International co-operation is fundamental for maintaining a high standard in teaching and research and development and international interaction is an essential part of studies at a higher education institution. Internationalisation has therefore been declared as one of the top priorities of COU in its most recent strategy. At present the international co-operation involves interaction with around 130 partner institutions in 34 countries around the world. Scandinavia and Europe are the most important areas for us, but we also co-operate actively with universities and higher education institutions in North and South America. Moreover, we have also been a forerunner in co-operation with Chinese universities.

Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences promotes actively the mobility of students and teachers and we strive to ensure also non-mobile students with opportunities to learn more about different cultures and the different aspects of international relations through a strong emphasis on Internationalisation at Home. Moreover, we also participate actively in international networks and projects, including R&D projects carried out in co-operation with our international partners.

Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences participates actively in the Socrates programme and currently have approximately 90 bilateral Erasmus agreements. Through the NORDPLUS programme we collaborate with other Nordic institutions and we have also deepened the co-operation with North and South American institutions through the EU-USA and ALFA programmes. Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences participates in the CREPUQ student exchange programme, which has enhanced the co-operation with Canadian institutions in Quebec. Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences has also been active in collaboration with institutions in the Balkans through the TEMPUS programme.

Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is participating in the following international networks: