Your Summer in Finland Starts Here: Apply to Aalto’s International Research Program 2026

Picture this: Finland in the summer, long, sunny days, glass-shimmering lakes, green forests that look photo-shopped, and you, working with leading researchers at one of the most innovative universities in Europe. It sounds like the pinnacle of academic success, doesn't it?

Welcome to the Aalto Science Institute (AScI) International Summer Research Programme. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in cutting-edge research while experiencing the magic of the Nordics for three life-changing months (June–August 2026) at Aalto University in Finland.

What’s the AScI Programme All About?

Every year, Aalto University, one of Finland’s top science and tech hubs, opens its labs to bright, research-driven bachelor’s and master’s students from around the world.

In 2025, more than 7,200 students applied, but only 57 made the cut. They came from 25 countries, joined research groups across seven departments, and got hands-on experience in everything from quantum physics to bioengineering.

The 2026 edition promises to be even bigger, brighter, and buzzier, with 50+ new research projects waiting to be explored.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to current bachelor’s and master’s students from any country.
• Students who graduated recently (around May of the previous academic year) can also apply.
• 4th-year students are considered at the master’s level and eligible for all relevant projects.
• PhD students are not eligible for this program, but can explore separate research visit funding through Aalto professors.
• International, exchange, and Finland-based students can apply. (Note: travel bonuses and relocation help may not apply to local students.)
• Projects listed on the AScI website are the only available options for this program.

Official link

Why You Should Apply

Besides working with some of the world’s coolest researchers (literally, it’s Finland), here’s what makes this programme a total win:

• Earn while you learn: You’ll be paid around €2,000/month depending on your academic level.
• Travel bonus: Get €400–€800 to cover travel, depending on where you’re flying from.
• Free housing help: AScI assists you in finding affordable student housing in Espoo or Helsinki.
• Global community: Collaborate with students from 20+ countries and join cultural, outdoor, and social activities all summer.
• Career edge: Gain real research experience that’ll make your grad school or job applications stand out.

Oh, and did we mention? You get one week of paid vacation too. (Because Finnish work-life balance is not a myth.)

Key Dates to Remember

Mark your calendar, here’s your AScI 2026 timeline:

• Project list available: December 16, 2025
• Applications open: January 7, 2026
• Deadline: January 31, 2026
• Interviews: February 2026
• Final selections: Second week of March 2026
• Program duration: 12 weeks, June - August 2026

What You’ll Actually Do

This isn’t a “fetch coffee and file papers” kind of internship. You’ll be a full-time research assistant, working side by side with professors, PhD students, and postdocs. You’ll contribute to real projects in science, technology, and engineering, and finish your summer by presenting your work at a poster exhibition.

FAQs Students Always Ask

• Can I apply for more than one project? Yes! You can choose up to three. Just write one motivation letter that covers your enthusiasm for all of them.
• Can I update my application later? Not after submitting, but you can delete and reapply before the deadline.
• Do I need to submit my passport or ID now? Nope. That comes later if you’re selected.
• PhD student? Sorry, this one’s strictly for bachelor’s and master’s students.
• Remote option? Nope, you’ll need to be in Finland. (Trust us, you want to be in Finland.)

What Happens After the Programme?

The AScI programme doesn’t guarantee a follow-up job or admission, but many past participants have gone on to study or work in Finland later. Once you’ve had a taste of life at Aalto (and their cinnamon buns), you’ll probably want to come back anyway.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

If you’re curious, ambitious, and ready to turn your classroom theories into real-world research, the Aalto Science Institute Summer Research Programme 2026 is your stage. You’ll get paid, published, and inspired, all while exploring one of the most beautiful, innovative, and peaceful corners of the planet.

So yes, you could spend your summer scrolling Instagram. Or you could spend it in Finland, doing world-class research under the midnight sun. Your call.