Accounting

The Bachelor's Programme in Accounting at Aalto University offers a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for a dynamic and globally integrated profession. This programme provides students with a solid foundation in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and financial management, equipping them with the skills necessary for a successful career in the field of accounting and finance. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, fostering analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for the evolving economic landscape. Students will explore topics such as corporate accounting, tax law, financial reporting standards, and information systems, gaining insights into the regulatory environment and ethical considerations that underpin the accounting profession. The programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating business, economics, and technology to ensure graduates are versatile and adaptable. Collaboration with industry partners, case studies, and internships are integral components, providing students with real-world experience and networking opportunities. The programme also emphasizes sustainable business practices and responsible financial management, aligning with global trends towards transparency and ethical conduct. Graduates of the Accounting Bachelor's Programme at Aalto University are well-prepared for diverse roles in accounting firms, corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations. They will have the academic credentials and practical skills needed to pursue further studies or enter the workforce with confidence. With a strong emphasis on innovation, ethics, and professional development, this programme aims to develop future leaders capable of navigating complex financial environments and contributing meaningfully to society.

Programme overview: Management and Financial accounting

In the Master’s Programme in Accounting, you can specialise in management accounting or financial accounting:

Management accounting helps you learn how to prepare and use financial and non-financial information to serve the needs of managerial control and decision-making. The core topics in this area of specialisation include

• accounting for management control
• strategic management accounting
• capital investment decisions, and
• management accounting information systems

Financial accounting helps you learn how to prepare and use financial statement information to serve the needs of outside stakeholders, especially the decision making of debt and equity holders. The core topics in this area of specialisation include

• theories of financial statements
• international and national accounting standards
• issues in group accounting and consolidated financial statements, and
• auditing theory and practice

In both specialisation areas, you also gain knowledge and expertise in issues such as

• financial statement analysis
• company law
• financial institutions
• corporate governance, and
• different research methodologies

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. General admission requirements

The application must first fulfill the general eligibility requirements before it is sent to the Master's programme for academic evaluation. Read carefully the general admission requirements, information on admission groups, selection schedule, required application documents and application instructions on our website section admissions. 

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, each Master's programme has programme-specific evaluation criteria.
 

2. Programme-specific requirements

The admission group depends on the degree you are applying with. Only applicants with a lower university degree in “Economics and Business Administration” completed in a university in Finland apply in Admission Group 1. The name of the degree is kauppatieteiden kandidaatti, KTK in Finnish. All other applicants apply in Admission Group 2.

Financing for the Accounting Master’s programme at Aalto University is primarily covered through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. International students are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the degree programme and residency status. However, Aalto University offers a range of scholarship options for talented students to help mitigate the costs associated with pursuing a master’s degree. These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic merit, motivation, and other criteria specified by the university.

Finnish and EU/EEA students do not pay tuition fees for master’s programmes at Aalto University, making the programme accessible to students from within the European Union and the European Economic Area. For non-EU/EEA students, the tuition fee for the Accounting programme typically ranges from approximately 15,000 to 18,000 euros per academic year. To support students financially, Aalto University offers scholarship programs such as the Aalto University Scholarship Programme, which includes a limited number of full-tuition scholarships and partial scholarships. These scholarships are aimed at attracting outstanding international students and are awarded based on academic excellence and motivation.

Apart from university-sponsored scholarships, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources including government grants, education loans, and private scholarships offered by various organizations. Aalto University also provides guidance and counseling to prospective and current students regarding financial planning and available financial aid options. The university’s career services assist students in finding part-time jobs and internship opportunities, which can help contribute towards living expenses during studies.

Additionally, Aalto University emphasizes the importance of research funding and projects that can sometimes include stipends or project-based funding for students engaged in research activities related to accounting and related fields. Students are also advised to explore Finnish government financial assistance programs designed for students at higher education institutions.

Overall, the financing of the Accounting Master’s programme at Aalto University is structured to support both domestic and international students through a combination of scholarships, external funding possibilities, and work opportunities, ensuring that financial barriers are minimized for talented individuals seeking a high-quality education in accounting and related disciplines.

The Bachelor’s Programme in Accounting at Aalto University offers students a comprehensive education in the field of financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and related areas. The programme is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in accounting, finance, and related disciplines. The curriculum covers core accounting principles, financial statement analysis, corporate finance, tax legislation, and auditing practices, providing a well-rounded foundation for understanding the complexities of financial management within organizations.

The programme emphasizes analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical considerations essential for accounting professionals. Students are encouraged to develop their quantitative abilities through coursework involving data analysis, financial modeling, and the use of accounting software. The programme also promotes understanding of international accounting standards and regulations, preparing graduates to operate in global business environments.

Students have opportunities to participate in internships, workshops, and research projects, which enhance their practical understanding and professional development. Aalto University collaborates with companies and organizations, facilitating networking and career placement for students. Graduates of the programme are prepared for careers in accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, group work, and individual assignments, fostering teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills. The academic year includes study trips and case studies that link theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration, with a specialization in Accounting.

The programme is suitable for students interested in financial management, auditing, and corporate governance, providing a pathway towards advanced studies or professional certifications such as CPA or CFA. The university’s modern campus facilities and access to international faculty and guest lecturers contribute to a stimulating learning environment. Overall, the Aalto University Bachelor’s Programme in Accounting offers a solid foundation for a professional career and lifelong learning in the field of accounting and finance.