Study Master’s degrees in Oulu, Finland

Oulu at a glance

Oulu is the fifth most populous city in Finland, situated in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia. The name of the city derives from the Finnish dialectal word oulu that means "floodwater" and is today considered one of Europe's most developed "living labs", due to the fact that most residents use the latest technology (such as NFC tags and ubi-screens) on a daily basis. Oulu is home to many research institutes and it is a great innovation cluster, making this city an ideal spot for international students to enhance their knowledge and develop expert skills in their chosen field of study. Choose a degree abroad in Oulu and you’ll not only prepare to become an expert in your field, but you’ll also enjoy a thriving student life, as you will get to live in a fairy tale city, surrounded by splendid natural scenery.

130K

Population
660 - 1040 EUR/month

Living Costs
2

Universities

Studying

Studying in Oulu

Oulu has two major universities placed in international rankings of world’s best universities and with a large international cooperation with worldwide universities and research institutes. Both universities have a large focus on research, meant to enhance students’ intellectual development, but also to support local businesses.

Choose from a generous offer of Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in fields like architecture, economics, computer science, marketing, business, engineering, education, natural sciences, health sciences and more. Oulu universities also provide double degree programmes, and international students can attend Finish language courses. Universities have a wide palette of student services including access to online study materials, career counselling and tutoring.

Career

Career opportunities in Oulu

The economy of Oulu is continually developing and the most thriving sectors are services, construction, transportation, farming, commerce and education.

Some of the top employers of Oulu are Nokia, Stora Enso Group, Kesko Group, Google, HP, Nuance Communications, Accenture, Ericsson, Scandic Hotels.

International students can engage in internships but most work opportunities require Finnish or Swedish language knowledge.

Life

Oulu city life

Oulu has a magical atmosphere and any visitor will instantly be charmed by the natural beautiful landscapes. Since a large part of Oulu’s population is comprised of young people, attractions and leisure venues have been transformed and adapted for students and youngsters. Whether you’re the type that likes to visit museums, spend your time in cafes or enjoying nature and sports, Oulu will satisfy your tastes.

Landmarks of Oulu include:

The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum
The Oulu Museum of Art (OMA)
The Tietomaa science center
The Turkansaari open-air museum
The Arctic Gallery
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Oulu
The Market Square with the City Library

Admire the natural wonders of Oulu and see the archipelago around the Bothnian Bay. Make a visit to Hailuoto island and enjoy walks with the ferry in the summer or cross the frozen sea in the winter. If you’d like to try out fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or trekking, wander around Koiteli region, surrounded by rolling forested hills and rich vegetation.

Hupisaaret Islands, a large park in the estuary of the Oulu river is also a nice place to visit. Have fun with your peers and check out the numerous cafes, bars and restaurants.

Oulu hosts many musical events like the Oulu Music Video Festival, the Air Guitar World Championships, the Musixine Music Film Competition, the annual rock festival Qstock.

If you’re into sports, support the local ice hockey, football, and basketball teams.

International atmosphere in Oulu

Oulu has one of the youngest populations in Europe and although the population is quite compact, you will still find minorities from Estonia, Russia, Sweden, China.

Oulu provides increased support to immigrants in terms of employment and cultural integration and is highly interested in attracting foreign investment. Since Oulu is a great technological hub, several foreign companies have opened a local office here.

Weather Oulu

Oulu has cold, snowy winters and short, warm summers. The average annual temperature is 3 °C (37 °F) and rainfalls mostly occur in the summer and fall. The daily high temperatures in the winter are between -4 °C (25 °F) and -6 °C (21 °F) and they range around 18 – 20 °C (64 – 68 °F) in the summer.

Costs

Accommodation costs in Oulu

The main housing options for students in Oulu are:

1. Campus housing – room in a shared apartment costs between 170 and 320 EUR/month.

2. Rent or share an apartment – the average price for rent is between 280 – 330 EUR/month for one person.

Living costs in Oulu

Oulu has affordable living costs, as most students spend between 600 and 780 EUR/month to cover all their expenses, usually including the accommodation.

Groceries from the local supermarkets would cost you around 260 EUR/month, while lunch or dinner in a mid-range restaurant would be around 30 EUR. Prices for a students’ pass for the public transportation is around 42 EUR/month.

Universities in Oulu

University of Oulu

University of Oulu's global impact is based on scientific breakthroughs and world-class innovations. 2.6 billion people use technology developed in Oulu. Oulu, the European Capital of Culture in 2026, is known for its highly educated people, easy-going atmosphere, tranquil surroundings and a Scandinavian ambience. Northern lights can be spotted in wintertime and the Lapland is easy to reach.

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Oulu University of Applied Sciences

Oulu UAS is a strong and multidisciplinary University of Applied Sciences. We educate competent and innovative professionals and do active research and development. In co-operation with our partner institutions we create new vitality to the northern region.

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