FAQ: Information Technology Program (ITP)
Student FAQ
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When can I apply to ITP?
The application period for ITP opens each spring, starting in January and ending in early April. For ITP 2026, the application period runs from Friday, January 16th, 2026, to Friday, April 10th, 2026, closing at 23:59 (Finnish local time).
What does the program cost?
ITP is free of charge for tuition waiver students, including students from Aalto University and students from Aalto University School of Business partner institutions under a current exchange agreement.
For other applicants, the tuition fee for the 3-month program is 360 € (incl. VAT 24%). The tuition fee does not cover accommodation, travel, or living expenses in the Helsinki area.
What qualifications do you look for in an applicant?
Applicants must have completed at least 60 ECTS in a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
Is ITP limited to specific major studies?
No specific majors are required. We recognize that strong candidates can come from a wide range of academic backgrounds. However, clear motivation and interest in ITP are essential.
I am a student from XXXX University. Can I apply to ITP?
Yes, you may apply. Tuition fees may apply. Please check the Application Groups on the Application Guidelines page for more information.
I am a student from a University of Applied Sciences (AMK). Can I apply to ITP?
Yes, you can apply under Applicant Group 2. The tuition fee applies and is 360 € (incl. VAT 24%).
I am already in working life. Can I apply to ITP?
Yes, you may apply under Applicant Group 2. The tuition fee is 360 € (incl. VAT 24%). Please note that ITP is a full-time program during the summer period.
How soon can I expect to hear about the result of my application?
Application results are typically announced in late April or early May. Applying early may improve your chances of selection. Please note that the ITP team is available to assist with technical issues on weekdays from 9:00–16:00.
I’m having technical difficulties with the online application portal. Who can help me?
If you experience technical issues, please contact us. Our contact details can be found at the bottom of the page.
Can I update my application or correct an error after submission?
Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be edited. Please contact us for further guidance if corrections are needed.
Is there anyone I can follow up with to check the status of my application or reiterate my interest?
For all application-related questions, concerns, or follow-ups, please contact us using the information provided below.
When does the program start and end?
ITP runs annually during the summer period. The program lasts 13 weeks, and for 2026 it will take place from June 1st to August 28th.
Where will the lectures be held?
Lectures are held on the Aalto University Otaniemi Campus throughout the summer. Teaching takes place in the School of Business and School of Arts buildings, located at Ekonominaukio 1 and Otaniementie 14, respectively.
What time are the courses lectured?
Courses are scheduled on weekdays between 9:00 and 12:00. Wednesdays are designated as project days, with no scheduled lectures. This time is reserved for group work, and each project team decides independently how to use the day to advance their project.
Is attendance mandatory in ITP courses?
Yes, attendance is mandatory for all three courses throughout the summer, as well as for project meetings with partner organizations and other ITP-organized events. Attendance is not required for social events.
Can I work during ITP?
ITP requires a full-time commitment. Due to the company project, the daily workload is approximately 6–8 hours throughout the summer. We strongly recommend not working alongside ITP, as the overall workload may become overwhelming.
Can I take only one course from ITP?
Unfortunately, no. ITP is a comprehensive program consisting of four courses: three lecture-based courses and one project course. Students must participate in the full program within one specialization track; individual courses cannot be taken separately.
Will I collaborate with students from other tracks?
Primarily, you will work closely with students within your own track and your assigned project team. However, during certain program-wide ITP events, you may have opportunities to interact and collaborate with students from other tracks.
Will different tracks share the same lectures or projects?
Yes and no. Each track includes three track-specific courses attended only by students in that track. In addition, all tracks share the Business Project course, which includes certain lectures or workshops designed for all ITP students, regardless of track.
Within the Business Project course, it is possible that two teams from different tracks work on the same project topic. However, in most cases, each project topic is handled by a single team within one track.
How is the project team composed? Who will be on my team?
Your project team will consist solely of students from your own track. Teams typically include 4–6 students with diverse academic and personal backgrounds. Teams are formed by the ITP staff before the program begins.
As part of the team formation process, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire where you can share your interests, working style, and personality traits. This information, together with the project topic and the needs of the project partner, is used to create well-balanced and compatible teams.
Does Aalto University provide housing if I do not live in Helsinki?
Aalto University cannot guarantee student housing for ITP participants. However, the ITP staff are happy to support students in finding accommodation in the Helsinki area. Please note that students are responsible for covering accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
Does Aalto University School of Business provide scholarships or other financial aid?
Aalto University School of Business does not offer scholarships or other financial aid for ITP studies. Students are also responsible for the cost of books and other course materials. While ITP can assist exchange students with finding accommodation if needed, all living costs remain the responsibility of the student.
Partners FAQ
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When is the application period open for business projects?
ITP actively seeks business projects from November until mid-May.
Will we receive help in defining the project topic or challenge?
Yes. The ITP Program Manager and Coordinators are happy to support you in designing a value-adding and meaningful project challenge that aligns with ITP’s digital business focus areas and benefits the students.
When will the projects start?
All projects begin on the first day of the Kick-Off week, which for summer 2026 is June 1st.
How does the collaboration with the student team begin?
The collaboration starts with a Kick-Off meeting involving ITP staff and your assigned student team. During this meeting, you will present the project topic, get to know each other, and agree on next steps. The following meeting with the team typically takes place during the next or the following week, when the students will present their Project Plan for the summer.
Who are our primary contacts from ITP during the summer?
Your main point of contact from ITP will be the ITP Program Manager or Coordinator.
Within the student team, communication responsibilities are agreed upon internally. In most cases, one team member is designated as the primary contact for communication between the team and you as the project partner.
Will the ITP company projects be ready on time?
Yes. ITP staff coordinate all company projects and deadlines to ensure that the work is completed by the end of the program. Projects and deliverables are tailored to meet the specific needs of each partner company.
What will we receive from the project?
You will receive a comprehensive project report and a final presentation summarizing the results. Additionally, the student team will provide research-based and validated solution concepts for the challenge. Students bring innovative thinking, applied knowledge from both industry and academia, and will work like an IT consultancy team throughout the summer.
What is the result of the project?
The project will address your challenge and provide concrete, research-based recommendations for next steps. Depending on the project, you may also receive a prototype. The final report will include all key information to support future developments and decision-making.
Do you have examples of project outcomes?
Yes, you can view examples of previous years' business projects [here].
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Will we sign a contract with Aalto University?
Yes. A collaboration agreement will be signed once the project topic has been agreed upon.
Are the company projects public?
No, not if the company prefers confidentiality. ITP does not publish or use any project-related materials without the company’s permission, and projects can be conducted under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) if required.
Can we do a project that involves confidential material?
Yes. All students and ITP faculty sign an NDA with ITP, and students can also sign an NDA directly with the partner company if needed. An NDA section is included in the collaboration agreement with Aalto University. Aalto complies with the Act on the Openness of Government Activities, and the university is bound by a duty of secrecy by default.
How can I participate as a company representative in ITP courses?
Company representatives may participate in ITP courses according to the terms of the agreement between their company and ITP. Please contact us to set up a participation agreement for your company.
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