Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is middle-size, bilingual higher education institution

operating in the coastal towns of Kokkola and Pietarsaari, on the west coast of Finland and in the nearby towns of Ylivieska and Haapajärvi, which are situated in the river valleys on the Ostrobothnian plain. Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is a dynamic University, which offers 26 Degree Programmes in the fields of:

• Technology, Communication and Transport
• Social sciences, Business and Administration
• Social Services, Health and Sports
• Culture
• Humanities and Education
• Tourism, Catering and Domestic Services

We also offer four post-graduate programmes, two in Business administration, one in Technology and one Social Services, Health and Sports.

The language of instruction is Finnish in most degree programmes but we also offer six international degree programmes taught in English, namely the Degree Programme in Business Management, the Degree Programme in Chemistry and Technology, Degree Programme Industrial Management, Degree Programme Information Technology, Degree Programme in Nursing and Degree Programme in Tourism.

Our mission is to improve the educational level and skills of the region’s population and to enhance the individual’s abilities to succeed in a changing, multicultural environment as well as his readiness for continuing learning. The central fields of know-how and expertise comprise of the following: the electronics industry, automation, metal and machine industry, mechanical wood processing, the boat industry, renewable resources of energy, the leather, fur and clothing industries, the internationalisation of SME enterprises and social and health care.

We are committed to providing education that meets the requirement of students, employers, and the community as a whole. The importance of internationalisation is emphasised throughout all activities and functions of COU. All units and departments have the explicit mission to educate professionals, which are internationally oriented, tolerant and well prepared for functioning in a multicultural environment and for meeting the challenges of the internationalised labour market. Moreover, COU also strives to support and promote the internationalisation of the region, in co-operation with enterprises and institutions.