Official emblem of University of Oulu

University of Oulu

Oulu, Finland Founded 1958 World Rank #420

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: University of Oulu
Local Name: University of Oulu
Acronyms: OY
Founded: 1958
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #420
Rank in Finland: #3
University of Oulu academic facilities
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Operating from Oulu, Finland, University of Oulu delivers higher education as a public institution. It serves as a higher-education provider within Finland.

The academic catalogue at University of Oulu runs across multiple qualification levels, with numerous faculties and schools hosting a broad programme catalogue. Each unit administers its own admissions and curriculum framework.

Student enrolment at University of Oulu sits around 2,900 students, distributed across faculties and programmes. Academic staff support teaching and research activities alongside administrative teams managing student services.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for University of Oulu — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.

Address: P.O. Box 8000 Pentti Kaiteran katu 1
Postal Code: 90014
Phone: 358 294 48 0000
Social Media:

Academic Details

The basic academic profile of University of Oulu, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.

Academic Year: September to July (September-December; January-May)
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education and Culture
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (ylioppilastutkinto), or equivalent, and selection according to entrance examination results
Total Students: 2,900
Memberships & Networks
European University Association (EUA)

Degrees

The degrees on offer at University of Oulu, sorted by level. Awarding-versus-validating distinctions affect long-term recognition of the qualification beyond University of Oulu.

Other 13 programs
  • Architecture
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Business Administration
  • Dentistry
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Fine Arts
  • Medicine
  • Natural Sciences
  • Philosophy
  • Public Health
  • Technology

Faculties & Divisions

Browse University of Oulu's faculties and divisions, along with the subjects they specialise in. Each faculty typically runs its own open days, application support, and student services.

Arctic Medicine (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Biocentre (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Environment and Energy (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Health and Technology (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Internet Excellence (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Life Course Epidemiology Research (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Microscopy and Nanotechnology (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Wireless Communications (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Common Career Paths

  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Content Strategist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Educational Sciences
  • Teacher Training

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Humanities (Faculty) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Communication Disorders
  • English
  • German
  • History
  • Literature
  • Philology

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Editor
  • Cultural Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Power Systems Engineer
  • Automation Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biomedicine
  • Dentistry
  • Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Mathematics
  • Zoology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Technology (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial Management
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
Bioeconomy (Research Division) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Eudaimonia Research Center (Research Division) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Medical Research Centre (Research Division) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Clinical Researcher
  • Healthcare Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Architecture (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architectural Restoration
  • Architecture
  • Town Planning

Common Career Paths

  • Architect
  • Urban Planner
  • Interior Designer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Business (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mining (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Mining Engineering

Programs Offered

University of Oulu's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.

147 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Finland

Master's Degree 110 programmes

Master's Degree in Arkeologia, maisteri (2 v)
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 120 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Arkkitehtuuri, arkkitehti (2v)
Engineering & Technology · 120 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Arkkitehtuuri, kandidaatti ja arkkitehti (3 v + 2 v)
Engineering & Technology · 300 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Biokemia ja molekyylibiotieteet, kandidaatti ja maisteri (3 v + 2 v)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics · 300 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Biologia ja ympäristötieteet, kandidaatti ja maisteri (3 v + 2 v)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics · 300 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Biologia, maisteri (2 v)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics · 120 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 110.

Doctorate 29 programmes

Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Doctor (3–4 years)
Medicine & Health · 20 credits

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 29.

How to apply to University of Oulu

Practical steps to apply to University of Oulu, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Oulu offers 147 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at University of Oulu has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via University of Oulu's online portal at www.oulu.fi. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at 358 294 48 0000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Oulu

Frequently asked questions about University of Oulu, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

When was University of Oulu founded?

University of Oulu was established in 1958 (approximately 68 years ago).

In which city is University of Oulu?

University of Oulu is based in Oulu, Finland.

Is University of Oulu a public or private institution?

University of Oulu is a public institution.

How many students study at University of Oulu?

University of Oulu has approximately 2,900 students.

How is University of Oulu ranked?

It ranks #420 globally and #3 in Finland.

Is University of Oulu officially recognised?

University of Oulu is accredited by Ministry of Education and Culture.

How do I find University of Oulu online?

The institution's website is www.oulu.fi.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

Cross-credit recognition between European University Association (EUA) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. University of Oulu's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.

Where Else to Study Engineering & Technology

Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Engineering & Technology programmes in Finland. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.

Universities Compared with University of Oulu

Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around University of Oulu for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.

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