Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK) stands as one of Finland's most innovative and forward-thinking polytechnics, strategically positioned in the vibrant northern city of Oulu. Founded in 1996 through the merger of several vocational institutions, OAMK has evolved into a comprehensive applied sciences university serving approximately 9,500 students across diverse professional fields. The institution operates from modern facilities throughout the Oulu metropolitan area, with its main campus located in the Linnanmaa district alongside the University of Oulu, creating a dynamic academic ecosystem. OAMK's educational philosophy emphasizes practical competence development through close collaboration with regional industries and the global technology sector. The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees across six schools: Business, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Media and Performing Arts, Natural Resources, and Vocational Teacher Education. This breadth enables comprehensive professional education while maintaining specialized expertise in key sectors driving Oulu's economy. The institution has earned recognition for its entrepreneurial approach and strong connections to Oulu's renowned ICT cluster, which includes major technology companies and innovative startups. Students benefit from real-world projects, internships, and research collaborations that prepare them for immediate professional impact. OAMK's location in Oulu, known as the "capital of Northern Scandinavia," provides unique advantages including proximity to Arctic opportunities and a thriving international business community. International engagement forms a core strategic priority, with OAMK hosting students from over 70 countries and maintaining extensive exchange partnerships worldwide. The university offers several English-taught degree programs specifically designed for international students seeking quality Finnish education combined with practical professional training.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Student life at OAMK revolves around OSAKO, the student union that represents all OAMK students. Membership provides access to student health services, discounts on meals and transportation, and the right to participate in student governance. OSAKO organizes events throughout the year, from orientation activities for new students to seasonal parties and sports tournaments. The various campuses host student organizations catering to different interests. Engineering students have their guild, business students theirs, with each group organizing professional development events, study support, and social gatherings. The culture leans toward practical networking alongside purely social activities. Housing in Oulu is more affordable than in Helsinki or other Finnish cities. PSOAS, the student housing foundation, provides apartments near OAMK campuses at subsidized rates. Most students live in shared apartments or studio units, with relatively short commutes to campus. The city is bike-friendly with well-maintained cycling paths that remain usable even in winter thanks to snow clearing. Finnish student culture includes unique traditions like overalls (haalarit) that students decorate with patches and wear to events. The approach to studying tends toward independence rather than constant social activity. Finnish students value their personal space and don't necessarily expect constant group activities. International students sometimes need adjustment time to build friendships, but patient persistence typically pays off.
Location & Surroundings
Oulu sits on the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Finland, roughly 600 kilometers north of Helsinki. The city of approximately 210,000 people serves as the commercial and cultural center for the entire northern Finland region. Despite its northern location, Oulu is a surprisingly modern and well-connected city. The climate defines life in Oulu more than in southern Finnish cities. Winters are long and cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below minus 20 Celsius and snow covering the ground from November through April. However, winter also brings unique experiences: the northern lights are visible on clear nights, and cross-country skiing becomes practical transportation. Summer compensates with nearly continuous daylight, as the sun barely sets during June and July. Oulu's technology sector emerged from Nokia's R&D presence dating back decades. When Nokia downsized, the skilled workforce spawned hundreds of startups in wireless technology, gaming, and digital health. This tech ecosystem provides employment opportunities for graduates and gives the city an innovative atmosphere despite its modest size. The city offers typical Finnish amenities: well-maintained public facilities, reliable public transportation, excellent libraries, and easy access to nature. The sea, forests, and islands around Oulu provide recreation opportunities. The cost of living is lower than Helsinki, making student budgets stretch further. For international students, Finland's safety, clean environment, and efficient public services often come as pleasant surprises.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at OAMK depends on nationality. EU/EEA citizens pay no tuition fees, continuing Finland's tradition of free higher education for Europeans. Non-EU students face annual fees of approximately 8,000-10,000 euros depending on the program. Scholarship programs cover some or all tuition for qualified international applicants, making OAMK accessible even for those paying fees. Living costs in Oulu average 700-900 euros monthly, covering housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. This is lower than Helsinki or major European cities. Student housing through PSOAS costs 250-450 euros monthly, and the student restaurant system provides subsidized meals for around 2-3 euros. Career outcomes for OAMK graduates are strong within Finland, particularly in the Oulu region. Engineering and IT graduates often find work with local technology companies before graduation through internship connections. Healthcare graduates enter Finland's well-funded public health system. Business graduates work in regional companies or continue to larger cities. For international graduates, remaining in Finland requires finding employment and securing appropriate residence permits. Finland offers a job-seeking residence permit allowing graduates time to find work. The tech sector is most open to international talent, with English commonly used as working language. Other fields may require Finnish language skills for career advancement. The OAMK alumni network connects graduates across Finland and internationally. Career services help with job searching, CV preparation, and interview skills. The practical orientation of education means graduates enter the workforce with immediately applicable skills rather than needing extensive on-the-job training.
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