Please do not contact this university directly.
For all enquiries please contact the Exchange Office at exchange@otago.ac.nz.
Last updated: 05 Apr 2024
Academic information
Language of instruction
English and Finnish.
Special Finnish language courses
Introduction to Finnish Language and Culture courses are offered free of charge to exchange students.
Course information
Semester dates
- Academic Year: September – May
- Fall Semester: September – January
- Spring Semester: January – May
- Academic Calendar at Aalto
Course load and minimum unit requirements
Full-time study is 30 ECTS credits per semester.
Accommodation and the cost of living
Accommodation
Aalto School of Business has agreements with the AYY Student union and the Helsinki Students' Housing Association. Please fill in the housing application and return it by the deadline and you will have a good chance of getting a furnished room through Aalto School of Business.
See Housing for more information on the housing options. Student apartments typically consists of 3-5 bedrooms, shared living room, kitchen and bathroom/s.
Estimated cost of living
Students should budget approximately 400-700 euros per month for housing, transportation, food and other daily necessities.
Additional information
Aalto School of Business Information for new International students
Student visa and insurance
Information on student visas and insurance for students going on exchange can be found elsewhere on this website.
Exchange experiences
The University, city and region
The University
Established in 2010, the Aalto University is a new university with centuries of experience. The Aalto University was created from the merger of three Finnish universities: The Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology and The University of Art and Design Helsinki. The three schools of the Aalto University - the School of Economics, the School of Art and Design and the School of Science and Technology are all leading and renowned institutions in their respective fields and in their own right.
Currently Otago has an Exchange Agreement with the Aalto School of Business. Established in 1911, the Aalto University School of Business (previously HSE) is the largest and leading business university in Finland, offering the most comprehensive range of degrees in economics and business administration.
The City of Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is the centre of cultural, financial and economic activity in Finland. It is also the northernmost capital of the European Union. Its green parks and waterways, busy market square and open-air cafes make Helsinki a pleasant place to live. In a worldwide survey Helsinki was chosen as the 6th best city to live in the world. In addition to what the city has to offer, Finland's pristine lakes and forests are within easy reach, and its coastline is perfect for sailing, fishing and sunbathing during the long days of summer. Helsinki offers also good opportunities to cycle or canoe.
The average winter temperature is around -5C. But even during these cold months the Helsinki shoreline continues to offer possibilities for hardened swimmers. Well over a hundred thousand Finns regularly go winter swimming in an "avanto", an ice pool. Ice pool swimming is often combined with sauna, both of which are core elements of the Finnish culture. Other options for winter activities include: skiing, skating, snowboarding, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Helsinki has been chosen World Design Capital for 2012.
Relevant links
- Information sheet (PDF)
For incoming students - Virtual tour of Aalto University Otaniemi campus
- Video interview with exchange students at Aalto
Further information
For further information about Otago Global Student Exchange please contact:
Email exchange@otago.ac.nz