application documents must be uploaded to your application form before 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). The deadline cannot be extended. Documents submitted after the deadline will not be considered in any circumstances; the final deadline is the same for all applicants.
Admission Services reviews your application and the required documents for the general eligibility requirements. Only eligible applications proceed for the academic evaluation. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
The application form and links to it are available only during the application period. One applicant can have only one application form, do not fill in several forms.
- The link to the Application form (to Studyinfo.fi): APPLICATION FORM
Once you have submitted your online application form, you will receive an automatic confirmation email with a request to submit the required application documents. Your application is incomplete until the required documents have been uploaded to the application system.
The deadline for the application documents is 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). All documents have to be uploaded to the online application form before the deadline. Documents received after the deadline are not considered. If an obligatory application document is not submitted as required by the deadline, the application will be rejected as incomplete. We recommend uploading all the documents as early as possible.
Obligatory documents to be uploaded to the application form (in PDF format)
- Scanned colour copy of the original Bachelor’s degree certificate (This document requirement does not apply to applicants with an incomplete degree. If your degree is unfinished at the application phase, leave the upload attachment section for degree certificate blank. The degree must be completed by 31 July 2025.)
- Scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records.
- If your degree certificate and the official transcript of records are not in Finnish, Swedish or English, scanned colour copies of authorised translations.
- Copy of a valid passport or an official government-issued identification card with photo and information on citizenship. Upload a copy of the personal information page of the passport only (not all pages).
- Proof of English language proficiency. See the accepted language tests, other accepted methods of demonstrating English language skills and document instructions below.
- If you are exempted from the tuition fee of Aalto University based on your residence permit, submit copies of both the front and back sides of your residence permit card in Finland. See the residence permit types that exempt from tuition fees at Scholarships and Tuition Fees page. The fee-exempting residence permit must be valid at the beginning of the academic year i.e., 1 August 2025. Read more about scholarships and fees in the programme in Scholarship and Fees.
- Motivation letter. Preferably 1 page, content and design free-form.
- Curriculum Vitae. Preferably 1 page, content and design free-form.
Do not include any additional attachments (e.g., letters of recommendation or extra-curricula training certificates). Additional attachments are not taken into account in the evaluation and they will only slow down the processing of the application.
See Instructions for application documents below.
Instructions for application documents
Carefully scan the original documents in colour and save the files in PDF format.
Scan the documents in the correct orientation so that a horizontal document is displayed horizontally, and a vertical document is displayed vertically. Make sure that the scanned document is readable. If you use the camera of your mobile phone, we recommend taking the photo close to a window with sufficient daylight.
Name the files as instructed (e.g. Transcript-lastname-firstname).
Upload the documents separately to the correct sections provided for each document on your application form.
The documents must be in Finnish, Swedish or English. If the original degree certificate or transcript of records was written in some other language, you must submit an official translation of the document.
The translation is official if it has been done by the higher education institution that awarded the degree or by a certified translator (authorised translator). The translations must have the certified translator’s stamp and signature.
The Finnish National Agency for Education (www.oph.fi/en) maintains a register of authorised translators who are based in Finland.
A Diploma Supplement issued in English can be accepted as a translation of a degree certificate (issued in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English), if it contains all the same information as the degree certificate (at least the name of the degree, the name of the institution awarding the degree, the date of awarding the degree, and the name of the student.)
A copy of a valid passport or an official government-issued identification card with photo and information on citizenship is an obligatory application document.
Driver’s license does not have information on citizenship and is therefore not accepted.
If passport or identification card has expired
If you do not have a Finnish personal identity code, a valid passport or an official government-issued identification card is required.
If you have a Finnish personal identity code, but do not have a valid passport/ID card, you can upload a copy of an expired passport/ID card or driver’s license to the application form. Your information can be checked from the Finnish Population Register with your Finnish personal ID number.
If name details are different in study documents and passport
If your name has changed after your studies and your name in the passport does not match your study documents, an official proof of name change is required. Submit a copy of an official document of your name change issued by a governing body. This can be, for example, a marriage certificate if your family name has changed in marriage.
If you have a Finnish personal identity code, it is sufficient to have the same code on the study documents and your passport. If your personal identity code has changed or it does not show for example on your transcript of study records, you need to submit a copy of an official document of your name change issued by a governing body.
If official identification card is issued in a language other than English, Finnish or Swedish
If your official identification card is issued in a language other than English, Finnish or Swedish, you must submit a translation of the document. You can translate the document yourself. The translation must be accurate.
Language requirements
The English language requirements below meet the standards of all partner universities. Make sure to check the validity of the presented test results:
TOEFL, IELTS and PTE (A) test results are valid for two years from the date of the test and for 2025 admissions, results are valid if the test was taken on or after 2 December 2022.
For Cambridge, only C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency tests that can be verified online, i.e. tests taken after 2005, are accepted.
No other methods of demonstrating English language skills than those listed below are accepted. Applications without the required proof of language proficiency will be rejected.
Minimum score requirements
- IELTS Academic: overall score 6.5, and writing score 6.0.
Aalto University accepts also IELTS Indicator (Academic), IELTS Online (Academic) and IELTS UKVI Academic test.
Only IELTS Academic tests are accepted. General-level tests are not accepted.
If you have taken several tests, the best official score that is still valid and received by Aalto University by the deadline will be considered in the admissions. You cannot combine scores from different test dates.
Period of validity of test results
IELTS test results are valid for two years from the date of the test. For 2025 admissions, test results are valid if the test was taken on or after 2 December 2022.
Submitting the IELTS scores
The official IELTS test scores must be received by Aalto University Admission Services by 23 January 2025 15.00 (UTC +2).
- Upload a PDF copy of your IELTS test report to your application form, if you have received the report already. Name the file according to the format: IELTS-lastname-firstname.
- Mark your Test Report Form (TRF) number carefully to your application form. Make sure to type the number correctly. Your TRF number is required for verifying the scores. If you have taken the IELTS Indicator test, mark your IELTS Indicator Score ID to the application form.*
- Share your electronic test report to Aalto University via the test administrator's IELTS Results Service e-delivery.
- When booking the test, you can choose Aalto University as the Recognising Organisation to make your score available to Aalto University. The department is "Admission Services".
- If you have already taken the test, contact your test centre and request the test administrator to send your electronic test report to Aalto University. See the instructions for sharing your IELTS test report form electronically on the test administrator website.
Your scores will be verified electronically.
* You can edit your application form only during the application period from 2 December 2024 to 16 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). If you receive your TRF number after 16 January 2025, send it by email to [email protected] and request that the TRF number be added to your application form. Your email must be received by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Use "Nordic Master in ISEE admissions IELTS TRF number" as the subject line.
More information about language test
- test administrator: IELTS (ielts.org)
Minimum score requirements
- TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): 92, and 22 for Writing
Aalto University accepts also TOEFL iBT® Home Edition test.
Only TOEFL iBT tests are accepted, for example TOEFL Essentials or TOEFL ITP tests are not accepted.
If you have taken several tests, the best official score that is still valid and received by Aalto University by the deadline will be considered in the admissions. You cannot combine scores from different test dates, e.g. TOEFL MyBest scores is not accepted.
Period of validity of test results
TOEFL test results are valid for two years from the date of the test. For 2025 admissions, test results are valid if the test was taken on or after 2 December 2022. Note that the test administrator ETS does not send expired TOEFL results.
Submitting the TOEFL scores
The official language test scores must be received by Aalto University Admission Services by 23 January 2025 15.00 (UTC +2) directly from the test administrator. Only official test scores sent by the test administrator are accepted.
- Request your official score report to be sent from the test administrator to Aalto University reporting code 7364 (Score Report Recipient). A department code is not required (or you can choose any department). Aalto University will receive all results sent with the reporting code 7364. Make the reporting request early enough.
- Type your TOEFL iBT Appointment number to your application form (to "Language proficiency" section of the form). The number has 16 digits (e.g. 0000 0000 xxxx xxxx).*
- Upload a PDF copy of your TOEFL test report to your application form, if you have already received the report. Name the file according to the format: TOEFL-lastname-firstname.
The scores must be received electronically directly from the test administrator by the deadline. Score reports sent by applicants will not be accepted. It takes about 1 to 2 weeks from sending the score report request for the scores to be received by the University. Aalto University receives the scores via ETS® Data Manager service. Contact the test administrator if you have questions about score delivery times.
* You can edit your application form only during the application period from 2 December 2024 to 16 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). If you receive your TOEFL iBT Appointment number after 16 January 2025, send it by email to [email protected] and request that the number be added to your application form. Your email must be received by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Use "Nordic Master in ISEE admissions TOEFL iBT Appointment number" as the subject line.
More information about language test
- test administrator: TOEFL (ets.org)
Minimum score requirements
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A): 62, and 54 for Writing
Aalto University also accepts Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online) and Pearson Test of English Academic UKVI tests.
Period of validity of test results
PTE test results are valid for two years from the date of the test. For 2025 admissions, these test results are valid if the test was taken on or after 2 December 2022.
If you have taken several tests, the best official score that is still valid and received by Aalto University by the deadline will be considered in the admissions. You cannot combine scores from different test dates.
Submitting the PTE scores
The official language test scores must be received by Aalto University Admission Services by 23 January 2025 15.00 (UTC +2) directly from the test administrator. Only official test scores sent through the test administrator's electronic service are accepted.
- Log in to your PTE account and send your results to Aalto University in the test administrator’s service.
- Mark your Score Report Code to your application form (to "Language proficiency" section of the form).*
The Score Report Code contains 10 characters that are letters and numbers. The code can be found at the top of the report under your name. - Upload a PDF copy of your PTE A test report to your application form, if you have already received the report. Name the file according to the format: PTE A-lastname-firstname.
* You can edit your application form only during the application period from 2 December 2024 to 16 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). If you receive your Score Report Code after 16 January 2025, send it by email to [email protected] and request that the code be added to your application form. Your email must be received by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Use "Nordic Master in ISEE admissions PTE Score Report Code" as the subject line.
More information about language test
- test administrator: PTE Academic (pearsonpte.com)
Minimum score requirements
- C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, CAE): A,B or C
- C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, CPE): A,B,C or Level C1
No Cambridge language tests other than C1 Advanced (or CAE) and C2 Proficiency (or CPE) are accepted.
Period of validity of test results
For C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency tests, only electronically verifiable tests taken after 2005 are accepted.
Submitting the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency scores
The official language test scores must be received by Aalto University Admission Services by 23 January 2025 15.00 (UTC +2).
- Upload a PDF copy of your C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency results report to your application form ("Language proficiency" section on the application form). Name the file according to the format: Nameofthetest-lastname-firstname.
- Mark your test taker's ID number (e.g. ABC1234567), and Reference number (e.g. 173YU0034522) or Statement of results number or Verification Number to your application form. The name of the number varies depending on the year the test was taken.*
- Log into the language test administrator's service and share your test results to Aalto University.
Your scores will be verified electronically.
* You can edit your application form only during the application period from 2 December 2024 to 16 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). If you receive your Score Report Code after 16 January 2025, send it by email to [email protected] and request that the code be added to your application form. Your email must be received by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Use "Nordic Master in ISEE admissions Cambridge ID number" as the subject line.
More information about language test
- C1 Advanced (cambridgeesol.org)
- C2 Proficiency (cambridgeesol.org)
Minimum score requirements
The National Certificate of Language Proficiency YKI (English) issued by the Finnish National Agency for Education at the minimum proficiency level of 5 in all subtests: reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking. Subtests from different test sittings may be combined.
Submitting the YKI-test results
Upload a PDF copy of your official YKI test report to your application form (to "Language proficiency" section). Name the file according to the format: YKI-english-lastname-firstname.
The document must be uploaded to the application form by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
More information about language test
- test administrator: Finnish National Agency for Education (oph.fi)
An English language test is not required if you have earned a higher education degree in a Finnish/Norwegian/Swedish/Danish/English-medium programme completed at a university or university of applied sciences in:
Finland, Norway, Sweden or Denmark while residing in that country while studying.
A minimum of one half of the degree must be completed in a country and higher education institution that meets the requirements for exempting the student from taking an English language test. Note this requirement if your degree includes many transfer credits or you have an international double or joint degree.
The language of the degree must be stated unambiguously in the degree certificate or its appendix, or in the transcript of records or other official document issued by the awarding institution.
If there are several instruction languages, the document must clearly indicate the amount of studies taken in Finnish/Norwegian/Swedish/Danish/English. It is not sufficient, if the document states, for example, that the language of instruction is English and French.
Note the requirement of residing in the country while studying. A degree completed at an offshore campus outside the listed countries is not sufficient for proving your language skills even in case the degree is awarded in one of the listed countries.
Documents
If the proof of proficiency in English is the same higher education degree granting you eligibility to master level education, do not upload any documents to the "Language proficiency" section of the application form. The degree documents are uploaded to the section "Degree granting eligibility to apply". The same study documents do not need to be uploaded twice. On the application form, tick "Completed a higher education degree instructed in Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English at a higher education institution in Finland, Norway, Sweden or Denmark while residing in that country" to "Language proficiency".
Required documents if your degree is complete
Please note that these documents are only required if the degree demonstrating your English proficiency is different from your degree granting eligibility to apply.
Upload to the application form:
- A scanned colour copy of the original degree certificate in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Degree-certificate-lastname-firstname. - A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Transcript-lastname-firstname. - If the language of the degree is not stated unambiguously on the degree certificate or transcript of records, an official document of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution.
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Required documents if your degree is incomplete
Please note that these documents are only required if the degree demonstrating your English proficiency is different from your degree granting eligibility to apply.
If your degree is still incomplete during the application period, upload to the application form:
- A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to format: Transcript-lastname-firstname. - If the language of the degree is not stated unambiguously on the transcript of records, an official document of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution.
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
The degree must be completed and you must graduate by 31 July 2025. A certified copy of the degree certificate must be submitted by 15 August 2025 at 15.00 (3 pm, UTC +3).
Certified hard copy documents after admission results
After the publication of admission results, admitted applicants must submit certified (attested) hard copy documents by the given deadline.
English proficiency can be demonstrated with an English-medium bachelor’s, master’s, licentiate or doctoral degree in one of the following countries through studies that require residence in the country in question:
a European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA) country, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Dominica, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, the Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
A minimum of one half of the degree must be completed in English in a country listed above and in a higher education institution that meets the requirements for exemption from taking an English language test. Take good note of this requirement if your degree includes many transfer credits or you have an international double or joint degree.
The degree demonstrating language skills must be at least a three-year bachelor’s degree, at least a one-year master’s degree, or a licentiate or doctoral degree.
The awarding higher education institution must be a recognised part of the official national education system of the country listed above. That is, it must be accredited as a degree-granting higher education institution by the country where it is located or by a relevant international organisation (such as UNESCO).
Note the requirement of residing in the country while studying. A degree completed at an offshore campus outside the countries listed above is not sufficient to demonstrate your language skills even if the degree is awarded by a university which has their main location in one of the listed countries.
The language of the degree must be stated unambiguously on the degree certificate or its appendix, or on the transcript of records or other official document issued by the awarding institution (excluding Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States).
If the studies include several instruction languages, the document must clearly indicate the amount of studies taken in English. For example, it is not sufficient if the document only states that the language of instruction is English and French.
Documents
If the proof of proficiency in English is the same higher education degree granting you eligibility to master level education, do not upload any documents to the "Language proficiency" section of the application form. The degree documents are uploaded to the section "Degree granting eligibility to apply". The same study documents do not need to be uploaded twice. On the application form, tick "university degree completed in English" in a listed country to "Language proficiency".
Required documents if your degree is complete
Please note that these documents are only required if the degree demonstrating your English proficiency is different from your degree granting eligibility to apply.
Upload to the application form:
- A scanned colour copy of the original degree certificate in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Degree-certificate-lastname-firstname. - A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Transcript-lastname-firstname. - If the language of the degree is not stated unambiguously on the degree certificate or transcript of records, an official document of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution (excluding Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States).
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Required documents if your degree is incomplete
Please note that these documents are only required if the degree demonstrating your English proficiency is different from your degree granting eligibility to apply.
If your degree is still incomplete during the application period, upload to the application form:
- A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to format: Transcript-lastname-firstname. - If the language of the degree is not stated unambiguously on the transcript of records, an official document of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution (excluding Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States).
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
The degree must be completed and you must graduate by 31 July 2025. A certified copy of the degree certificate must be submitted by 15 August 2025 at 15.00 (3 pm, UTC +3).
Certified hard copy documents after admission results
After the publication of admission results, admitted applicants must submit certified (attested) hard copy documents by the given deadline.
English proficiency can be demonstrated with secondary education degree completed in English in:
an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States while residing in that country.
A minimum of one half of the degree must have been completed in English in a country listed above to be exempted from taking an English language test.
Required documents
- Upload to the application form (to "Language proficiency" section) a scanned colour copy of your secondary-school final certificate in PDF format. Name the file according to the format: Secondary education-lastname-firstname.
- If the degree is completed in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or South Africa, English as the language of instruction must be stated unambiguously on the certificate. For those countries, if the language of instruction is not indicated on the certificate, upload an official document issued by the institution clearly stating the language of instruction.
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Certified hard copy documents after admission results
After the publication of admission results, admitted applicants must submit certified (attested) hard copy documents by the given deadline.
English proficiency can be demonstrated with exchange studies at Aalto University.
Required document
Upload to the application form (to "Language proficiency" section):
- a copy of Aalto University transcript of records or certificate of student status in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Exchange studies-lastname-firstname.
The program must be an official student exchange program of Aalto University in which exchange studies are full-time and last for at least one autumn or spring term.
The document must be uploaded to the application form by 23 January 2025 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Only the methods listed above to demonstrate English proficiency are accepted.
Any alternative tests, studies in English in a country not listed above, or statements regarding language skills issued by teachers will not be accepted. There are no exceptions to these language requirements.
Official language test scores and all documents to demonstrate your English proficiency must be received by Aalto University by the provided deadlines. These deadlines are strict and cannot be extended.
Applying for scholarships
Tuition fee liable applicants apply for first-year scholarship (i.e., scholarship for one academic year) during or after the application period:
- Applicants starting their first year at Aalto University (i.e., study track Energy Systems or Heat and Power Engineering) apply for scholarships during the application period with the same form they apply into the programme.
- Applicants who start their first year at KTH (i.e., study track Bioenergy or System Integration of Wind Power) apply for scholarships after the application period, following separate instructions from KTH.
In all cases, the scholarship decision for the first year of studies is known before the deadline for accepting the study place. The scholarship for the second year of studies, on the other hand, is not known, because second-year scholarship are only applied for in the spring semester of the first year (receiving a scholarship later in studies is affected by e.g. academic success during the first year).
Admission statistics
Study track | Applications | Accepted |
---|---|---|
Bioenergy (KTH – Aalto) | 26 | 12 |
Energy Systems (Aalto – KTH) | 183 | 40 |
Heat and Power Engineering (Aalto – Chalmers) | 53 | 15 |
System Integration of Wind Power (KTH – DTU) | 32 | 9 |
All study tracks | 294 | 76 |
Study track | Applications | Accepted |
---|---|---|
Bioenergy (KTH – Aalto) | 15 | 8 |
Energy Systems (Aalto – KTH) | 116 | 41 |
Heat and Power Engineering (Aalto – Chalmers) | 37 | 20 |
System Integration of Wind Power (KTH – DTU) | 24 | 14 |
All study tracks | 192 | 83 |
Study track | Applications | Accepted |
---|---|---|
Bioenergy (KTH – Aalto) | 27 | 7 |
Energy Systems (Aalto – KTH) | 115 | 33 |
Heat and Power Engineering (Aalto – Chalmers) | 31 | 14 |
System Integration of Wind Power (KTH – DTU) | 23 | 9 |
All study tracks | 196 | 63 |
Contact information
Börje Helenius
Planning Officer
Joint Master Team
- Published:
- Updated: