Destinations Outside Europe
The available destinations vary annually based on where we can send students. Therefore, not all destinations are available in every application round. Some destinations are university-wide partners, meaning that they are open to all students for whom there are suitable subjects available for their degree.
In addition, faculties may have their own non-European exchange destinations, which are restricted to students of specific fields and faculties. You can find detailed information about these universities and application instructions in the "For You" section at the bottom of the continent-specific pages.
There is one annual application period in November from the 1st to the 20th for destinations outside Europe. The exchange places are for the next full academic year, either for the fall or spring of 202X. The application round for non-European destinations also includes ISEP destinations and the north2north program destinations.
Detailed destination list and other application instructions, requirements, and possible restrictions can be found in the call for applications published before the application period.
Application Process
The application process for non-European destinations consists of two phases:
Phase 1
Fill out the electronic application in the SoleMOVE system within the application period. Indicate your top three preferred exchange destinations and attach the required documents. All applicants are required to submit a study plan, a transcript of records with GPA, a language proficiency certificate, and a motivation letter. More detailed instructions regarding the attachments can be found in the call for applications.
After the application period ends, all students who meet the application criteria will be invited to an interview. Participation in the interview is mandatory; if a student does not participate, they are considered to have withdrawn from the process. After the interviews, selection decisions are made based on the study plan, the applicant's motivation, the interview, and academic performance. All applicants will be informed of the selection decision individually.
Phase 2
If you are selected in the first phase, the application process continues with applying to the host university. At this stage, you will apply to the host university according to their application process. You will receive separate instructions for this, so do not start the process on your own. The final student selection is always made by the host university.
For more information about the application process for non-European destinations, contact the International Mobility Services: international.office@oulu.fi
Applications to ISEP destinations are made according to the process described above. If you want to apply to ISEP destinations, list ISEP as one of your three choices in the SoleMOVE application. At this stage, you do not need to name the university yet; ISEP is considered as one option.
Do not start making the ISEP application through the ISEP website until you have been selected in the first phase. Making an ISEP application always requires approval from your home university, and it is granted only to students who have followed the University of Oulu's application process and have been selected in the first phase of the application.
It's possible to apply for north2north network exchange destinations for a long exchange period (during the distant destinations application) or a self-arranged short exchange (continuous application).
Long exchanges in north2north destinations (North America)
You can apply for a long exchange in north2north program's North American destinations during the distant destinations application period. For the academic year 2025-26, you can apply to the north2north program during the distant destinations application by selecting the north2north program as one of your three priority destinations. If you are accepted into the north2north program, you will be asked to report three North American north2north destinations in order of priority. The Finnish National Agency for Education will make the official decision on the student's destination in February 2025. You can find the destinations on the north2north network website.
Short exchanges in north2north destinations (Nordic countries)
You can apply for funding for a short exchange at higher education institutions in the Nordic countries that are part of the north2north network. The duration of a short exchange is from one week to two months. A short exchange can be, for example, participating in a summer school. You can apply for a grant if the study credits you earn during the short exchange are accepted towards your degree at the University of Oulu. You must secure a place for a course or short exchange yourself, as the University of Oulu does not have a list or designated places for certain courses. The funding for short exchanges is approximately 125 euros per week.
More information about the north2north network and exchanges is provided by the north2north coordinator at the University of Oulu, Satu Lohiniva, International Mobility Services (international.office@oulu.fi)
All students from the University of Oulu who go on exchange through exchange agreements receive a scholarship from the university. The scholarship varies by program, but it is always applied for through the SoleGRANT system after the exchange has been confirmed (you have received an acceptance letter from the host university).
Bilateral exchange destinations, ISEP and International to International ISEP
2 200€ (USA, Canada, Asia, Australia, Latin America)
North2north program
Canada and the United States: 2 000€
Nordic countries: 1 500€
In addition to the university scholarship, you can search for additional funding opportunities in the Aurora database for science, art, and culture funding.