Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education (NoVA), Master of Arts (Art and Design)

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Webinar | Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education (NoVA)
In this webinar, the programme representatives will introduce Aalto University, give a programme overview, explain the programme structure and content, discuss career opportunities, and answer questions from the audience.

Description
Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education (NM NoVA) is a double degree programme between Aalto University (Finland) and Aalborg University (Denmark) in which students achieve a comprehensive understanding of Nordic practices and traditions in art education, visual culture, and cultural work.
Please see the intended learning outcomes of the study option at the Programme page.
Please see study-option-specific evaluation criteria.
Language of instruction
The language of instruction is English.
Tuition fees and scholarships
The programme follows each university's own tuition fee policies. As a general rule, students who are not citizens of EU or EEA member countries are tuition fee liable, but can also apply for scholarships offered by universities. Read more about tuition fees:
The programme follows each university's own scholarship policies. As a general rule, students who are not citizens of EU or EEA member countries are tuition fee liable, but can also apply for scholarships offered by universities. Detailed information about the scholarship for the second year will be confirmed when the student is accepted into the program. Read more about scholarships:
Structure of studies
Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education (NM NoVA) is a double degree programme between Aalto University (Finland) and Aalborg University (Denmark) in which students achieve a comprehensive understanding of Nordic practices and traditions in art education, visual culture, and cultural work. Through NM NoVA education, students acquire relevant practical and theoretical competencies in art, education, and culture for working in cross-cultural and international environments. NM NoVA graduates will be able to respond to the demands of the changing world, where cultural, artists and pedagogical practices and professions are finding new ways and methods for meaning-making, interaction and creative solutions.
As a double degree programme, students spend one year in each degree awarding university. This means that students beginning their studies at Aalto University will spend the second year of their studies at Aalborg University and vice versa. All graduating students receive two degrees: one from Aalto and one from Aalborg. All students admitted to NM NoVA must commit themselves to this one-year mandatory mobility.
NM NoVA offers a mix of problem-based and student-centred, hands-on experience with theoretical and practical studies in art, education, digital communication, and entrepreneurship. The key content areas of NM NoVA studies are:
- Visual and Digital Culture and Communication Developed in the Nordic region
Students explore creative and critical approaches to design and art making, coupled with a deep responsibility for openness, caring, and equality. Students learn about social and cultural competences in ICT & online communication and engage in developing creative approaches to online education. - Contemporary Approaches to Nordic Art Education and Learning
Students learn about Nordic approaches to art and education, specifically emphasizing democracy, egalitarianism, socially just pedagogical skills and practices, human rights, and social and cultural sustainability - Project management, Administration, and Entrepreneurship
Students acquire skills in project management, administration, finance, and entrepreneurship in cultural and educational contexts. Students engage with project-driven and problem-oriented teaching as well as collaborative and participatory learning.
These areas of study are integrated in joint courses (both online and in person) between Aalto University and Aalborg University and in project modules where students work with external stakeholders and partners.
The program is open for international students.
More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
Specialisations
The first year of studies is relatively similar for all NM NoVA students. When beginning their second year of studies in the partner university, students may choose from the following three study tracks:
- Internship: In this study track, students spend most of the second fall semester in an internship and use the internship as the basis for their thesis work. This track suits students who are interested in developing context-specific expertise in art, education, digital communication, and/or entrepreneurship.
- Visual Project: In this study track, students use the second fall semester to combine short internship with elective courses. This might mean, for example, organizing workshops or social media practices to test out their educational, artistic, communicational, or entrepreneurial ideas that the student examines further in their thesis. This track suits students who are interested in emerging theories and practices in art, education, information studies, and entrepreneurship.
- Theoretical Project: In this study track, students utilize the second fall semester to further develop the theoretical framework of their thesis by working with relevant faculty projects. This study track suits for students interested in continuing their studies in doctoral education.
Internationalisation
As a double degree Nordic Master, international collaboration and cooperation is a significant part of NM NoVA education. NM NoVA’s student body consists of students from Aalto University and Aalborg University and most of the major specific studies are co-taught between these two universities, both online and in person. In addition, NM NoVA includes a compulsory mobility during the second year of the studies, during which students at Aalto study at Aalborg either by doing an internship, a visual project, or a theoretical project in Denmark and vice versa. Students admitted to NM NoVA must be able to conduct this compulsory mobility.
Webinar | Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education
Our programme representatives from Aalto and Aalborg introduce the programme and answer participants' questions regarding studies, career opportunities and more. Watch the webinar to get answers to some of your questions!

Further study opportunities
Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education double degree gives students an eligibility for doctoral studies.
Career opportunities
NM NoVA graduates will have strong intercultural understanding, experiences, and knowledge of educational, digital communication, and cultural practices and theories in Nordic countries. This cross-cultural study offers work opportunities both nationally and internationally in different art, educational, and visual communicational areas, institutions, organisations, communities, art and culture projects, and companies. Students may direct themselves toward teaching, producing, designing, guidance and consultant tasks on different levels of schooling, or in the fields of art and visual and media culture, social sectors and corporate life. Please note that the degree alone does not qualify as teacher competency as it is not a teacher training program.
Research focus
Visual and Digital Communication and Culture Developed in the Nordic region; Contemporary Approaches to Nordic Art Education and Learning; Project management, Administration, and Entrepreneurship.
Co-operation with other parties
In NM NoVA, students are gradually involved in projects with external stakeholders and partners in order to practice their educational and research skills in real-life situations. These collaborations take place both in Finland and Denmark, and involve cultural institutions, organisations, NGOs, and companies.
Admission
The admission for the Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education programme at Aalto University is organised once a year.
The application period for studies beginning in the autumn of 2026 runs from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 (3 pm, UTC +2).
Admission timeline
1 December 2025 at 9.00/ 9 am (UTC +2) |
Application period starts and online application form in Studyinfo opens |
2 January 2026 at 15.00/ 3 pm (UTC +2) |
Application period ends and online application form in Studyinfo closes |
9 January 2026 at 15.00 / 3 pm (UTC +2) |
Deadline for application documents to be uploaded to application form |
January – March 2026 | Eligible applications are evaluated by the study option |
8 April 2026 | Admissions results are published |
13 May 2026 at 15.00/ 3 pm (UTC +3) | Deadline for officially certified study certificates, for applicants admitted 8 April |
12 June 2026 at 15.00/ 3 pm (UTC +3) | Deadline for accepting the offer of admission (study place) |
31 July 2026 | Deadline to graduate for applicants who applied with an incomplete degree |
4 August 2026 at 15.00 / 3 pm (UTC +3) |
Acceptance from reserve places ends. |
14 August 2026 at 15.00 /3 pm (UTC +3) |
For applicants accepted off the reserve list: Deadline for submitting officially certified study certificates. For applicants who applied with an incomplete degree: Deadline for submitting officially certified study certificates. |
End of August 2026 | Studies begin with orientation week at first-year university |
Who can apply?
Applications must fulfil general eligibility criteria before they are evaluated in the study options.
The general eligibility criteria are fulfilled if the application includes
- a degree granting eligibility to apply;
- an accepted proof of language proficiency and
- all the required application documents by the deadline.
The study option will evaluate complete applications that fulfil the general eligibility criteria according to their study-option-specific admissions criteria.
A Bachelor’s degree corresponding to a minimum 180 ECTS credits.
Students in their final year of their Bachelor’s studies are eligible to apply, provided they complete their Bachelor’s degree before the start of the program by 31 July 2026 and submit the degree certificate and official translation if needed by the given deadline.
The following Bachelor’s degrees (or closely related degrees) are eligible for application.
A bachelor's degree must be equivalent to 180 ECTS credits or three years of full-time study. The degree must give eligibility to apply for master’s degree studies at university in the awarding country. The awarding higher education institution has to be a recognised part of the official national education system of the country. It has to be accredited as a degree- granting higher education institution by the country where it is located or by a relevant international organisation (such as UNESCO).
It is not possible to apply to a master’s programme on the basis of a previous master's degree. Only bachelor’s degrees give eligibility for master’s programmes. An exception to this are ‘long-cycle’ master's degrees that have been granted without a bachelor’s degree, for instance, degrees awarded in Finland prior to the adoption of the two-cycle degree system in 2008 or licentiate of medicine degrees.
In addition to the degree granting eligibility to apply (i.e. bachelor's degree), it is possible to include one other higher education degree (e.g., master's degree) to the section Other Higher Education Degree on the application form. All the studies included in the application form must be supported by the required application documents. The same documentation requirements apply to all degrees.
Students in their final year of their Bachelor’s studies are eligible to apply, provided they complete their Bachelor’s degree before the start of the program by 31 July 2026 and submit the degree certificate and official translation if needed by the given deadline. If you are accepted to the university, you must deliver a certified copy of your degree certificate by 14 August 2026 at 15.00 (3 pm, UTC +3).
In case you are not able to graduate or fail to deliver your degree certificate by the deadline, your conditionally granted study right will be cancelled.
If you apply with an incomplete degree, note that it may not be possible to graduate during the summer months. You should look into the graduation schedules and requirements of your own faculty or school in advance.
In the field of art and design, an applicant who does not have a higher education degree may apply on the basis of sufficient knowledge and skills, gained by means of other studies and/or work experience, that correspond to a relevant bachelor's degree. Other eligibility for higher education is not an option for applicants who have completed (or will complete no later than 31 July 2026) a bachelor's degree that makes them eligible to apply to a master’s programme. Applicants applying on the basis of sufficient knowledge and skills must provide evidence of their skills with documents such as work or study certificates ( instructions and requirements are described on instructions and requirements are described on the Other eligibility for higher education page.
How to apply?
The application period for studies beginning in the autumn of 2026 runs from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 (3 pm, UTC +2).
The application consists of an electronic application form and a set of required application documents. Read the instructions for required application documents carefully.
Fill in the online application form in the Studyinfo.fi system during the application period. You can edit your application form within the application period. Application period ends 2 January 2026 at 15.00/ 3pm (UTC +2). Late applications are not considered.
All application documents must be uploaded to your application form before 9 January 2026 at 15.00/ 3pm (UTC +2). No additional time will be granted for the submission of the appendices.
Documents submitted after the deadline will not be considered in any circumstances; the final deadline is the same for all applicants.
Admission Services reviews your application and the required documents for the general eligibility requirements. Only eligible applications proceed for the academic evaluation. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Application Fee
Applicants who are not citizens of the European Union (EU), or the European Economic Area (EEA) member states, or Switzerland must pay a €100 application fee to apply for higher education in Finland.
Citizens of EU or EEA member states and Switzerland, and holders of certain types of Finnish residence permits are exempt from the fee. See detailed information on the application fee, exemptions and payment instructions on the Studyinfo webpage: .
The fee is collected by the Finnish National Agency for Education via Studyinfo.fi service.
The application fee is statutory and non-negotiable; no waivers are available.
The application form and links to it are available only during the application period. You can only fill in and submit one application form.
Once you have submitted your online application form, you will receive an automatic confirmation email with a request to submit the required application documents. Your application is incomplete until the required documents have been uploaded to the application system.
Applicants who are not citizens of the European Union (EU), or the European Economic Area (EEA) member states, or Switzerland must pay a €100 application fee to apply for higher education in Finland.
Citizens of EU or EEA member states and Switzerland are exempt from the fee. In addition, certain types of Finnish residence permits provide an exemption from the fee. Detailed information on the application fee, exemptions and payment instructions are available on the Studyinfo webpage: .
The fee is collected by the Finnish National Agency for Education in connection with filling out the application form in the Studyinfo.fi service. Payment must be made within seven days of submitting your application; the fee cannot be paid late. Unpaid applications will not be processed.
The application fee is statutory and non-negotiable; no waivers are available.
Please note that paying the fee does not guarantee admission to university.
If you have questions about application fees after reviewing the , please contact the National Agency for Education at applicationfee@oph.fi.
Upload your application documents
- Submit your application form during the application period. Upload all the required application documents to your application form before the deadline for documents.
- Carefully scan the original documents in colour and save the files in PDF format.
- Scan the documents in the correct orientation so that a horizontal document is displayed horizontally, and a vertical document is displayed vertically.
- Name the files as instructed (e.g. Transcript-lastname-firstname).
- Upload the documents separately to the correct sections provided for each document on your application form.
- If you apply to another study option, upload the study-option-specific documents separately for all study options. For example, if all the study options require a motivation letter, it needs to be written separately for each study option. The study-option-specific document requirements are indicated on the webpage of the study option.
- If a required application document is missing after the document deadline, the application will be rejected as incomplete. The applicant is responsible for submitting the documents in the required manner and meeting the deadline.
- Apply and submit all documents as early as possible.
- Do not leave submitting the application form or uploading the documents to the last day.
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Please note that, at the application stage, electronic copies of the original documents suffice. After admission results, the admitted applicants are required to submit certified (attested) copies of their educational documents by the given deadline.
Obligatory application documents
- Bachelor’s degree certificate If your degree is unfinished, you can leave the upload attachment section for degree certificate blank. The degree must be completed by 31 July 2026.
- Transcript of study records (Bachelor's degree)
- Official translations of the above documents if the originals are not in English, Finnish or Swedish.
- If you have, in addition to a Bachelor's degree, another university degree you wish to be taken into consideration in the admissions: degree certificate, transcript and official translations (if applicable) of the degree.
- English language test result or other approved proof of English language proficiency. If necessary, you can ask the test organiser to send an official electronic result report ÄûÃʵ¼º½ University according to the instructions. Follow the instructions given in the section English language proficiency requirements
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Motivation letter max 4000 characters (excluding spaces) should include a description of personal interests for Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education, including a proposed area of research, aim of study, and professional goals. In particular, the letter should indicate an understanding of opportunities for study a double degree in Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education, what the applicant wishes from the programme and, in turn, what they are interested in bringing into the programme. The applicants may include one example of their past or current practice (e.g., documentation of an art/design/educational/professional project or a summary of an academic paper/thesis) as an appendix. The appendix may consist of text and/or images and should be max 2 pages long. Applicants are not required to add an appendix to their motivation letter. The applicant’s name, address and phone number and the programme applied for must be indicated clearly on the motivation letter.
Curriculum Vitae Applications must include the applicant’s CV indicating personal data, educational background, and work experience that is relevant to their application. This information may include educational and/or artistic projects, exhibitions, publications and articles, awards and grants, study trips and positions of trust. Applicants should upload their CV to the application system in a single PDF-file before submitting the application.
- Valid passport; or official government-issued identification card with photo and citizenship
- If you are exempted from the tuition fee in Finland based on your residence permit card in Finland, the front and back sides of your residence permit card.
- Do not include any additional attachments (e.g., letters of recommendation or extra-curricula training certificates). Additional attachments are not taken into account in the evaluation and they will only slow down the processing of the application.
Language of application documents
- All application documents must be submitted in English.
You must submit officially certified (attested) copies of some of the educational documents by the given deadline. Please note that only admitted applicants need to submit the certified documents after the admission results have been published.
Certified hard-copy documents required from admitted joint degree applicants:
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è; An officially certified copy of the certificate of the degree granting eligibility to apply
AND
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è; Original official transcript of study records with original stamps and signatures or a certified copy of it (of the degree granting eligibility to apply)
If you are proving your English proficiency with a degree other than the degree providing the eligibility to apply you are additionally required to submit:
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è; Certified copy of the degree certificate that you are proving your English proficiency with, and an official transcript of records or a certified copy of it
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è; Official translations of these documents (if applicable) by the given deadline.
Please send the officially certified copies of these documents to Student Services of School of Arts, Design and Architecture (contact information below) by mail or courier service. Read carefully and follow the instructions for certified hard copy documents.
Copies of study certificates (Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts of records) must be certified to be true copies of the original documents by the issuing university or a notary public. Each page must have the certifying official’s original signature, printed name, ink stamp and date. Copies of officially certified copies are not accepted, the certifying official’s ink stamps and signatures must be original. A multiple-page certified copy must be certified on the front side of every page.
The deadline for the officially certified study certificates is :
- For the officially certified study certificates of applicants admitted 8 April is 13 May 2026 (at 15.00/ 3 pm,UTC +3).
- For applicants conditionally admitted with an incomplete degree and for applicants admitted off the waiting list, the deadline is 14 August 2026 (at 15.00/ 3 pm, UTC +3).
Submitting the certified copies and address
We strongly recommend using a courier service (e.g. DHL, UPS, TNT, FedEx) for shipments from outside the European Union (EU) instead of regular mail.
If you send the documents by courier service, use the street address:
Aalto University
School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Otaniementie 14,
FI-02150 ESPOO, Finland
tel +358 9 47001
Write “Nordic Master programme in Visual Studies and Art Education†on the envelope.
If you send the documents by regular mail (not recommended from outside the EU), send them to the postal address:
Aalto University
School of Arts, Design and Architecture
PO Box 31000
FI-00076 AALTO
FINLAND
tel +358 9 47001
Write “Nordic Master programme in Visual Studies and Art Education†on the envelope.
All documents must arrive at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture by the given deadline (see deadline above). The deadlines cannot be extended. If you do not graduate or submit a certified copy of your diploma by the deadline, your conditionally granted study right will be cancelled.
Admission is conditional until the certified documents have been received by the university. Conditionally granted study right will be cancelled if the certified documents are not received in the required manner by the deadline. The certified documents will be compared to the electronic documents uploaded to the application system.
English Language Requirements
To be eligible to apply to the programme, applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in English with an accepted proof of language proficiency or by meeting the language test exemption criteria.
Below is a list of the English language proficiency demonstrations accepted for the Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education Aalto University admissions.
The list includes first language tests, and then other methods of demonstrating language skills.
No methods other than those listed below are accepted to demonstrate English language skills.
Applications without the required proof of language proficiency will be rejected.
Any alternative tests, studies in English in a country not listed below, or statements regarding language skills issued by teachers will not be accepted. There are no exceptions to these language requirements.
Official language test scores and all documents to demonstrate your English proficiency must be received by Aalto University by the provided deadlines. These deadlines are strict and cannot be extended.
Minimum score requirements
- IELTS Academic: overall score 6.5 and writing score 6.0.
Aalto University also accepts IELTS Online (Academic) and IELTS UKVI Academic test.
Only IELTS Academic tests are accepted. General-level tests are not accepted.
If you have taken several tests, the best official score that is still valid and received by Aalto University by the deadline will be considered. You cannot combine scores from different test dates.
Period of validity of test results
IELTS test results are valid for two years from the date of the test.
For 2026 admissions, test results are valid if the test was taken on or after 1 December 2023.
Submitting the IELTS scores
The official IELTS test scores must be received by Aalto University Admission Services by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
- Upload a PDF copy of your IELTS test report to your application form (to "Language proficiency" section), if you have already received the report. Name the file according to the format: IELTS-lastname-firstname.
- On your application form, enter your Test Report Form (TRF) number. If you have taken the IELTS Indicator test, enter your IELTS Indicator Score ID. Enter these numbers very carefully. The numbers are required for verifying the scores.*
- Share your electronic test report with Aalto University via the test administrator's IELTS Results Service e-delivery.
- When booking the test, choose Aalto University as the Recognising Organisation to make your score available ÄûÃʵ¼º½ University. The department is "Admission Services".
- If you have already taken the test, contact your test centre and request the test administrator to send your electronic test report ÄûÃʵ¼º½ University. See the instructions for electronically on the test administrator website.
Your scores will be verified electronically.
* You can edit your application form only during the application period from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2). If you receive your TRF number after 2 January 2026, send it by email to admissions@aalto.fi and request that the TRF number be added to your application form. Your email must be received by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Use "NM NoVA admissions IELTS TRF number" as the subject line.
More information about language test
- test administrator: (ielts.org)
Minimum score requirements
- TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): total score 92 and writing score 22.
Aalto University also accepts TOEFL iBT® Home Edition test.
Only TOEFL iBT tests are accepted. For example TOEFL Essentials or TOEFL ITP tests are not accepted.
If you have taken several tests, the best official score that is still valid and received by Aalto University by the deadline will be considered. You cannot combine scores from different test dates, e.g. TOEFL MyBest scores is not accepted.
Period of validity of test results
TOEFL test results are valid for two years from the date of the test.
For 2026 admissions, test results are valid if the test was taken on or after 1 December 2023.
Note that the test administrator ETS does not send expired TOEFL results.
Submitting the TOEFL scores
The official language test scores must be received by Aalto University Admission Services by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2) directly from the test administrator. Only official test scores sent by the test administrator are accepted.
- Request your official score report to be sent from the test administrator ÄûÃʵ¼º½ University reporting code 7364 (Score Report Recipient) well in advance of the deadline.
A department code is not required (or you can choose any department). Aalto University will receive all results sent with the reporting code 7364. - Enter your TOEFL iBT Appointment number on your application form (to "Language proficiency" section of the form). The number has 16 digits (e.g. 0000 0000 xxxx xxxx).*
- Upload a PDF copy of your TOEFL test report to your application form, if you have already received the report. Name the file according to the format: TOEFL-lastname-firstname.
The scores must be received electronically directly from the test administrator by the deadline. Score reports sent by applicants will not be accepted. It takes about 1 to 2 weeks from sending the score report request for the scores to be received by the University. Aalto University receives the scores via ETS® Data Manager service. Contact the test administrator if you have questions about score delivery times.
* You can edit your application form only during the application period from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2). If you receive your TOEFL iBT Appointment number after 2 January 2026, send it by email to admissions@aalto.fi and request that the number be added to your application form. Your email must be received by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Use "NM NoVA admissions TOEFL iBT Appointment number" as the subject line.
More information about language test
- test administrator: (ets.org)
Minimum score requirements
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A): overall score 62 and writing score 54.
Aalto University also accepts Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online) and Pearson Test of English Academic UKVI tests.
Period of validity of test results
PTE test results are valid for two years from the date of the test.
For 2026 admissions, test results are valid if the test was taken on or after 1 December 2023.
If you have taken several tests, the best official score that is still valid and received by Aalto University by the deadline will be considered. You cannot combine scores from different test dates.
Submitting the PTE scores
The official language test scores must be received by Aalto University Admission Services by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2) directly from the test administrator. Only official test scores sent through the test administrator's electronic service are accepted.
- Log in to your PTE account and send your results ÄûÃʵ¼º½ University in the test administrator’s electronic service.
- Enter your Score Report Code on your application form (to "Language proficiency" section).*
The Score Report Code can be found at the top of the report under your name. It contains 10 characters that are letters and numbers. - Upload a PDF copy of your PTE A test report to your application form, if you have already received the report. Name the file according to the format: PTE A-lastname-firstname.
* You can edit your application form only during the application period from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2). If you receive your Score Report Code after 2 January 2026, send it by email to admissions@aalto.fi and request that the code be added to your application form. Your email must be received by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Use "NM NoVA admissions PTE Score Report Code" as the subject line.
More information about language test
- test administrator: (pearsonpte.com)
Minimum score requirements
- C1 Advanced: A,B or C
- C2 Proficiency: A,B,C or Level C1
No Cambridge language tests other than C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, CAE) and C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, CPE) are accepted.
Period of validity of test results
For C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, electronically verifiable tests taken after 2005 are accepted.
Submitting the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency scores
The official language test scores must be received by Aalto University Admission Services by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
- Upload a PDF copy of your C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency results report to your application form (to "Language proficiency" section).
Name the file according to the format: Nameofthetest-lastname-firstname. - Enter your test taker's ID number (e.g. ABC1234567), and Reference Number (e.g. 173YU0034522) or Statement of Results Number or Verification Number to your application form. The name of the number varies depending on the year the test was taken.*
- Log into the language test administrator's service and share your test results with Aalto University.
Your scores will be verified electronically.
* You can edit your application form only during the application period from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2). If you receive your test ID and verification numbers after 2 January 2026, send them by email to admissions@aalto.fi and request that the numbers be added to your application form. Your email must be received by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2). Use "NM NoVA admissions Cambridge ID number" as the subject line.
More information about language test
- (cambridgeesol.org)
- (cambridgeesol.org)
Minimum score requirements
The National Certificate of Language Proficiency YKI (English) issued by the Finnish National Agency for Education at the minimum proficiency level of 5 in all subtests: reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking. Subtests from different test sittings may be combined.
Submitting the YKI-test results
Upload a PDF copy of your official YKI test report to your application form (to "Language proficiency" section). Name the file according to the format: YKI-english-lastname-firstname.
The document must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
More information about language test
- test administrator: (oph.fi)
An English language test is not required if you have earned (or will earn by 31 July 2026) a higher education degree taught in Finnish, Swedish or English at a university or university of applied sciences in Finland. The higher education institution must be recognised by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture and it must have the right to award degrees in Finland.
A minimum of one half of the degree must have been completed in Finland. Take good note of this requirement if your degree includes many transfer credits or if it is an international double or joint degree.
Documents
If you prove your English language proficiency with the same higher education degree you are applying for the Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education, do not upload any documents to the "Language proficiency" section of the application form. The degree documents are uploaded to the section "Degree granting eligibility to apply". The same study documents do not need to be uploaded twice. On the application form, tick "degree at a university or a university of applied sciences in Finland" to "Language proficiency".
Required documents if your degree is complete
Please note that these documents are only required if the degree demonstrating your English proficiency is different from your degree granting eligibility to apply.
Upload to the application form:
- A scanned colour copy of the original degree certificate in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Degree-certificate-lastname-firstname. - A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Transcript-lastname-firstname.
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Required documents if your degree is incomplete
Please note that these documents are only required if the degree demonstrating your English proficiency is different from your degree granting eligibility to apply.
If your degree is still incomplete during the application period, upload to the application form:
- A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to format: Transcript-lastname-firstname.
The document must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Your degree must be completed and you must graduate by 31 July 2026. A certified copy of the degree certificate must be submitted by 14 August 2026 at 15.00 (3 pm, UTC +3).
English proficiency can be demonstrated with an English-medium bachelor’s, master’s, licentiate or doctoral degree in one of the following countries through studies that require residence in the country in question:
a European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA) country, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Dominica, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, the Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
A minimum of one half of the degree must be completed in English in a country listed above and in a higher education institution that meets the requirements for exemption from taking an English language test. Take good note of this requirement if your degree includes many transfer credits or you have an international double or joint degree.
The degree demonstrating language skills must be at least a three-year bachelor’s degree, at least a one-year master’s degree, or a licentiate or doctoral degree.
The awarding higher education institution must be a recognised part of the official national education system of the country listed above. That is, it must be accredited as a degree-granting higher education institution by the country where it is located or by a relevant international organisation (such as UNESCO).
Note the requirement of residing in the country while studying. A degree completed at an offshore campus outside the countries listed above is not sufficient to demonstrate your language skills even if the degree is awarded by a university which has their main location in one of the listed countries.
The language of the degree must be stated unambiguously on the degree certificate or its appendix, or on the transcript of records or other official document issued by the awarding institution (excluding Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States).
If the studies include several instruction languages, the document must clearly indicate the amount of studies taken in English. For example, it is not sufficient if the document only states that the language of instruction is English and French.
Documents
If you prove your English language proficiency with the same higher education degree you are applying for the Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education, do not upload any documents to the "Language proficiency" section of the application form.The degree documents are uploaded to the section "Degree granting eligibility to apply". The same study documents do not need to be uploaded twice. On the application form, tick "university degree completed in English" in a listed country to "Language proficiency".
Required documents if your degree is complete
Please note that these documents are only required if the degree demonstrating your English proficiency is different from your degree granting eligibility to apply.
Upload to the application form:
- A scanned colour copy of the original degree certificate in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Degree-certificate-lastname-firstname. - A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Transcript-lastname-firstname. - If the language of the degree is not stated unambiguously on the degree certificate or transcript of records, an official document of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution (excluding Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States).
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Required documents if your degree is incomplete
Please note that these documents are only required if the degree demonstrating your English proficiency is different from your degree granting eligibility to apply.
If your degree is still incomplete during the application period, upload to the application form:
- A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to format: Transcript-lastname-firstname. - If the language of the degree is not stated unambiguously on the transcript of records, an official document of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution (excluding Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States).
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
The degree must be completed and you must graduate by 31 July 2026. A certified copy of the degree certificate must be submitted by 14 August 2026 at 15.00 (3 pm, UTC +3).
Certified hard copy documents after admission results
After the publication of admission results, admitted applicants must submit certified (attested) documents by the given deadline.
English proficiency can be demonstrated with upper secondary education degree completed in English in:
an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States while residing in that country.
A minimum of one half of the degree must have been completed in English in a country listed above to be exempted from taking an English language test.
Required documents
- Upload to the application form (to "Language proficiency" section) a scanned colour copy of your secondary-school final certificate in PDF format. Name the file according to the format: Secondary education-lastname-firstname.
- If the degree is completed in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or South Africa, English as the language of instruction must be stated unambiguously on the certificate. For those countries, if the language of instruction is not indicated on the certificate, upload an official document issued by the institution clearly stating the language of instruction.
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Certified hard copy documents after admission results
After the publication of admission results, admitted applicants must submit certified (attested) hard copy documents by the given deadline.
English proficiency can be demonstrated with exchange studies at Aalto University.
Required document
Upload to the application form (to "Language proficiency" section):
- a copy of Aalto University transcript of records or certificate of student status in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Exchange studies-lastname-firstname.
The program must be an official student exchange program of Aalto University in which exchange studies are full-time and last for at least one autumn or spring term.
The document must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
English proficiency can be demonstrated with an MBA, EMBA or DBA awarded by Aalto Executive Education.
Required documents if your Aalto Executive Education MBA, EMBA or DBA is complete
Upload to the application form (to "Language proficiency" section):
- A scanned colour copy of the original diploma in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Diploma-lastname-firstname. - A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Transcript-lastname-firstname.
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Required documents if your Aalto Executive Education MBA, EMBA or DBA is incomplete
Upload to the application form (to "Language proficiency" section):
- A scanned colour copy of the original official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: Transcript-lastname-firstname.
The document must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
If your Aalto Executive Education MBA, EMBA or DBA is incomplete at the time of applying, it must be completed and you must graduate by 31 July 2026. A copy of the diploma must be submitted ÄûÃʵ¼º½ University School of Arts, Design and Architecture according to the instructions by 14 August 2026 at 15.00 (3 pm, UTC +3).
English proficiency can be demonstrated with a qualification.
Required documents if your CEMS MIM is complete
Upload to the application form (to "Language proficiency" section):
- A scanned colour copy of the CEMS Master in International Management diploma in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: CEMS-diploma-lastname-firstname. - A scanned colour copy of the CEMS Master in International Management official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: CEMS-transcript-lastname-firstname.
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
Required documents if your CEMS MIM is incomplete
Upload to the application form (to "Language proficiency" section):
- A scanned copy of a certificate issued by your university in English about studying in the CEMS Master in International Management program.
Name the file according to the format: CEMS-certificate-lastname-firstname. - A scanned copy of the CEMS MIM official transcript of study records in PDF format.
Name the file according to the format: CEMS-transcript-lastname-firstname.
The documents must be uploaded to the application form by 9 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC +2).
If your CEMS Master in International Management is incomplete at the time of applying, it must be completed and you must graduate by 31 July 2026. A certified copy of the final diploma must be submitted ÄûÃʵ¼º½ University School of Arts, Design and Architecture according to the instructions by 14 August 2026 at 15.00 (3 pm, UTC +3).
Study-option-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria 2026
Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for the study option. The applications to Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
Phase I
Academic performance | |
What is evaluated |
Grades of the previous degree(s) |
What we look for in an applicant?/Admission requirements | We are looking for applicants who demonstrate good academic skills and abilities to conduct both independent and collaborative study projects. |
Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
Relevance of previous studies | |
What is evaluated | Contents and quantity of previous studies compared to demands/contents of study option applied to |
What we look for in an applicant?/Admission requirements | We are looking for applicants with a relevant BA level degree or similar skills and motivation to study in Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education |
Method of demonstrating competence |
Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
Other areas of competence | |
What is evaluated | Work experience and other acquired knowledge and achievements, non-formal education. |
What we look for in an applicant?/Admission requirements | We are looking for applicants who demonstrate a committed interest toward artistic, educational, and/or cultural work. |
Method of demonstrating competence |
Curriculum vitae |
Suitability | |
What is evaluated | Applicant’s suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills. |
What we look for in an applicant?/Admission requirements |
We are looking for applicants who:
Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education actively encourages applicants from widely diverse backgrounds, both from Finland and around the world. |
Method of demonstrating competence |
Motivation letter |
Phase II
Suitability | |
What is evaluated | Applicant’s suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills. |
What we look for in an applicant?/Admission requirements |
We are looking for applicants who:
Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education actively encourages applicants from widely diverse backgrounds, both from Finland and around the world. |
Method of demonstrating competence |
Interview |
The applicants will be first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements. Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for each study option.
The selection process for applicants who meet the general eligibility criteria comprises of two (2) phases:
Phase I
In Phase I, the applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria
- Suitability (Motivation letter)
- Other areas of competence (Curriculum Vitae)
- Relevance of previous studies (Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s))
- Academic performance (Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s))
Only the applicants who fulfil the requirements and are ranked highest in the preliminary evaluation will be invited to Phase II in the selection process.
Phase II
In Phase II, the evaluation is based on the following criteria
- Suitability (Interview)
The second phase consists of an individual interview. Interviews will be carried out by Zoom.
Applications who fulfil the requirements and are ranked highest in Phase I will be invited to the interview. The invitation to the interview will be sent to the applicants at latest seven days in advance.
After the evaluation conducted in Phase II, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation from Phases I and II.
All applicants must submit the documents mentioned in the Required Application Documents section. In addition, applicants to this study-option are required to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
Motivation letter
Motivation letter, max 4000 characters (excluding spaces) should include a description of personal interests for Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education, including a proposed area of research, aim of study, and professional goals. In particular, the letter should indicate an understanding of opportunities for study a double degree in Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education, what the applicant wishes from the programme and, in turn, what they are interested in bringing into the programme. The applicants may include one example of their past or current practice (e.g., documentation of an art/design/educational/professional project or a summary of an academic paper/thesis) as an appendix. The appendix may consist of text and/or images and should be max 2 pages long. Applicants are not required to add an appendix to their motivation letter. The applicant’s name, address and phone number and the programme applied for must be indicated clearly on the motivation letter.
Curriculum Vitae
Applications must include the applicant’s CV indicating personal data, educational background, and work experience that is relevant to their application. This information may include educational and/or artistic projects, exhibitions, publications and articles, awards and grants, study trips and positions of trust. Applicants should upload their CV to the application system in a single PDF-file before submitting the application.
Language of application documents
All application documents must be submitted English.
Additional notes
The selection group does not assess or consider letters of recommendations.
Admission results
The admissions results will be published in April 2026. The applicants will receive an email notification once the results are published. Admitted applicants will receive an official electronic acceptance letter by email.
The admitted applicant must accept the admission offer at the latest by the given deadline. Instructions are sent by email. The admission offer will be cancelled if the applicant does not accept the admission offer by the deadline.
It is possible to submit a written request to rectify the admission decision within 14 days of the publication of the results. The purpose of the written rectification request procedure is to allow applicants to appeal against the admission decision on the grounds of a possible error in the decision-making, and thereby have an erroneous decision corrected. An admission decision may only be rectified if Aalto University has made an error in the admission procedure and the error in question entitles the applicant to have the admission decision rectified. The procedure is not for requesting feedback or additional information on the admissions results.
Your request for rectification has to contain the following information:
- the study option that the rectification request concerns
the decision you wish to have rectified - a description of how you want the university to rectify its decision
- the grounds for your rectification request
- your contact information (full name, email address)
written authorisation to your representative (if you use a representative)
Decisions on scholarships are final and cannot be appealed against.
All requests for rectification of admission decisions must be delivered to the University Registry within 14 days from the publication of admission results, either to the Registry’s email address registry@aalto.fi or by post to its postal address: Aalto University, Registry, P.O. Box 11000, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
According to the ‘one student place per term in higher education’ policy, applicants who are offered admission to more than one degree programme beginning in the same academic term at a Finnish university or university of applied sciences may only accept one offer of admission. The policy applies to all degree-granting higher education programmes, whether applying through: joint application procedures, separate admissions procedures, or applying to doctoral education (to earn a licentiate or doctoral degree).
If you are offered admission to more than one degree programme in different admissions for studies starting in autumn 2026, you can only accept one of them. It is not possible to switch to another study place. The acceptance of a study place is binding.
Please note that if you apply in admission 2026 for NoVA via both Aalto University and Aalborg University and you will be offered a study place from both universities, then you will need to choose for which university you will accept the offer of admission. It is only possible to accept one study place offer of admission in NoVA.
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Contact information
Learning services of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
For enquiries regarding programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Aalto ARTS Learning Services.
arts-admissions@aalto.fi
Admissions Services
For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admissions Services.
admissions@aalto.fi