Aalto Science Institute (AScI) international summer research (internship) programme offers bachelor's and master's students employment opportunities to participate first-hand in topical research, to interact with the premier research groups at Aalto University, and to network in an international environment. The internships are open to students from all countries. To learn more.

Over 50 positions are available in numerous departments within the schools of Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. Find the list of available position here (PDF, 598.27 KB)

AScI participants are usually hired for 12 weeks, which is the maximum length of an AScI contract. The typical period of employment is from  June until  August. The exact timing of the employment should be agreed upon with the hosting department.

Applicants must be at least fourth or fifth year undergraduate students in a suitable field at their university. The applicants must have an academically outstanding background appropriate for the proposed research project, and an excellent command of English.

AScI application and selection schedule

In the selection of students, priority is given to students who have not previously studied or worked at Aalto.

Application Procedure and Compulsory Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents to [email protected], in order to proceed with the review: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for online interviews in February 2023.

The following must be combined into a single pdf in the given order:

1. Motivation letter: The motivation letter is an important part of the application.

• Explain why are you interested in an Aalto Science Institute summer research position, what are your personal interests in terms of research, and why you selected the projects you did.
• Also indicate any special circumstances with regards to visit dates.
• Future study plans.

2. CV: A summary of your academic and work history with contact details.

3. Official* transcript of the university studies that you have completed.

• * by "official" transcript we mean a transcript that clearly has been issued by your university 
• If the transcript is in a language other than English, a (unofficial) translation of the transcript must be submitted. You should append the translation to the same file as the copy of the official* transcript.
• In addition, please assemble a list of courses + descriptions of courses that will appear in the final transcript (spring courses), but are not in your current transcript. 
• Please make sure the grading scheme is explained. If it not automatically on the transcript you can attach an extra page giving the details. (eg In Finland grades are 1 - 5 with 5 being the highest). 

4. A letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor.

• The recommendation letter should be written by a university professor or lecturer, or a person who has supervised you in either an academic or employment capacity.
• The letter should be attached to the application file and uploaded by the candidate.
• The recommendation letter should clearly indicate the referee's name, email and phone, department and university.
• AScI will not contact or ask for the letter of recommendation from the referee by email or phone. Only in the case that the applicant is shortlisted by the supervising research group, the referee could be contacted after the deadline of the call.
• Applications without the letter of recommendation will not be processed.

5. Proof of sufficient English skills: TOEFL, IELTS or other standard test is recommended but not required. Alternatively, you may provide one of the following:

• A statement from your university/language course regarding your language skills.
• A seminar report or something you have written as part of your studies to demonstrate your competence in written English.
• If your university studies are English, then a clear statement of this fact on your CV and cover letter.

In addition to the documents requested by Aalto University, you must fill out the UTP Internal Form (PDF, 61.73 KB) and a Letter of authorization or consent signed by the dean of the faculty or the director of the Regional Center.

How to fill the application form

Here are some tips on filling the form (PDF, 175.12 KB), which will be sent to you upon confirmation of your file review.

Important Information

1. Location: Aalto University, Otaniemi, Espoo / Helsinki, Finland (remote employment is not possible)
2. Work: You will be employed as a full-time research assistant directly by the research group, and will work alongside professors, posdocs, and other students. 
3. Salary: 2000+ EUR/month depending on # years of study.

Benefits

Besides the opportunity to take your first steps as an international researcher at Finland's top univeristy while earning a living wage: 

• modest travel bonus (400/800EUR for those coming from inside/outside Europe) 
• 1 week paid vacation 
• assistance finding low-cost student housing
• extensive information and chat groups for visas and all aspects of your visit.
• "Get to know Finland" course (June only) 
• Regular lunch gatherings
• Social, cultural, outdoor, and sporting acitivties during the summer
• Final "poster exhibition" where you get to present your work

Contact Information

• For questions concerning the research topic, please contact the academic contact person listed in the topic description.
• For general questions concerning the programme or application procedure, contact the AScI admin at [email protected]
• Interested students can contact [email protected]
• Phone: 560-3201
• Attention in person at the International Relations Office from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
• Find us on social networks as @dri_utp