From the Rector
Based in western Finland on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Scandinavia, the Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is a modern, dynamic and innovative higher education institution.
The old bilingual coastal towns of Kokkola and Pietarsaari with longstanding traditions of sea fare, international trade and shipbuilding and the growing modern towns of Ylivieska and Haapajärvi in the picturesque river valleys of Ostrobothnia form a region well-known for its entrepreneurial spirit, SMEs, the metal, electronics, chemical, pulp and paper industries and for its rich cultural life, and provide an excellent setting for a dynamic, international and multi-disciplinary higher education institution.
Our mission is to improve the educational level and skills of the region's population and to enhance the individuals abilities to succeed in a changing, multicultural environment as well as his or her readiness for continuing learning.
At the COU we believe in the internationalisation of education and international co-operation. The importance of internationalisation is emphasised throughout all of the three main functions of the University of Applied Sciences, namely education, research and development and regional impact.
All units and departments have the explicit mission to educate professionals, who are internationally oriented, tolerant and well prepared for functioning in a multicultural environment and for meeting the challenges of the internationalised labour market through a lively mobility of students and staff and Internationalisation at Home (IaH).
Moreover, the COU also strives to support and promote the internationalisation of the region, through international R&D-projects in co-operation with enterprises and institutions. The regions open-minded, bilingual culture, with its positive attitudes towards internationalisation and entrepreneurship provides a solid basis for our international activities.
The Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences is today recognised by international as well as national partners as an institution which is wholeheartedly committed to international co-operation. At present the international co-operation involves interaction with around 130 partner institutions in 34 countries in all parts of the world.
You are most welcome to study, teach or work with us!
Marja-Liisa Tenhunen
Rector