University of Eastern Finland

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is a multidisciplinary institution of about 16,000 students across two campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio. Forestry and environmental science courses are primarily offered at the Joensuu campus, located in the city center of one of Europe’s leading hubs for forest research and education. Often called the “Forestry Capital of Europe,” Joensuu provides direct access to world-class expertise in sustainable forest management and bioeconomy innovation. UEF offers strong academic opportunities for students interested in forestry and natural resources, including coursework in forest ecology, silviculture, GIS and remote sensing, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use planning. The nearby Koli National Park provides an exceptional setting for field-based learning in boreal forest ecosystems and protected area management. Studying in Finland also gives students exposure to internationally recognized approaches to sustainable forestry, forest policy, and the bioeconomy, making UEF an excellent destination for those interested in global perspectives on forest and natural resource management.

Why Finland? For more information about studying and living in Finland, UEF has provided this resource for prospective students. You’ll find information broadly about Finland, the Finnish education system and international student profiles.

The University of Eastern Finland has strong programs in:

  • Forest Sciences
  • Public Health
  • Computer Science
  • Education
  • Environmental Science
  • Geography and Sustainability-related majors

UEF makes a study guide available to exchange students where you can explore available courses for autumn and spring semester. Course descriptions include a brief syllabus with a course summary and learning outcomes.

Students participating in an OSU GO program complete Global Opportunities Advising before applying to their program. Our advising program is a comprehensive self-paced guide to help you learn more about education abroad, share your interests with us, and ultimately apply to a program that best fits your academic, professional, cultural, and personal development goals.

UEF recommends that students have two years of study at their home institution prior to the exchange program.

Program Requirements:

  • Good Conduct and Academic Standing
  • Minimum GPA: 2.5
  • Complete all OSU GO and host institution application materials by appropriate deadlines
  • Attend Pre-Departure Orientation Sessions (in-person or virtually

Resources

Application Process and Deadlines

Application Process and Deadlines
DeadlineSemester 1 (Winter/Spring) Semester 2 (Summer/Fall)
OSU Go Application DeadlineSeptember 1April 10
UEF Application DeadlineSeptember 30April 30
Semester DatesJanuary-MaySeptember-December

Funding Your UEF Experience

Daniels Study Abroad Scholarship: The OSU/University of Eastern Finland exchange is supported by scholarship funding made available through the generosity of Steve and Marjatta Daniels. Students participating in the exchange program can apply for funding to assist with the cost of the program. Scholarship awards in the amount of $3,000-$5,000 are made to three outgoing OSU students and three incoming UEF students. 

Gilman Scholarship: The Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 to Pell Grant recipients participating in a credit-bearing study abroad program. The program is provided by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau Educational and Cultural Affairs to enable students of limited financial means to participate in international programs that provide them with valuable skills. Applicants must be receiving a Pell Grant at the time of application or provide proof they will be receiving a Pell Grant during their study abroad program. Deadline for experiences beginning:

  • December - October: October 10 of the year before
  • May - April: March 6 of the year before

Dean's Fund for International Engagement: Available to all College of Forestry students attending classes at a partner university overseas. Up to $3,000 is available to students at the undergraduate or graduate level participating in an exchange between 4-6 months. The award aims to assist students in pursuing their interests through international study, research, internships, and other collaborative experiences. Deadline for experiences beginning:

  • Fall: June 1
  • Winter: November 1
  • Spring: January 10
  • Summer: April 1

Contact Rachael Fahrenbach to learn more about the UEF/OSU exchange.