Doctoral programme

Our Doctoral Programme is intended for candidates of excellent academic caliber motivated in pursuing a full-time doctoral programme and in producing research of the highest international level.

We offer an English-language 4-year doctoral programme for those seeking academic careers or high level positions in business. New doctoral students are selected in an application process once a year.

The doctoral programme is highly international: the departments have longstanding cooperation with universities outside Finland and the amount of international doctoral students is increasing constantly ‒ almost one third of the students are from outside Finland.

A notable amout of the doctoral students also complete a part of their studies abroad and publish articles in high-quality international journals. Most dissertations are in English and the opponents are usually professors from universities overseas.

Doctors' career paths:

Postdoctoral Researcher Eeva Houtbeckers:

"Best about the doctoral studies at the School of Business is people! Learning is not an individualistic process but we co-construct knowledge and learn in different communities. I have been lucky to have the possibility to work with smart and pleasant researchers, teachers and staff in the School of Business, in the Aalto University in general, and elsewhere."
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Assistant Professor of Finance Deniz Okat:

"The quality of the finance doctoral program is comparable to the top universities in the world. One can confirm this claim by looking at the placement record of its graduates. The program is also very supportive. It allowed me to rigorously explore my research interests under the guidance of the world-class professors who treated me like a real colleague."
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Professor of Marketing Joonas Rokka:

"Doctoral studies at the School of Business gave me a very strong researcher education as well as a broad expert network, and resources for going for international tasks as professor. One of the best parts of the programme has been getting to know other post-graduate students. I’m glad to say that I still see many of them on a regular basis, and they are very dear to me."
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Applying to doctoral programme (into.aalto.fi)