Nestled in a scenic seaside setting, and ranked among the world’s leading universities, the University of Oulu offers all you need for personal and professional fulfillment. Enjoy access to cutting-edge resources. Work alongside a diverse team of experts in their fields. Take the next step in your career, with friendly support every step of the way, and enjoy a happier, calmer life.
Considering Oulu as the next destination in your academic journey? Here are five reasons to make the move.
REASON 1
Be a Part of Cutting-Edge Research and Innovation
At the University of Oulu, play your part in innovative, exciting research projects in diverse fields, from telecommunications technology to sustainability. For instance, Oulu is the home of the world’s first 6G research program. It’s also known for its Digital Waters (DIWA) flagship research, pursuing smarter solutions for water management, with life-changing impacts for future generations.
In multiple authoritative rankings, the University of Oulu holds high positions in a broad range of subjects, including computer science, geography, engineering, hospitality, mining, electronics, and more. Its strong research profile and academic excellence offer valuable opportunities for scholars to collaborate, innovate, and grow professionally.
All faculty members here enjoy access to state-of-the-art tools and resources, with the freedom to pursue the projects they feel most passionate about, and teams of inspiring, intelligent, and like-minded colleagues to collaborate with.
REASON 2
Join a Welcoming, Inclusive, and Diverse Team
Diversity and inclusion are core pillars of the University of Oulu culture. All are made to feel welcome here, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or origin. Indeed, the campus is a veritable melting pot of people from all over the world, with over a third of the teaching and research staff being from abroad, and over 80 nationalities represented.
So, no matter who you are or where you’re from, you won’t need to worry about fitting in. The university has strong policies in place regarding gender equality and non-discrimination, and goes above and beyond to ensure that every member of the community, from students to staff, feels welcomed and at ease.
This also ties into the broader Finnish culture, which is egalitarian and low-hierarchical in nature. In other words, it’s simply part of the national identity here for people to see and treat one another as equals, all working together towards common goals.
University of Oulu
Convinced yet?
REASON 3
Enjoy a Flexible, Family-Friendly Working Culture
For those with families or little ones on the way, you’ll be happy to hear that the University of Oulu prides itself on its flexible, family-friendly policies, too. Thanks to this, it’s so easy for all employees to strike that all-important balance between career fulfillment and time for friends, family, and out-of-work interests.
Benefits provided include paid parental leave (as required), along with occupational healthcare, plus sport, culture, and wellness benefits, too. In short, your needs will be acknowledged and supported here, along with giving you the freedom and flexibility you need to excel in your professional endeavors without feeling forced into sacrifice or compromise.
REASON 4
Live in a Beautiful Seaside City in the Happiest Country on Earth
Oulu isn’t merely known for its world-leading university. The fifth-largest city in Finland, Oulu is also famed for its scenic coastal setting, with fine sand beaches, lush green spaces, and cultural hotspots all around. Oulu Cathedral, the soon-to-open Museum and Science Centre Tiima, Oulu Market Hall, and Oulu Art Museum – the list of must-see sights and lovely local landmarks is long and varied. Oulu is also the European Capital of Culture 2026, and it boasts a rich cultural scene with numerous unique events.
So, when you’re not engaged with innovative research projects, you can get out and enjoy all sorts of rewarding activities, from hikes to watersports, fine dining, art, and shopping. During your time here, you’ll soon come to understand why this lively and easy-going city is so beloved and why Finland, at large, is so often ranked as one of the happiest, most peaceful, and pleasant places on Earth in which to live and work.
REASON 5
Settle in Easily With Comprehensive Support
Moving to a new university in an unfamiliar country can feel daunting. Fortunately, the University of Oulu leaves no stone unturned in its efforts to help new arrivals feel at home, right away. It offers a plethora of relocation and settling-in services, all designed to aid those from other countries and backgrounds fit in and feel at ease.
There’s the University of Oulu Buddy Programme, for example. Through this, new employees are paired with experienced employees, “Buddies,” who act as friendly, supportive guides in the early days and weeks, introducing you not only to campus life but also aiding you in adapting and understanding wider Finnish culture.
The University of Oulu Spouse Network, meanwhile, ensures that the partners of new staff members receive equal support in settling in. In addition, university staff can assist and guide you with all other aspects of your move, from obtaining residence permits to finding a home, setting up utilities, and even arranging child care.