Quick Summary
Since 1958, University of Oulu has been one of Finland's prominent publics, based in Oulu. Ranked #344 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 13500 students including 10% from outside Finland. Known for strengths in Wireless Communications, Computer Science, Education, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Oulu is a global hub for high technology and 6G research, offering a high quality of life, proximity to nature, and an innovative 'Arctic attitude' that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship.
Subject Strengths
Wireless CommunicationsComputer ScienceEducationEnvironmental ScienceLife SciencesMedicine
Founded1958
TypePublic
Total Students13500
Intl Students10%
Faculty Ratio15
CampusUrban/Suburban
Campus SizeLarge (Integrated across two main campuses)
Affiliated HospitalsOulu University Hospital (OYS)
AccreditationMinistry of Education and Culture, Finland
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#344
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#301–350
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401–500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,Doctoral
Programs
Information Technology and Electrical Engineering,Health and Biosciences,Humanities and Social Sciences,Technology and Natural Sciences
PhD Programs
Learning, Education and Technology (LET) Master's (Blended),Digital Health and Life Sciences
Online Programs
6G Flagship,Biocenter Oulu,Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC),Eudaimonia,Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMAT550 (Optional for some Business programs)
SAT1150
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 22 (Joint Application)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on your motivation letter for Master's programs. For Bachelor's, high SAT scores in Mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing are critical for international applicants.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€10,000/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€8,800/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€13,000/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€18,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableUniversity of Oulu International Scholarship,Finland Scholarship (for Master's),Fulbright-University of Oulu Scholar Award
Avg Scholarship$6,500
Financial AidKELA (for Finnish/EU citizens)
Work-StudyLimited (Research Assistantships)
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,Doctoral programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Communications Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Business Management | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science and Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Environmental Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Education and Globalisation | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
86%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Oulu ICT cluster and BusinessOulu
Industry Connections
NokiaPolar ElectroBittiumVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Notable Alumni
Martti Ahtisaari,Katri Kulmuni,Tytti Tuppurainen
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (Managed by PSOAS)
Sports Facilities
UniMove (Gyms, Group exercise, Sports halls)
Student Clubs
Student Union OYY,Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Oulu,Subject-specific guilds
Library Resources
Pegasus Library, Medical Library, Science Library Tellus
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+,Nordplus,ISEP,North2North
Summer Programs
Oulu Summer School