The University of Oulu (UOulu), established in 1958, is one of Finland’s largest and most multidisciplinary universities. Located in the northern city of Oulu, the university is recognized for its world-class research, particularly in technology, health sciences, and Arctic studies. UOulu is a hub for innovation and academic excellence, attracting students and researchers from all over the world.
University Overview
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Location: Oulu, Finland
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Established: 1958
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Student Population: Approximately 13,500
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International Students: Around 1,000
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Global Rankings: Ranked among the top 400 universities worldwide (QS/Times Higher Education)
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Language of Instruction: Finnish (most Bachelor’s programs), English (selected Master’s and Doctoral programs)
Faculties & Departments
The University of Oulu comprises eight faculties:
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Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
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Faculty of Education
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Faculty of Humanities
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Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
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Faculty of Medicine
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Faculty of Science
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Faculty of Technology
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Oulu Business School
These faculties include numerous departments, interdisciplinary research units, and international collaboration hubs.
Intakes
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Main Intake: August (Autumn Semester)
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Application Deadline for International Students: January 3–17 (for English-taught programs)
Note: Deadlines may vary depending on the program. Applicants should confirm exact dates via the university’s admission portal.
Admission Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Requirements | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | High school diploma with strong grades in relevant subjects | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) | 79–80 (min 20 per section) | 54–58 (no skill below 50) |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s degree in a related field | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 92 (min 20 per section) | 62 (no skill below 58) |
Note: Some programs may require portfolios, motivational letters, or prior coursework in specific fields.
Top Programs at the University of Oulu
Undergraduate Programs (Finnish-taught)
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Bachelor of Science in Technology
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Bachelor of Medicine
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Bachelor of Education
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Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
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Bachelor of Business Administration
Postgraduate Programs (English-taught Master’s)
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Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering
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Master’s in Wireless Communications Engineering
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Master’s in Environmental Engineering
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Master’s in Learning, Education and Technology
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Master’s in Architecture
Tuition Fees
| Program Level | Tuition Fee (USD/year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Approx. $10,000 – $13,000 |
| Postgraduate | Approx. $10,000 – $13,000 |
Note: EU/EEA students are exempt from tuition fees. A student union membership fee of approx. €70/year is also required.
Scholarships for International Students
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University of Oulu International Scholarships
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Eligibility: High-achieving non-EU/EEA applicants
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Amount: 50%–100% tuition fee waivers
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Renewable: Yes, based on academic performance
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Finland Scholarship (for Master’s applicants)
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Eligibility: Top-ranked non-EU/EEA applicants
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Amount: Full tuition + €5,000 relocation grant
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Funded by: Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture
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Note: Scholarships are competitive and require early application. Apply with your degree application.
Why Choose the University of Oulu?
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Northern Innovation Hub: A leading institution in ICT, biotechnology, and health sciences.
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World-Class Research: Home to globally renowned research groups in 5G, climate change, and Arctic studies.
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Multicultural Environment: Students from over 100 countries enrich the academic and social life on campus.
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High-Quality Education: Finland is consistently ranked among the top countries for education.
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Nature Meets Technology: Experience the beauty of the Arctic Circle while studying in a technologically advanced setting.