Applying to OSAO
You are welcome to apply for a studying place at OSAO if you can speak Finnish well enough to be able to follow lessons in Finnish.
Read more about our language skill requirements here. The content of the page is in Finnish.
In the study field of Business and Administration, we offer a three-year International IB Career related program. This program is taught entirely in English.
At the moment we offer three vocational qualifications in English. Read more about our programs in English here.
Before starting upper secondary vocational education and training, immigrant students have the possibility to complete a short period of pre-vocational preparatory education. The program helps to improve the students’ Finnish language skills and other abilities needed for studying according to an individual study plan.
You can apply to OSAO through two different procedures
The secondary education joint application procedure that takes place annually in February or March. The joint application procedure is for applicants with no further education than comprehensive education. Applications are sent through studyinfo.fi.
The rolling admissions procedure is for applicants who have
- either completed the general upper secondary education syllabus or the matriculation examination
- either a previous vocational qualification or work experience from the field of education they are applying to.
The application periods in rolling admission vary depending on the field of vocational qualification. Applications are sent through our website.
FAQ about applying to OSAO
You have to fill in an online application form. The application form is available during the application period. You can attach the required documents to your application.
With legal guardian we most often refer to the parent; legal guardian has the right to decide for matters concerning a student that is under 18 years old. For example, if an underaged student has some problems, we must be able to contact the legal guardian and have them responsible for helping the student.
No, unfortunately we can not arrange any examinations, Learning preparedness test, Finnish language test or an interview online. You have to attend the exam, tests and the interview in Oulu, Finland.
No, we follow the Finnish national joint application criteria in which you do not get any extra points from work experience.
No, your English skill are tested in the entrance examination or in the interview.
Yes, you can apply. Basic entrance requirements are completed Finnish comprehensive school or corresponding education (9 years of education), Good written and oral command of the English language and basic level command of the Finnish language (A.1.3 European language framework)
Vocational Qualifications include Finnish as a second language studies and customer service Finnish skills. In order to pass the level required a student must have basic command of the Finnish language at the beginning. The level recommended is A.1.3 in European language framework.
The Finnish language fluency will be tested. You can study the basics of Finnish before the entrance examination or the Finnish language test.
You must attach copies of the school certificates and an official English translation to the application. The translation must be done by an authorised translator and must include the translator’s signature and stamp.
Upper secondary or higher education graduates can apply in rolling admission.
Upper secondary or higher education graduates with completed qualification cannot be accepted in separate admission (Vocational Qualification in Business including IBCP studies). If you are eligible for higher education in Finland, you can’t apply for our education in separate application.
You don’t have to study especially for the entrance examination. The entrance examination measures oral and written English language skills, learning skills, and learning motivation.
There is no tuition fee. Students are required to finance their studies and living expenses themselves. We don’t have a dormitory.
OSAO does not have scholarships available for international students and cannot offer financial assistance to students.
