Fulbright-University of Oulu Scholar Award (All Disciplines)
Finland
Number of recipients
The Fulbright – University of Oulu scholar will conduct research, or conduct research and teach, at any of the eight faculties, four centers for multidisciplinary research or regional units of the university:
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Technology
- Oulu Business School
- Biocentre Oulu
- Infotech
- Eudaimonia Institute
- Kvantum Institute
- Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory
- Kerttu Saalasti Institute
The award can be awarded to any field represented at the University of Oulu.
The Fulbright-University of Oulu Scholar Award is jointly funded by the University of Oulu and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
The University of Oulu is one of the largest universities in Finland and the most significant research and innovation hub in Northern Europe. The university takes on science with an Arctic attitude. It means perseverance, ingenuity, and cooperation. Their research benefits people living at all latitudes, but as one of the northernmost international science universities, they have a particular responsibility towards addressing the challenges and demanding conditions of the Arctic region.
The University of Oulu, founded in 1958, has 8 faculties, 13,800 students and 3,700 employees. The university has over 90 different nationalities in its multicultural campus community and an active network of education and research partnerships across the world. The university is delighted to welcome talented Fulbright scholars to the university to collaborate and create scientific and societal impact together. Their research strengths are built around strong multidisciplinary expertise. The University of Oulu hosts several internationally acclaimed flagships and world-class projects in its top research profile fields.
The university is also home to the Academy of Finland funded 6G Flagship that promotes high-quality 6G research to create future know-how and sustainable solutions for society’s needs in the 2030s.
The City of Oulu is the capital of northern Finland. The Oulu region is home to 250,000 people making it the largest urban center in northern Scandinavia and the fastest growing region in Finland. Oulu is internationally renowned as a high-tech city: a major center of competence and innovation in information and health technology. Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life, and a friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Oulu values education, research and innovation and welcomes everyone to contribute to these dynamics. The city has been awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2026 by the European Union. Oulu has great transportation links, including an international airport, and can be reached easily and quickly from the rest of Finland and beyond.
You can find more information about the City of Oulu at https://visitoulu.fi/en/
Awards begin in September 2025 or January 2026 or as separately agreed upon with the host institution and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
The academic year runs from September through mid-May (Fall Semester: September to mid-December; Spring Semester: January to mid-May).
There is generally no teaching from June to August.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants are strongly recommended to contact the relevant unit or Faculty to discuss and jointly plan activities for the application. The letter should include information on the agreed teaching and research plan, details of housing, and length and dates of the proposed visit (the Finnish host institution should refer to these instructions). The letter should be signed by the Dean of the relevant Faculty member.
Note: Late June, July, and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland, and responses to inquiries may be delayed. Applicants are advised to contact the Finnish host institution well ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a virtual call in mid-January 2025.
A candidate for the Fulbright–University of Oulu Scholar Award must hold a Ph.D. degree and have substantial experience in teaching and research in their field. The candidate must be a U.S. citizen.
Fulbright Finland Foundation
More information about Finland: Visit Finland and This is Finland
The stipend includes a monthly grant and free housing for the scholar and their accompanying family.
The monthly grant is 4,500 EUR a month (approx. $4,900), paid out in euros in monthly installments.
Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
The University of Oulu will arrange and cover the cost of housing for the scholar and their family. This information should be confirmed in the letter of invitation. Applicants should communicate their housing needs to the host institution during the application process so that appropriate housing can be arranged for them.
A one-time travel allowance of $1,800 is provided.
Also, a residence permit allowance is provided - based on the actual permit fees (incl. grantee and accompanying family members).
K-12 education in Finland is generally free or heavily subsidized (some special schools, such as private international schools, may charge tuition). Instruction in English is available in Helsinki and other bigger cities at kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, as well as at the university level, however many of them require an aptitude test and sometimes entry is competitive.
For details about the Finnish education system please visit the Ministry of Education and Culture, which provides greater insight to education at all levels across Finland.
The scholar will receive the full support services provided by the Fulbright Finland Foundation for all Fulbright grantees in Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki arranges a four-day orientation seminar for scholars at the end of August, which scholars arriving for the fall semester are expected to attend. An orientation meeting is also arranged for scholars arriving in January. In addition, the Fulbright Finland Foundation organizes seminars and other events throughout the academic year for the Fulbright scholars to deepen their understanding of the Finnish culture.
The grantee will also be eligible to participate in a Fulbright Finland pre-approved summer school in Finland consisting of courses on Finnish language, culture, and society, pending availability of suitable programs.
Finland
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Finland for 2025-26, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff, and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience, and application guidance.
Finland is a Nordic country the size of California located in northern Europe and is part of the European Union. It is rather sparsely populated (5.6 million people) and has extensive nature: forests, coastline, and lakes. The six largest cities host approximately 60% of the population; urban environments are closely linked to nature. It is a country that has a well-organized and efficient society. The general infrastructure, both public and private services, is considered very effective. Well run public services such as transportation, police, education, and healthcare are fundamental and highly regarded parts of the society. The arts and design, cultural life, nature, and sports are highly valued. Finland ranks as one of the world’s most stable nations and has been named one of the safest and least corrupt countries in the world, which makes it an easy place to live and travel.
Finns believe strongly in equality and education, and the country is especially known for its effective and free education system. Finland has two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Finnish higher education institutions engage in world-leading research and offer high-quality academic programs. On a national level, research and development is highly emphasized. The Finnish government is committed to the target of raising research and development expenditure to four per cent of GDP by 2030. Together with a welcoming and intriguing environment, Finland offers interesting opportunities for American researchers, teachers, and professionals. English is widely used at the university level.
The academic year in Finland is based on a two-semester system. The official academic year starts on August 1 and ends on July 31. However, in the fall semester, lectures are usually scheduled between September and mid-December, and in the spring semester, between early January and May. Typically, there is no teaching during the summer and on public holidays.
Finland has a strong Fulbright program with a unique history. The program has an important role in supporting the internationalization of education and research in Finland, helping U.S. and Finnish institutions create linkages, and promoting a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States. The program has grown in recent years due to the close cooperation of the Fulbright Finland Foundation with Finnish universities, research institutions, governmental agencies, and private foundations, as well as to U.S. and Finnish alumni contributions. Most of the program’s funding currently comes from Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation offers awards to U.S. scholars to teach or pursue research in Finland. The majority of awards are available to scholars in all disciplines, but some awards are limited to certain fields. In nearly all categories, housing is provided for the grantee. Awards are also available for professionals for career development.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation also provides information for Finnish institutions, which applicants are encouraged to utilize when contacting prospective hosts.
Read more about Finland:
Fulbright Finland Foundation website
Fulbright Finland News Magazine
Visit Finland
This is Finland
Scott E. Buchanan - Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies 2019-20
David Dorman - Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Distinguished Chair in Health and Environmental Sciences 2021-2022
Visit the Fulbright Finland Foundation website to see grantees from previous years.
University of Oulu
The University of Oulu encourages applicants to contact the university staff beforehand. Katja Nieminen is happy to help potential candidates to connect with the faculty members for discussion.
Head of International Affairs
Email: katja.nieminen@oulu.fi
Fulbright Finland Foundation
The Fulbright Finland Foundation encourages potential applicants to visit its website for further information and contact the office directly with any questions.
Program Manager, Scholar Programs
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi
Tel: +358 44 5535 275
Coordinator
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi