Image of Helsinki harbour in summertime

Aalto Summer Research - Science/Schulich Only

The Aalto Science Institute (AScI) internship programme offers undergraduate BSc students the opportunity to participate first-hand in topical research, to interact with the premier research groups at Aalto University, and to network in an international environment.

Key information

Language

English

Semester

Summer

Program type

Research

Application information

Application status

Closed

Summer 2024 applications

Deadline passed

University-specific additional requirements

One academic reference required; minimum GPA 3.0. See Eligibility section below for details.

Summer 2025 applications

Open November 1, 2024

Program details

The Aalto research program is hosted by "AScI", the Aalto University Science Institute. AScI hires research interns usually for three months, and the typical period is from 1 June until 31 August.

The 2023 project list can be found at this link (click here).

Research projects change each year, but usually the same departments will offer research projects. In your application, you will be asked to provide the department(s) that you are interested in working with. If you already have specific projects in mind, you are welcome to list this as well.

  1. Costs

    AScI research students will receive a minimum salary of 1800€ per month. The salary is sufficient to cover living costs (e.g. student accommodation and meals).

    Other costs to consider when budgeting for this program include travel expenses, insurance, visa (if needed, depending on your citizenship), personal expenses, etc.

  2. Funding

    Participating students can apply for a Research Grant (click here), worth up to $3000. All students who have applied for the Aalto Research program are encouraged to submit an application to the research grant - the application deadline is mid-February each year. Grants will be confirmed after you receive your placement results from Aalto, typically in March.

    Also, since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while on this research program, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are normally eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.

Aalto University Student Union (AYY) offers housing through AYY HOUSING - click here for the housing page.

Important information:

  • Apartments and rooms are located on the Otaniemi campus area, where all the AScI research students are located.
  • Rental contracts can only be made for fixed term for three months (1st June- 31st August) and it cannot be terminated early.
  • Rooms are not furnished; furniture is rented from a private service provider. Learn more here.

This research program is open to regular, full-time undergraduate or graduate students in any faculty at the University of Calgary. Students must have completed at least 2 full years at the post-secondary level by the time of placement. Students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (B) over their past 10 courses.

Application is through a two step process:

First, apply online to UCalgary (see the Apply Now link at the top of this webpage). We will be keeping track of your application and supporting you throughout the program.

An academic reference letter is required. Please click here to view the reference letter guidelines & submission instructions. It must be submitted at the time of your application to UCalgary. Your reference should be a professor who has taught you at UCalgary or previously supervised you in other research.

Next, you will apply directly to Aalto. We will remind you when it is time to apply (typically this happens in the early new year) but it is your responsibility to apply on time.

Please be aware that there are not guaranteed spaces for UCalgary students on the Aalto summer research program. This is a highly competitive program; Aalto often receives up to a thousand applications for the available research projects. It is ultimately up to Aalto whether or not you are accepted.

AScI activities for internship students

  • "Get to know Finland" course: this course is offered for AScI interns in June.
  • AScI seminar for interns: in August, AScI will organise a joint event for all internship students. The interns will present the scientific results of their summer work for supervisors, resident AScI academics and other students.

Have questions?

Global Learning 101

Please watch this short YouTube playlist before reaching out or booking an appointment. In these videos, you will learn much of the basics about Global Learning, which may answer your initial questions.

Watch Global Learning 101

Academic Advising

Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how this program might align with your degree (e.g. best time to go, what courses you need).

After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/transfer credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.

Find your academic advisor

Global Learning Advising

If you have questions, please reach out to our office! We offer drop-in advising for general inquiries, and if you have questions about this specific program or any others, you can book an appointment with the responsible advisor.

Please use the link below to find the most up-to-date information about our current advising options.

View the Global Learning Advising page

The exchange advisor for this program is: Kathryn Bauer

How to Apply

Download the application guide

This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.

Application guide

Identify three programs of interest

We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.

Check requirements and deadlines

These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.

Start your application

Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!

Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.

APPLY NOW

International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.

For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.

If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.

Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.