Based in western Finland on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Scandinavia, the Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is a modern, dynamic and innovative higher education institution.
The old bilingual coastal towns of Kokkola and Pietarsaari with longstanding traditions of sea fare, international trade and shipbuilding and the growing modern towns of Ylivieska and Haapajärvi in the picturesque river valleys of Ostrobothnia form a region well-known for its entrepreneurial spirit, SMEs, the metal, electronics, chemical, pulp and paper industries and for its rich cultural life, and provide an excellent setting for a dynamic, international and multi-disciplinary higher education institution.
At the COU we believe in the internationalisation of education and international co-operation. The importance of internationalisation is emphasised throughout all of the three main functions of the University of Applied Sciences, namely education, research and development and regional impact.
All units and departments have the explicit mission to educate professionals, who are internationally oriented, tolerant and well prepared for functioning in a multicultural environment and for meeting the challenges of the internationalised labour market through a lively mobility of students and staff and Internationalisation at Home (IaH).
Moreover, the COU also strives to support and promote the internationalisation of the region, through international R&D-projects in co-operation with enterprises and institutions. The region’s open-minded, bilingual culture, with its positive attitudes towards internationalisation and entrepreneurship provides a solid basis for our international activities.
The Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is today recognised by international as well as national partners as an institution which is wholeheartedly committed to international co-operation. At present the international co-operation involves interaction with around 130 partner institutions in 34 countries in all parts of the world.
You are most welcome to study, teach or work with us!
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to improve the educational level and skills of the region’s population and to enhance the individual’s abilities to succeed in a changing, multicultural environment as well as his or her readiness for continuing learning.
Accommodation
COU does not have any accommodation facilities of its own, but we make the necessary reservations for exchange students before they arrive. Students are accommodated in furnished student apartments.
Every student has his/her own bedroom with a communal kitchen and bathroom. These apartments usually accommodate 2-4 students. Despite the relatively cold Finnish winters the apartments are comfortable and warm thanks to the excellent insulation and central heating systems. Most of the apartment buildings have a sauna and laundry facilities on the ground floor.
The rent varies from € 140 - 210 /month.
The Degree students make their own reservations before arriving.
Admission
See:
http://www.haeennenkuin.fi/Education.aspx?cid=162&main=2
