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 if you meet the entrance criteria. 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) 

You may need a residence permit for your studies. You must apply for the residence permit before moving to Finland and it must be valid before you start your studies.

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.

As of August 1, 2026, there is a tuition fee for citizens of a country other than a Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

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.