War in Ukraine

Following the Ukraine situation can cause a wide range of emotions and we want to remind our community of the importance of mutual support and the support that is available.

Tips for maintaining mental health and well-being during crisis

• Study psychologist: When the threat of war shocks the mind – instructions on how to regulate stress reactions

Discussion in crisis situation

If you are unable to detach yourself from war-related thoughts, or if you feel that you need help dealing with the situation, you can contact the person providing crisis work or the emergency department, who can offer help quickly:

• The University Chaplain Ari Savuoja at 040 524 5919 or by email: yliopistopastori@oulu.fi
• Social welfare emergency services of Pohde (the wellbeing services county of North Ostrobothnia)
• Crisis Helpline of MIELI Mental Health Finland

Supporting your studies

If you are concerned or distressed about your ability to continue your studies, you have have a possibility for career and study psychologist´s counselling. In the questions related to your field of study and personal study plan (PSP) the guidance is offered primarily by the programme coordinator or tutor teacher in your study programme. All the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students have a tutor teacher who will guide and advice the student. Exchange students can seek assistance from their International Coordinator. Read more about the services

In case of harassment or bullying

The University of Oulu is a multicultural work and study community that includes citizens of several different countries. There are around 150 members in our University community who are either from Ukraine, Russia or Belarus. It is very important to ensure a safe working atmosphere for all members of our community. Inappropriate treatment, bullying and harassment are strictly prohibited in our community. In case you encounter any unacceptable behaviour, please report it here.

The war in Ukraine has hampered international payment traffic. The situation may cause difficulties for Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian students studying in Finland who are eligible to apply for financial social assistance from the Finnish state. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) evaluates applications and makes decisions.

Information about social security rights in Finland

Kela's Quick guide to financial aid for students

University courses

At the Open University you can study courses that belong to the range of courses offered as part of the University of Oulu's degree programmes. The courses are open for everyone, regardless of age or basic education can participate in these courses, and some of the courses are free of charge. More information on continuos learning at the University of Oulu

Study opportunities in Finnish universities

Visit the Study in Finland webpage to see the study options that Finnish universities are offering to support students whose studies in Ukrainian universities have been interrupted.

• Open positions at University of Oulu
• #ScieceForUkraine website contains information about academic positions for scientists (PhD student or above), academic transfer opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as temporary housing in Europe.
• Study in Finland publish information about the national support measures that are being introduced for scholars and doctoral students fleeing Ukraine to continue their work at Finnish higher education institutions.
• Scholars at Risk network protects scholars suffering grave threats to their lives, liberty and well-being by arranging temporary research and teaching positions at institutions in the network as well as by providing advisory and referral services.

Helping as a private person

The best way to help private individuals is to donate money to humanitarian organisations who are able to deliver the assistance in a centralised manner. Finland’s Ministry of the Interior has complied guidelines for helping Ukrainians.

Help Center Oulu collects donations for the Ukrainians in Oulu and for those in need who are still in Ukraine. For more information about what you can donate, please see the Facebook page of the center.

Humanitarian organisations:

• Doctors Without Borders
• Finn Church Aid
• Finnish Red Cross
• Save the Children
• Ukrainian Association in Finland
• Unicef
• UN Refugee Agency UNHCR

The University of Oulu and European universities widely condemn Russia’s military action in Ukraine.

• Finnish universities UNIFI expresses support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian university students and staff. All Finnish universities together condemn Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
• Following the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the European University Association (EUA) stands in solidarity with the university students and staff of Ukraine as well as with the entire population of the country. EUA condemns this aggression in the strongest possible terms, is fully committed to peaceful co-operation, mutual understanding and tolerance across borders, and despite the current situation continues to hope for reflection, restraint and a swift end to the crisis. Read the EUA Statement on Ukraine
• The European University UNIC, of which the University of Oulu is a member, and its sister alliances have also shown solidarity for the people of Ukraine and are calling for peace, democracy and human rights. University alliances have also begun providing and planning practical assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
• The University of Oulu is also a member of the Scholars at Risk (SAR) network and co-operates with other universities in national activities.
• Russian scholars working in Finland have published an open letter against the war in Ukraine.
• The Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations: Taking a stand for sympathy and against racism
• UArctic membership of 55 Russian institutions and organizations is paused