Sports Academy
The University of Oulu is a member of the Oulu Region Sports Academy (OSUA), which supports athletes in combining academic studies with goal-oriented training. The academy is a network of educational institutions whose aim is to improve the training and study conditions of students who are elite athletes.
The Sports Academy enables a so-called dual career, allowing athletes to pursue a degree in their chosen field while training and competing at a high level.
Learn more about the Oulu Region Sports Academy (OSUA).
Students of the University of Oulu can apply to the Oulu Region Sports Academy annually through the Academy application form.
Selection is based on sporting achievements, commitment to training and competition, and the applicant's potential to compete at the national or international level. Decisions are made by the Sports Academy Coordinator in cooperation with the educational institution, the sport-specific coach, and the relevant sports federation.
Applications are reviewed in a joint meeting, and applicants are informed of the decision personally. Successful applicants are granted academy status for one academic year at a time.
Combining elite sports and university studies requires flexibility from both the sports academy student and the university. Important skills include planning, time management, and a proactive approach. At the beginning of the studies, the student is encouraged to contact the teachers to identify any practical constraints and create both short-term and long-term plans for combining their studies and sporting commitments.
The sports academy students have access to the same guidance and counselling services as all other students. Their tutor teacher and education planner support them in preparing a Personal Study Plan (PSP/HOPS) and schedule their studies. In addition, students who are members of the Oulu Region Sports Academy (OSUA) have access to dedicated support services.
Support measures may include flexibility in assignment deadlines, examination dates and locations, and mandatory attendance requirements during competitions and training camps, provided that the learning outcomes allow this. Flexibility applies to study arrangements and schedules, not to learning outcomes.
Any special arrangements must be agreed upon with the teacher, and students are encouraged to contact teachers well in advance of the start of a course. Sports academy participation may also serve as grounds for an extension of the study right period. Furthermore, competencies acquired through sports may, where applicable, be recognised as part of a degree.
UniMove provides sports and exercise services for students of the University of Oulu and Oulu University of Applied Sciences. Athletes selected to the Oulu Region Sports Academy receive a free UniMove membership for the academic year. A membership redemption code can be obtained from the OSUA contact person.
For information on UniMove services, visit the UniMove website.
Students who are members of the Sports Academy are invited to networking events throughout the academic year. These events provide opportunities to meet other competitive athletes, receive peer support, and learn about current topics.
Themes may range from identifying and articulating personal competencies to preparing for the transition into working life.
Sports Academy students in higher education also have their own WhatsApp group, which serves as a channel for peer support and information about upcoming events and meetings. If you are not yet a member, you can request a joining link from the Academy contact person.
The University of Oulu and the Oulu Region Sports Academy have had a cooperation agreement in place since 1999. The purpose of this agreement is to support students in combining competitive sports with their academic studies.
Support measures may include flexibility regarding lectures, assignments, and examinations. However, the final decision on any arrangements always rests with the teacher responsible for the course.
If necessary, staff members may contact the designated academy contact person to discuss practical arrangements.
For detailed study planning and scheduling, your primary points of contact are your tutor teacher and education planner. Please contact them first.
Do you have questions about combining studies and sports or building your own dual career at the University of Oulu?
Send your question to urheilijantuki@oulu.fi, and we will direct it to the appropriate person.