The Aalto user ID is used to log into all Aalto University systems, and it is intended for personal use only. If you are a degree student or employee at Aalto University, use your existing Aalto user ID.
Before you can get an Aalto user ID as a open university student, you need to register for an Open University course at Aalto.
If you have not done so yet please start by registering for a course according to the instructions given in its course description.
Once you have activated your Aalto user ID, please remember to also register for the multi-factor authentication (MFA) service used by Aalto, because MFA is required to access the MyCourses online learning environment and many other university services.
Once you have confirmed your registration for an open university course, it will take at least two days before you can log into the MyCourses workspace. Don’t leave the activation of your Aalto user ID to the last minute!
You can activate your Aalto user ID no sooner than on the following day after you have confirmed your course registration; Aalto University IT Services will email you the instructions for activating your user ID when activation is possible. You can activate your user ID through the Aalto University self-service portal with your online banking credentials, a mobile certificate or a Finnish identity card.
If you are unable to activate your user ID online, you can also visit an Aalto IT Service Desk or email to avoin@aalto.fi.
This means you should activate your Aalto user ID well before the course begins.
You can find the detailed activation instructions on the Aalto University IT Services page
Once 24 hours have passed since your user ID activation, you will be able to log into your MyCourses workspace and attend the online lectures offered through the MyCourses learning environment.
Once you have activated your Aalto user ID, you can use it to log into the Aalto information systems. Instead of the HAKA federation login option, always click on Log in as Aalto user.
If you have forgotten your Aalto username, you will find it in the email from Aalto IT. The staff of the Open University or the IT Service Desk will be happy to help you in any questions about the Aalto user ID.
Contact information for the Open University
The IT Service Desk (customer service) contact details and opening hours
Some Aalto University services, such as Sisu and MyCourses, require multi-factor authentication when the user is not connected to the Aalto University network when logging in.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA, 2FA) is a user identification method using two or more methods to identify a user logging into a system or service. It uses not only the username and password of the user but also another reliable method to verify the user’s identity. Multi-factor identification allows us to make sure that the Aalto University services and data remain secure and are used only by authorised persons.
You can reset or change your password either online or by visiting an Aalto University IT Service Desk in person.
Please note that the password connected to the Aalto user ID is valid for a maximum of 730 days, after which you must change it to prevent your Aalto user account from being locked. You will receive an automatic email notification well in advance of your password expiry date.
Instructions for resetting and changing a password
The IT Service Desk (customer service) contact details and opening hours
Students using Aalto services (such as Sisu or Mycourses) outside the Aalto network will no longer be able to log in to Sisu with just their Aalto user ID. In addition, they will have to authenticate themselves by a further authentication process using their smart phone.
On this page, you'll find detailed information about studying at the Open University.
Click here for contact details for Open University services and personnel.
Get to know our course selection
