Global Management

The Master’s Degree Program in Global Management at Aalto University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the dynamic and interconnected world of international business. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to excel in diverse managerial contexts across the globe. Students will develop a deep understanding of global markets, international business strategies, intercultural communication, and responsible management practices. The program emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, equipping students with the tools necessary to navigate and influence the complexities of today's global economy. Through a combination of coursework, case studies, collaborative projects, and internships, participants gain hands-on experience and build a global network of contacts. The program fosters a multicultural learning environment, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, which enhances intercultural competence. Faculty members are distinguished experts in international business and management, providing mentorship and industry insights. Graduates of the Global Management program are well-prepared for careers in multinational corporations, consulting firms, international organizations, or entrepreneurial ventures, capable of managing and leading in various international settings. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations and sustainable development, aligning with global societal needs. Located at Aalto University, situated in Finland’s vibrant capital, Helsinki, the program benefits from a strong connection to the regional business community and offers students opportunities for engagement and collaboration with industry leaders. Overall, the Global Management program at Aalto University aims to cultivate responsible, innovative, and globally-minded business leaders ready to make a meaningful impact on the international stage.

Earn two qualifications at the same time

The Master’s Programme in Global Management (GM) offers the students two highly prestigious qualifications: MSc in Economics and Business administration granted by Aalto University School of Business and CEMS Master’s in International Management (MIM) granted by CEMS, the Global Alliance in Management Education.

The programme consists of:

1. a specialisation track with a Master’s thesis in one of the following areas:

• Accounting
• Corporate Communication
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
• Finance
• Management and International Business
• Marketing or
• Strategy; and

2. CEMS MIM studies conducted at Aalto University and at another CEMS school.

During their first MSc year, students complete the specialisation track courses and the Master’s thesis. The second year incorporates most of the CEMS MIM components, including an exchange semester at another CEMS school.

In addition to the Aalto MSc degree, the student has to complete an international internship and fullfil CEMS MIM language requirements in order to obtain the CEMS MIM diploma.

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.

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. More information on admission groups is on the admissions page.

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

2. Programme-specific requirements

The eligibility criteria of the Global Management Programme (and CEMS MIM) are:

• 60 ECTS of business related studies (corresponding to one year of full time education at university level)
• Language requirements (see details below).

Language 1: English

Proficiency in English is an entry requirement for the programme. Acceptable proof for proficiency:

•  A Bachelor’s / Master’s level university degree completed entirely in English at an institution physically located in one of the following countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand; or
• A Bachelor’s / Master’s level university degree completed entirely in English in a CEMS / Equis / AACSB accredited institution physically located in an EU/EEA country (e.g. Aalto University) or
• One of the following commercial exams (minimum score), CAE (B), IELTS (7.0; writing 5.5), TOEFL (iBT100, writing 22), CPE (C).

Language 2 (for CEMS MIM):

One of the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Czech, Danish, Dutch/Afrikaans, Farsi/Tajik, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi/Urdu, Hungarian, Indonesian/Malay, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbo-Croat (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin), Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.

1. This requirement is fulfilled if your mother tongue is one of the listed languages. Proof for mother tongue, e.g. a school certificate or certificates issued by official authorities, must be submitted with the application.
2. If your mother tongue is not one of the listed languages, you will need to prove language proficiency at B1/B2 CEFR-level in one of them.

The financing of the Global Management master's degree program at Aalto University is primarily composed of various funding sources designed to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees are applicable for non-EU/EEA students, with the exact amount determined by the university's current fee structure. EU/EEA students are generally not required to pay tuition fees for master’s degree programs at Aalto University. For those paying tuition, students are encouraged to seek external scholarships, grants, and sponsorships to mitigate costs. Aalto University offers a range of scholarship programs, including the Aalto University Scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence and other criteria. These scholarships may cover full or partialtuition fees and can be renewed annually based on academic performance. Additionally, students can explore national and international scholarship options such as the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool, Erasmus+ funding, and private scholarship programs tailored for international students. The university also provides guidance and support for students applying for external funding sources.

Once enrolled, students can consider part-time work opportunities within Helsinki or through university-recognized internships, which help offset living expenses and create practical experience relevant to global management studies. Aalto University collaborates with local businesses and international organizations, providing internship placements that can be valuable both financially and professionally. Moreover, students are encouraged to budget carefully and utilize university resources such as student discount programs, housing benefits, and financial advising services. International students may also access loans or financial aid from their home countries, depending on their nationality and the agreements in place.

Funding your studies at Aalto University thus involves a combination of university-provided scholarships, external funding opportunities, part-time work options, and personal savings or loans. Planning ahead and applying for multiple sources of financial aid is recommended to ensure comprehensive coverage of tuition fees and living costs. Ultimately, the program is designed to be accessible through various financial support mechanisms, enabling talented students from around the world to pursue a Master’s in Global Management without undue financial hardship.

The Global Management Master's Program at Aalto University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the international business environment. The program emphasizes developing a comprehensive understanding of global markets, strategic management, innovation, and cross-cultural communication. Students will engage in a challenging curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, allowing them to analyze complex business challenges and implement innovative solutions. The program integrates courses in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and organizational leadership, providing a multidisciplinary approach necessary for navigating the dynamic global economy.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities for international exchange, internships, and collaborative projects with industry partners, enhancing their real-world experience and global networks. The program aims to foster entrepreneurial mindsets and leadership qualities, equipping graduates to drive change and create value in various organizational contexts. Aalto University's strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible management ensures that graduates are prepared to lead ethically and sustainably in their future careers.

The program typically lasts for two years, and students are required to complete a set of core courses, electives, and a master’s thesis. The program is highly international, attracting students from around the world, which creates a diverse learning environment. English is the language of instruction, and proficiency in English is required for admission. Graduates of the Global Management program will possess the skills needed for careers in multinational corporations, consulting firms, startups, and international organizations, among others. They will also be well-prepared for further academic pursuits or entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging Aalto University's regarded reputation in business education.