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Educational Consortium OSAO

Finland, Oulu

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Finnish, English
Fees €29,200
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 9500
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Finnish Curriculum, IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages Finnish, English, Swedish
Strengths STEM, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Educational Consortium OSAO is a Finnish vocational college network based in Oulu. It operates eight campuses across six municipalities, including Haukipudas, Kaukovainio, Kontinkangas and the Kempele–Liminka region, with Muhos, Pudasjärvi and Taivalkoski serving local needs. OSAO delivers the Finnish Curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) and offers English-language vocational qualifications in Restaurant and Catering Services, Tourism Industry, and Merkonomi (Business). An International IB career-related program in Business and Administration is also available. A flexible, individualized learning path is provided for every student, shaped by prior knowledge, skills and needs. OSAO is one of Finland's largest multidisciplinary vocational colleges, serving about 8,500 students with around 880 staff and roughly 89 million euros in operating revenue (2024). Distinctive activities include participation in events such as Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs, Qstock, and Amistanssit, and a strong culture of external competitions and community engagement. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in real-world settings daily.

Koulutuskuntayhtymä OSAO, PL 213, 90101 Oulu, Finland

The Essentials

Educational Consortium OSAO has 9,500 pupils, instruction in Finnish, English.

Location
The school is located in the Oulu area, Finland. It operates across eight campuses in the OSAO network.

Stages
OSAO offers vocational qualifications and continuing education as a Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider. It is an IB World School. Some programs are taught in English, including a three-year International IB Career-Related Program in Business and Administration, with three English-taught qualifications: Restaurant and Catering Services; Tourism Industry; Merkonomi (Business).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
OSAO has student housing (asuntolat) at four locations near campuses. Asuntolat are located at Haukiputaalla, Muhoksella and Taivalkoskella, with housing available to students and applications made for each academic year. Housing is free of charge, but a 50 € apartment and furniture deposit is charged in advance and refunded when the student moves out. Haukiputaan dormitory provides private rooms in four-person apartments with shared living/kitchen areas; Muhoksen dormitories are shared apartments with 3–4 two-person rooms per unit; Taivalkosken dormitory areas consist of four two-person rooms per apartment. The dorms are generally open Sunday 16:30 to Friday 16:30 and are closed on weekends and holidays.

Food Options
OSAO provides on-campus dining through student restaurants; basic vocational or preparatory training includes one free meal per study day, and natural resources students receive free breakfast and dinner. Meals are served in the unit's student restaurant or a designated dining location. Kotkankulma is the on-site teaching restaurant and Oppipuoti offers grab-and-go meals for students.

Governance and Ownership
Educational Consortium OSAO is an IB World School. It operates as a large multidisciplinary vocational college with about 9,500 students and 840 staff. OSAO is an educational consortium (koulutuskuntayhtymä) and is authorized to deliver official diplomas and certificates.
Fees

Annual tuition at Educational Consortium OSAO ranges from EUR 29,200 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- There is no separate application fee charged to submit an electronic application for study places; applications are submitted online through OSAO's application process.

Tuition fees (yearly amounts by qualification; charged per academic year)

- For students who are nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA, OSAO charges a tuition fee that is set per qualification and billed per academic year. The tuition fee for vocational qualifications and related further/specialist qualifications is shown as euros per student per academic year as follows:
- Vocational Qualification in the Motor Vehicles Sector: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Food Production (excluding the dairy sector): EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Hairdressing and Beauty Care: EUR 13,100.
- Vocational Qualification in Mining: EUR 18,500.
- Vocational Qualification in Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Laboratory Technology: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Business: EUR 10,000.
- Vocational Qualification in Logistics (other than Transport Services): EUR 13,100.
- Vocational Qualification in Logistics (Transport Services): EUR 17,300.
- Vocational Qualification in Pharmaceutics: EUR 10,800.
- Vocational Qualification in Agriculture: EUR 14,500.
- Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry: EUR 13,100.
- Vocational Qualification in Media and Visual Expression: EUR 11,500.
- Vocational Qualification in Forestry (other than Forest Machine Operation): EUR 14,500.
- Vocational Qualification in Forestry (Forest Machine Operation): EUR 22,200.
- Vocational Qualification in Surface Treatment Technology: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Process Industry: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Cleaning and Property Services: EUR 13,100.
- Vocational Qualification in Horticulture: EUR 11,600.
- Vocational Qualification in Wood Industry: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Construction (other than Earthmoving Machinery Operator): EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Construction (Earthmoving Machinery Operator): EUR 18,500.
- Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services: EUR 13,100.
- Vocational Qualification in Electrical Engineering and Automation Technology: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Social and Health Care: EUR 10,800.
- Vocational Qualification in Arts and Design: EUR 11,500.
- Vocational Qualification in Building Maintenance Technology: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Technical Design: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Textiles and Fashion Industry: EUR 13,400.
- Vocational Qualification in Information and Communications Technology: EUR 11,100.
- Vocational Qualification in Safety and Security: EUR 13,100.
- Vocational Qualification in Equipment Maintenance: EUR 10,800.

- Further vocational and specialist vocational qualifications have separate yearly fees; examples listed include:
- Further Vocational Qualification in Motor Vehicles Sector: EUR 17,700.
- Further Vocational Qualification in Media: EUR 21,500.
- Further Vocational Qualification in Infrastructure Construction: EUR 29,200.
- Specialist Vocational Qualification in Infrastructure Construction: EUR 29,200.
- Specialist Vocational Qualification in Arts and Design: EUR 21,500.

- The stated amounts are expressed as euros per student per academic year (the tuition fee is determined at the start of studies and remains the same for the duration of those studies). Payment is required for participation in instruction for students who are liable to pay.

Other programme-level fees and single-course student fees

- Certain continuing education and qualification programmes require a separate course or student fee (opiskelijamaksu) that is charged in addition to any statutory tuition fee liability for non‑EU/EEA nationals. Examples of programme-level student fees (amounts shown where published):
- Typical opiskelijamaksu examples include EUR 250, EUR 400, EUR 450 and EUR 500 depending on the programme. Individual programme pages state the exact student fee for that programme.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The tuition fee for liable students is charged after a study place has been offered and must be paid before the student is permitted to begin studies; education-provider invoicing procedures are used to collect the fee.
- For programme-specific student fees (opiskelijamaksu), acceptance of a study place is binding and payment commitments are confirmed at enrolment; several programme pages specify that a student who withdraws after a short introductory period (commonly noted as three weeks from the start) will not receive a refund of a paid programme fee. Examples of these non‑refund rules appear on programme pages.

Boarding / student accommodation fees

- Student accommodation in OSAO student dormitories (asuntolat) is provided without a recurring rent charge for eligible students. A refundable room-and-furniture deposit (huoneisto- ja kalustopantti) of EUR 50 is collected from every incoming dormitory resident; this deposit is paid in advance via OSAO's online store and is returned when the key is returned and the room condition is approved. Occasional service charges (for example, for special services such as door-opening) may apply.

Other expected costs

- Students should budget for course books, personal study supplies and equipment, required work clothing and tools for particular trade programmes, meals, housing and travel. Where a student is liable for a tuition fee, entitlement to free learning materials, equipment and daily free meals in vocational upper secondary education is not provided. IB examination fees and other external exam fees may apply (example: IB exam fees reported around EUR 200 for some programmes).

Refund information

- Programme-specific student fees (opiskelijamaksu) are commonly non‑refundable if the student withdraws after the published short trial period (many pages specify a three‑week rule).
- Procedures for refunds and returns of paid tuition fees for non‑EU/EEA tuition-liable students and related practical collection rules are handled according to OSAO's tuition-fee decision and administrative procedures and are applied in accordance with guidance from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Immigration Service; collection and refund procedures are executed by the education provider and are specified in OSAO's tuition‑fee procedures. The tuition fee must be paid before studies begin.

Fee payment options and invoicing details

- OSAO uses standard education-provider invoicing channels. The published invoicing operator and e‑billing identifiers are: Operator CGI Suomi Oy, online billing address 003709924453 (transmit id 003703575029 is shown for the operator). These invoicing channels support electronic invoicing and conventional invoicing practices. Dormitory deposit payments are handled via OSAO's online store. Parent/guardian or employer payment arrangements are managed by agreement with OSAO where applicable.

Summary notes for parents (concise)

- There is no separate application submission charge.
- For non‑EU/EEA nationals accepted to vocational or upper‑secondary programmes, a tuition charge is set per qualification and billed per academic year (listed above as euros per student per academic year). Payment is required before studies may begin.
- Some programmes require additional programme/course fees (examples: EUR 250–500) and these follow their own acceptance and refund conditions (many specify no refund after three weeks).
- Student dormitory accommodation is provided without recurring rent for eligible students, but a refundable EUR 50 room-and-furniture deposit and occasional service charges apply; the deposit is paid online.
- Invoicing is handled through OSAO's billing operator and e‑invoicing identifiers; dormitory deposits are paid via the online store.
Academics

Educational Consortium OSAO teaches Finnish Curriculum, IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme).

Curriculum
OSAO is an IB World School. Educational Consortium OSAO offers vocational qualifications and vocational units from the Vocational Qualification in English. At the moment we offer three vocational qualifications in English: Vocational Qualification in Business; Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services; Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry. The other vocational qualifications are in Finnish only. An individualized learning path is provided for every student, with learning paths based on the student's skills, characteristics and earlier know-how; the education is flexible and takes the student's needs into consideration.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides student welfare support through a counselor and a psychologist who support students' growth and wellbeing in collaboration with school staff. The focus is on promoting the wellbeing of the entire school community. The counselor and psychologist participate in planning and coordinating student welfare through the units' student welfare groups and OSAO's student welfare group. They support individual students as needed, assisting with learning, coping, housing and financial matters. Services are available face-to-face and by phone or secure online channels (Microsoft Teams), depending on student preference. Contact information for welfare professionals is available across campuses.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special support is planned by drafting an Individual Support Plan with the homeroom teacher and a special education teacher, and, if needed, a study counselor and other staff. If you are under 18, guardians participate in planning. The plan considers your strengths, goals and support needs and is reviewed regularly. Special support may include part-time teacher support, small-group instruction, individualized schedules and materials, diverse teaching methods, mentor support, work-based learning, and individualized study and career guidance. When moving from basic education to vocational education, study demands increase; instructors collaborate with a special education teacher, and the special educator plays a central role in planning and ensuring early access to support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
OSAO offers three English-language vocational qualifications: Restaurant and Catering Services, Tourism Industry, and Business (Merkonomi). The Business program also runs a three-year IB Career-related Programme delivered entirely in English. The programs described as English-language study are explicitly labeled as English-language; other qualifications are taught in Finnish. Preparatory Education for Vocational Training (TUVA) helps immigrant students, includes language study and an individual study plan, and covers Finnish as a second language, English and Swedish.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides mental wellbeing support through psychologist and counselor services that promote students' learning and wellbeing in collaboration with staff. They participate in student welfare planning and provide support to individuals as needed. Services are available in person or via phone or secure channels (e.g., Microsoft Teams) in accordance with student preferences. Students and staff can contact the psychologist and counselor for support.

Safeguarding
A safe learning environment is created by OSAO's collective actions, including internal safety guidelines and unit-specific fire and crisis plans. The safeguarding plan covers student protection from violence, bullying and harassment, and includes: student safety (5.1); equality and non-discrimination (5.4); dignified conduct in the student community (5.3.1); prevention and response to bullying, harassment and violence (5.3.2); monitoring of incidents (5.3.3); the OSAO equality plan, pedagogical support and continuity of learning; dormitory rules and discipline rules; and crisis management structures with safety officers and crisis teams. The plan is reviewed and updated regularly; guardians are involved for underage students and authorities may be contacted if needed. Each unit has up-to-date evacuation plans and safety protocols; staff and students are educated in safety procedures.
Parent Experience

History
Educational Consortium OSAO was established when the member municipalities signed the foundational agreement on 15 December 1994. It is owned by eight municipalities: Hailuoto, Ii, Kempele, Liminka, Lumijoki, Muhos, Oulu and Tyrnävä. OSAO's task is to organize vocational education and qualifications for its member municipalities and to maintain the regional sports institute. It also provides vocational education on a contract basis in Pudasjärvi and Taivalkoski. As of 2024, OSAO serves about 8,500 students with around 880 staff and generates about 89 million euros in operating revenues, and it is one of the largest multidisciplinary vocational colleges in Finland.

Community
OSAO is one of the largest multidisciplinary vocational colleges in Finland, with about 9,500 students and 840 staff. It operates eight campuses across the Oulu region, including Haukipudas, Kaukovainio, Kontinkangas, Kempele–Liminka, Muhos, Pudasjärvi, Taivalkoski and others. OSAO is an IB World School and takes part in national and international skills competitions; entrepreneurship is developed as a competition skill at OSAO. The organization works with a broad network of more than 6,600 cooperation partners and offers studies in English in Business and Administration, including an International IB Career-related program taught entirely in English and three English-language vocational qualifications (Restaurant and Catering services, Tourism Industry, Merkonomi).

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Wilma is the central communication channel between the school and parents. Guardians of minor students can create Wilma accounts after the start of studies, and guardians of students aged 18 and older can obtain Wilma access only with the student's permission. Parents are invited to unit kotiväenilta (parents' evenings) for new students and to unit open days and other events. The unit head is responsible for maintaining active contact with guardians of underage students or guardians of students who arrived in Finland alone. Some units run cooperation groups with school representatives and parents, and parents' associations are welcome to join unit events and open days. Materials from parents' evenings are published for reference.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
OSAO operates eight campuses across six municipalities in the Oulu region: Kempele, Liminka, Muhos, Oulu, Pudasjärvi and Taivalkoski. The Haukipudas, Kaukovainio, Kontinkangas campuses and the Kempele-Liminka campuses form the core regional network, with Muhos, Pudasjärvi and Taivalkoski campuses also serving local needs. The campuses provide working life based education and training across a wide range of disciplines, and offer vocational and further vocational qualifications. English-language offerings include an International IB career-related program in Business and Administration and three English-taught qualifications: Restaurant and Catering services, Tourism Industry, and Merkonomi (Business).

Academic Facilities
OSAO delivers vocational education in many fields across its campuses. Haukipudas covers Vehicle Technology, Surface Treatment Technology, Construction, Restaurant and Catering Services, Electrical and Automation Engineering, Arts and Design, and Textiles and Fashion. Kaukovainio offers Food Production, Confectionery, Cooking, Hotel and Restaurant Services, Tourism Services, Customer Service and Sales, and Finance and Office Services, plus an International IB career-related program in Business and Administration and three English-language qualifications: Restaurant and Catering, Tourism Industry, and Merkonomi (Business). Kontinkangas includes Hairdressing and Beauty Care, Pharmaceutics, Social and Health Care, and Equipment Maintenance. Kempele and Liminka campuses offer Horticulture, Logistics, Restaurant and Catering, Safety and Security, and Technical Design. Muhos focuses on Vehicle Technology, Agriculture, Forestry and Social and Health Care. Pudasjärvi provides Wood Processing, Electrical Engineering, Social and Health Care, and Business Management. Taivalkoski concentrates on Mining, Forestry, and Infrastructure Construction.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
OSAO is one of the biggest vocational colleges in Finland and provides vocational education in various fields. Students have opportunities to participate in external competitions and events to showcase their skills, including the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition. Joel Manninen, an OSAO alumnus, won silver at the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition in Istanbul.

Arts & Creative
Textile and fashion students sew pillows for the students' own space. Cooking students sell their own dishes at cultural events. The metal and wood departments collaborate on cultural artworks: a welder uses surplus metal and a construction student builds a stage for Qstock. Everyday culture deeds include a student organizing community art at Hyvis Stop, students cooking together in the school kitchen, a student pair organizing Halloween for dorm residents, and a casual basketball game in the school yard.

Cultural & Language
International cultural deeds include a student producing a podcast episode with an international guest, and a student on exchange painting a wall mural. Another student participates in an international culture project during work placement. OSAAO participates in Qstock festival by having students plan and create festival artworks and decorations. Amistanssit blends traditional and contemporary culture, with OSAO's first Amistanssit held in 2026.

Social & Hobbies
Everyday culture deeds include a student organizing community art at Hyvis Stop, students cooking together in the school kitchen, a student pair organizing Halloween evening for dorm residents, and a casual basketball game in the school yard.

Community & Service
Foresters chop winter firewood for an elderly person living alone. Automotive students change winter tires at the K-market yard. A practical nurse student takes the elderly to daytime dances. Animal care students visit dog companions at events.

Leadership & Professional
Culture agents plan, organize and inspire others to take part in cultural deeds. To become a culture agent, you select the optional Kulttuuriagenttina toimiminen – tutkinnon osa (Cultural agent operating) as a 3-ECTS module. In 2025–2026, culture agent activities ran across OSAO with unit leaders at Kaukovainion, Kontinkankaan and Haukiputaan campuses. The program includes opportunities to work on major events such as LUMO light festival, the Frozen People winter festival, Oulu2026 events and Qstock, and it awards a diploma for the culture agent work.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mielenasiat tutuksi -hanke has strengthened OSAO's teaching staff mental-health skills and increased understanding of mental health's impact on learning. Wellbeing and learning capability are built on community, safe encounters and everyday study support. Small actions, such as a teacher greeting in the hallway or timely feedback, help students feel seen and supported, contributing to a safer, more inclusive learning environment.
Languages

Language Provision
Finnish is the primary language of instruction in most programs. English language qualifications are available through OSAO Edu, including three English taught qualifications. In those English language programs, all subjects are taught in English, while Swedish and Finnish are used for some subjects. OSAO supports language development and international exposure through domestic language study, international events, hosting international guests, and mobility opportunities abroad.

Bilingual Teaching
OSAO Edu offers English language vocational qualifications: Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services, Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry, and Merkonomi, Vocational Qualification in Business. These programs are taught entirely in English. Swedish and Finnish are used for some subjects.

Immersion Programs
OSAO provides international mobility for study or work placements in Europe. Mobility periods can be completed at partner institutions, with progression recognized through the European mobility framework. Erasmus+ funding partially supports mobility, and OSAO collaborates with international networks such as EfVET, Xarxa FP, and HANAKO. Students may participate in international projects and study trips.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Language requirement. Applicants must be able to follow lessons in Finnish. Finnish language proficiency is required for admission to study at OSAO. 2. Studies in English. In Business and Administration, a three-year International IB Career-related Programme is taught entirely in English. Completing this program yields a Finnish vocational qualification that enables admission to Finnish universities. OSAO is an IB World School. 3. English-language qualifications. We offer three English-language vocational qualifications: Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services; Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry; Merkonomi, Vocational Qualification in Business. 4. There are two application routes. The joint education application procedure occurs annually in February or March via studyinfo.fi for applicants with no further education beyond comprehensive education. Rolling admissions are available for applicants who have completed upper secondary education or matriculation or possess a vocational qualification or work experience; applications are submitted through the OSAO website. 5. How to apply and documents. An online application form must be filled; the required documents must be attached to the application. Copies of school certificates and an official English translation are required; translations must be done by an authorized translator and include the translator's signature and stamp. A legal guardian is typically the parent for under-18 students. 6. Language testing and admission details. English skills are not required as a separate test; English proficiency is assessed during the entrance examination or interview. 7. Entrance examination. Entrance examinations, learning preparedness tests, and interviews must be attended in person in Oulu; online testing is not available. 8. Non-EU applicants, residence and tuition. Basic entrance criteria for non-EU applicants include basic Finnish language ability, completion of Finnish compulsory education, and good English. A residence permit may be required; as of August 1, 2026, there is a tuition fee for non-EU/EEA citizens. OSAO does not offer scholarships to international students. 9. Rolling admission for foreign graduates and admission restrictions. Upper secondary or higher education graduates from outside Finland can apply via rolling admission; they cannot be admitted in separate admission for the Vocational Qualification in Business including IBCP studies.

Scholarships
OSAO does not have scholarships available for international students.
School Events
The school has not added events
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