Practical Training

Practical training is an essential part of studies at a university of applied sciences. Practical training gives students a possibility to apply theory learned in the classroom in a real working environment.

Practical training is included in all degree programmes. The extent of it depends on the field of study and it comprises 30 to 75 credits (in midwifery 135 credits).

You can do your practical training in Finland or abroad. Your school can help you find a trainee placement abroad, but students are also encouraged to acquire them independently.

Students moving within an organised trainee exchange programmes (e.g. CIMO or Erasmus) may be entitled to a grant from the programme. Additionally, the schools of Oulu University of Applied Sciences try to help their students with expenses related to practical training abroad.

Practical training with Erasmus

Under the new Erasmus programme higher education students can apply for Erasmus grants when going on practical training abroad in one of the Erasmus countries (EU, EEA countries and Turkey). Students who have the nationality of an Erasmus country or hold a permanent residence permit (A or P status) in Finland are entitled to apply for Erasmus grants. The training period can range from 3 to 12 months and the placement must be located in an EU or EEA country or Turkey.

The Oulu University of Applied Sciences, the University of Oulu and the City of Oulu have established an Erasmus Placement Consortium to develop international practical training. The consortium awards and distributes grants for full-time students of Oulu University of Applied Sciences and the University of Oulu.

Ask about the possibility for an Erasmus placement grant from the international co-ordinator of your school. More detailed information can be found from the Consortium’s Oulu GoGo web pages.

Students Financial Aid from Kela

If your studies abroad will last longer than two months, you might be entitled to Students' Financial Aid for Studies Abroad. In this case your housing supplement and the state guarantee of the study loan will be raised. For more information, please check the website of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA).

Further Information

For more information on your own possibilities to participate in practical training abroad, please contact the international co-ordinator of your school.

You can find general information about trainee exchanges and trainee exchange programmes on the website of the Centre for International Mobility CIMO.