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The University of Oulu ( fi, Oulun yliopisto) is one of the largest universities in
Finland Finland ( fi, Suomi ; sv, Finland ), officially the Republic of Finland (; ), is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bot ...
, located in the city of
Oulu Oulu ( , ; sv, Uleåborg ) is a city, municipality and a seaside resort of about 210,000 inhabitants in the region of North Ostrobothnia, Finland. It is the most populous city in northern Finland and the fifth most populous in the country after ...
. It was founded on July 8, 1958. The university has around 13,000 students and 2,900 staff. 21 International Master's Programmes are offered at the university. The university is often ranked as one of the better universities in Finland and in the top-400 worldwide.


History

* 1919 Oulu College Association was founded to manage the establishment of a university in the town * 1958 Oulu University Act * 1959 Activities begin. Faculty of Philosophy (programs in biology and mathematics), Faculty of Technology (architecture, civil and industrial engineering) and Oulu Teaching School * 1960 Faculty of Medicine * 1965 Teaching begins in humanities * 1965 Departments of Electrical Engineering and Machine Engineering added to the Faculty of Technology * 1972 The Faculty of
Humanities Humanities are academic disciplines that study aspects of human society and culture. In the Renaissance, the term contrasted with divinity and referred to what is now called classics, the main area of secular study in universities at t ...
and the Faculty of
Natural Sciences Natural science is one of the branches of science concerned with the description, understanding and prediction of natural phenomena, based on empirical evidence from observation and experimentation. Mechanisms such as peer review and repeat ...
founded with the division of the Faculty of
Philosophy Philosophy (from , ) is the systematized study of general and fundamental questions, such as those about existence, reason, knowledge, values, mind, and language. Such questions are often posed as problems to be studied or resolved. ...
* 1974 Faculty of Education * 1985 Professorship in Telecommunications Technology established at the Faculty of Technology * 1994
Biotechnology Biotechnology is the integration of natural sciences and engineering sciences in order to achieve the application of organisms, cells, parts thereof and molecular analogues for products and services. The term ''biotechnology'' was first used ...
,
Information Technology Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve, and exchange all kinds of data . and information. IT forms part of information and communications technology (ICT). An information technology syste ...
and Northern Issues defined as focus areas * 2000 Founding of the Faculty of
Economics Economics () is the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economics focuses on the behaviour and interactions of economic agents and how economies work. Microeconomics anal ...
and Business Administration * 2006 Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre * 2007 Oulu Mining School * 2008 Martti Ahtisaari Institute of Global Business and Economics * 2009 Center for Internet Excellence (CIE) * 2010 New University Act, new focus areas * 2011 Center of Microscopy and Nanotechnology founded by joining the Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre and the Institute for Electron Microscopy * 2011 University of Oulu Graduate School (from 1.8.2011) * 2014 Faculty of Biochemistry and
Molecular Medicine Molecular medicine is a broad field, where physical, chemical, biological, bioinformatics and medical techniques are used to describe molecular structures and mechanisms, identify fundamental molecular and genetic errors of disease, and to develop ...
(from 1.1.2014) * 2014 Faculty of Information Technology and
Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the l ...
(from 1.1.2014) * 2014 Oulu
School of Architecture This is a list of architecture schools at colleges and universities around the world. An architecture school (also known as a school of architecture or college of architecture), is an institution specializing in architectural education. Africa ...
(from 1.1.2014)


Campuses

There are two campus areas: * The main campus is located in
Linnanmaa Linnanmaa is a district of the Kaijonharju area of Oulu, Finland. The district is located about five kilometers north of the city centre. The main campus of the University of Oulu is located in Linnanmaa occupying most of the area of the district ...
, about north of
Oulu Oulu ( , ; sv, Uleåborg ) is a city, municipality and a seaside resort of about 210,000 inhabitants in the region of North Ostrobothnia, Finland. It is the most populous city in northern Finland and the fifth most populous in the country after ...
city centre. It includes six faculties, four focus institutes, Botanical Gardens and Museum, and university library Pegasus, and Tellus Innovation Arena. * Faculty of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine are located at the Kontinkangas Campus southeast from the city center,
Kontinkangas Kontinkangas is a district of Oulu, Finland. It is located to the east of the National road 4 and to the north of the National road 22 about two kilometers from the city centre. Its neighbouring districts are Kaukovainio, Raksila, Peltola and ...
, Oulu. Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Centre (MRC) and Biocenter Oulu are also located there. The University has a number of research units and shared locations. In Linnanmaa Campus there are: * Thule Institute *
Martti Ahtisaari Martti Oiva Kalevi Ahtisaari (; born 23 June 1937) is a Finnish politician, the tenth president of Finland (1994–2000), a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and a United Nations diplomat and mediator noted for his international peace work. Ahti ...
Institute * Giellagas Institute * Open University Elsewhere in Northern Finland: * Kajaani University Consortium * Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory *
Oulanka Oulanka National Park ( fi, Oulangan kansallispuisto) is a national park in the Northern Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland, covering . The park was established in 1956 and was expanded in 1982 and 1989. It borders the Paanajärvi Nation ...
Biological Research Station ( Kuusamo) * Kerttu Saalasti Institute (
Nivala Nivala is a town and municipality of Finland. It is located in the Northern Ostrobothnia region. The town has a population of () and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is . The municipality is unilingually Finnish. ...
) (former Oulu Southern Institute), ** Centre for Underground Physics in Pyhäsalmi * Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius


Faculties

The University of Oulu is divided into eight faculties


International Cooperation

The University of Oulu aims to promote mobility among its students. It takes part in a number of international exchange programmes, such as Erasmus Programme (Europe), Nordplus (Nordic Countries), FIRST (Russia), ISEP and International to International ISEP (USA, South America, Asia), UNC-EP (USA), north2north (USA, Canada, Russia, Nordic Countries), North-South-South (Africa). Besides, the University of Oulu has about 50 bilateral agreements with partner universities around the world.


Research

University works in 70 research areas. There are five research focus areas which are coordinated by four focus institutes. About 60 invention disclosures are done yearly from the University of Oulu. The university has also served as a birthing place for over 60 research-based companies.


Academic Rankings and Statistics

The University of Oulu has been consistent in gender equality securing a ratio of 53 men to 47 women. The University has also consistently increased in citation per faculty ratio over the years, with positive increases each year. The University of Oulu has experienced fallback on international rankings like the QS Top 500 Universities list. The University of Oulu has fallen from spot #253 in 2014, sitting in spot #392 in 2023. The University lost its position in Finland's top 5 University lists according to the rankings, overtaken by University of Jyväskylä and Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology. However, the future looks bright for University of Oulu as it has been recovering its place in the world rankings. The University of Oulu still remains in the top 3% of Universities globally, and is a popular option for international students who want to study and work in Finland, and is a respected and often cited institution of higher education in Finland. The University of Oulu is a popular University for domestic applicants due to their large number of programs and well kept institutions. In the year 2022, The University of Oulu received 17,667 domestic applications, and accepted 2,497 new students, making the University's 2022 domestic acceptance rate 14%. Because of this, The University of Oulu is a competitive university to get accepted into.


Notable alumni

*
Martti Ahtisaari Martti Oiva Kalevi Ahtisaari (; born 23 June 1937) is a Finnish politician, the tenth president of Finland (1994–2000), a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and a United Nations diplomat and mediator noted for his international peace work. Ahti ...
, M.Sc., former President of Finland,
Nobel Peace Prize The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Swedish industrialist, inventor and armaments (military weapons and equipment) manufacturer Alfred Nobel, along with the prizes in Chemistry, Physics, Physiolo ...
laureate (2008) * Helena Aksela, Ph.D., first female professor of physics in Finland. * Leena Ala-Kokko, Ph.D., professor, biochemist, molecular biologist; co-founder and president of Connective Tissue Gene Tests. * Jarkko Oikarinen, D.Sc., the developer of
Internet Relay Chat Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a text-based chat system for instant messaging. IRC is designed for group communication in discussion forums, called '' channels'', but also allows one-on-one communication via private messages as well as chat an ...
(IRC). * Leena Palotie, D.Sc., professor, geneticist * Jussi Pesonen, M.Sc. (Tech.), CEO of UPM-Kymmene Oyj. * Sakari Orava, D.Sc., professor, surgeon specializing in sports related injuries. Famous for operating surgeries on many top athletes such as
David Beckham David Robert Joseph Beckham (; born 2 May 1975) is an English former professional footballer, the current president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Known for his range of passing, crossing ability and bending ...
. * Vuokko Hirvonen, Ph.D., professor and author, noted scholar of Sámi literature and education policies * Lasse Lehtinen, Ph.D., former Member of the Finnish Parliament and former Member of the European Parliament. * Pekka Aikio, M.Sc., president of the Sami Parliament of Finland for three terms from 1996 to 2008. * Tytti Isohookana-Asunmaa, Ph.D. Finnish Minister of Culture (1991-1995), member of the
Finnish parliament The Parliament of Finland ( ; ) is the unicameral and supreme legislature of Finland, founded on 9 May 1906. In accordance with the Constitution of Finland, sovereignty belongs to the people, and that power is vested in the Parliament. The ...
, from the Centre Party (1983). * Marjo-Riitta Järvelin , M.D., Ph.D., epidemiologist and professor * Tuija Lehtinen, B.Sc., (Stat.), writer, freelance author. Known for ''Mirkka, Laura ''and'' Janne'' novel series, chief scriptwriter of The Dibidogs animation series. *
Sami Lopakka Sami Lopakka is a Finnish guitarist and author. He was one of two guitarists for the metal band Sentenced until it disbanded (1989–2005). He was the band's main lyricist and was also considered to be the spokesman for the band. Since 2007, L ...
, M.A. musician and writer, one of two guitarists for the band
Sentenced Sentenced was a Finnish gothic metal band that played melodic death metal in their early years. The band formed in 1989 in the town of Muhos and broke up in 2005. History Early years (1988–1991) Sentenced started in 1988 as Deformity and ...
(1989-2005). *
Hannu Rajaniemi Hannu Rajaniemi (born 9 March 1978) is a Finnish American author of science fiction and fantasy, who writes in both English and Finnish. He lives in Oakland, California, and was a founding director of a commercial research organisation ThinkTan ...
B.Sc. (Math), author of science fiction and fantasy. Known novel,
The Quantum Thief ''The Quantum Thief'' is the debut science fiction novel by Finnish writer Hannu Rajaniemi and the first novel in a trilogy featuring the character of Jean le Flambeur; the sequels are '' The Fractal Prince'' (2012) and '' The Causal Angel'' (201 ...
. * Ago Silde M.A., Estonian politician, governor of
Ida-Viru County Ida-Viru County ( et, Ida-Viru maakond or ''Ida-Virumaa'') is one of 15 counties of Estonia. It is the most north-eastern part of the country. The county contains large deposits of oil shale - the main mineral mined in Estonia. Oil shale is used ...
2004-2007. *
Jari Vilén Jari Pekka Olavi Vilén (born 17 April 1964 in Kemi) is a Finnish diplomat and a politician. Mr. Vilén served in the Finnish Parliament, representing the National Coalition Party and the district of Lapland from 1999–2007. Political life ...
M.A., politician and a diplomat, served in the
Finnish Parliament The Parliament of Finland ( ; ) is the unicameral and supreme legislature of Finland, founded on 9 May 1906. In accordance with the Constitution of Finland, sovereignty belongs to the people, and that power is vested in the Parliament. The ...
, representing the National Coalition Party and the district of Lapland(1999–2007). * Sauli Vuoti Ph.D. (Chem), musician, chemist, and freelance writer, vocalist and guitarist of the band Kinetik Control, founder of Inferno magazine. * Juha Sipilä M.Sc. (Tech.), former
Prime Minister of Finland The prime minister of Finland ( fi, Suomen pääministeri; ) is the leader of the Finnish Government. The prime minister and their cabinet exercise executive authority in the state. The prime minister is formally ranked third in the protocol ...
* Pirkko Mattila M.Sc., Member of the
Finnish Parliament The Parliament of Finland ( ; ) is the unicameral and supreme legislature of Finland, founded on 9 May 1906. In accordance with the Constitution of Finland, sovereignty belongs to the people, and that power is vested in the Parliament. The ...
and Minister of Social Affairs and Health * Tytti Tuppurainen M.A., Finnish Minister for European Affairs (2019-), member of the Finnish parliament from the
Social Democratic Party The name Social Democratic Party or Social Democrats has been used by many political parties in various countries around the world. Such parties are most commonly aligned to social democracy as their political ideology. Active parties For ...
University of Oulu alumni body is over 55,000.


Student services

Student Union of the University of OuluStudent Union of the University of Oulu
( fi, Oulun yliopiston ylioppilaskunta; ''OYY'') provides services to and supervises the interests of all undergraduate degree students in the University of Oulu. All bachelor's and master's degree students at the University of Oulu belong to the Student Union. By paying the Student Union membership fee, students are entitled to a student card which allows them to get student services and discounts. This way, students get inexpensive or free medical and dental care from Finnish Student Health Services,Finnish Student Health Services
( fi, Ylioppilaiden terveydenhoitosäätiö; ''YTHS'') traveling discounts in trains and buses, student meals reduction, etc. There are a number of students organizations or so-called student guilds presented within the University.


Student housing

Student Housing Foundation of Northern FinlandStudent Housing Foundation of Northern Finland
/ref> ( fi, Pohjois-Suomen opiskelija-asuntosäätiö; ''PSOAS'') is the leading provider of student accommodation in Oulu. The organization operates on a foundation basis which ensures affordable rents for students. Following its mission, PSOAS offers housing services for people studying in Oulu as economically as possible. The residents of PSOAS houses in different areas around the city elect tenant committee for that area, which e.g. organises different activities, maintains club rooms and does other related issues, depending on the active members. The new international student house, named Aurora, was built next to PSOAS housing office in downtown Oulu. The building was finished during the spring of 2013. The house is supposed to be accommodated both by international degree students and Finnish students. The main purpose of the new building is to support the internationalization of Oulu and give the international students better access to Finnish culture and local people. The premises will also support these efforts: More space is dedicated for casual get-togethers, as there is a lounge space on every floor and a café of high level will be serving both Finnish and foreign customers on the ground floor. The International Student Barometer 2019 ranked the University of Oulu first in the world when it comes to internet access and sixth in overall life satisfaction.


Rectors


See also

* City of Oulu *
List of universities in Finland This is a list of the universities in Finland. Institutions of higher education are designated as universities by Finnish legislation. Only universities have the right to confer degrees in the categories of ''alempi korkeakoulututkinto/lägre högs ...


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:University of Oulu
Oulu Oulu ( , ; sv, Uleåborg ) is a city, municipality and a seaside resort of about 210,000 inhabitants in the region of North Ostrobothnia, Finland. It is the most populous city in northern Finland and the fifth most populous in the country after ...
Educational institutions established in 1958 Buildings and structures in Oulu Linnanmaa 1958 establishments in Finland