Rankings for The University of Oulu

The World University Rankings

#251-300

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#342

QS World University Rankings


More rankings for this university

The University of Oulu is ranked 32nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reflecting a modest decline compared to previous years. Despite the drop, it continues to be recognised for its research excellence and global academic contributions, particularly in Computer Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences. The university remains a key player in Finland’s innovation landscape, with strong industry collaboration and a growing emphasis on sustainability and technological advancement.

University of Oulu Global Ranking 2026

Listed below are the top global rankings for the University of Oulu from 2023 to 2026:

Ranking Type

2023

2024

2025

2026

QS - World University Rankings

392

313

344

342

THE (Times Higher Education) University Rankings

301-350

251-300

251-300

NA

US News & World Report - Global Universities

NA

NA

392

NA

University of Oulu Course Ranking 2026

The University of Oulu shows a mixed trajectory in global rankings, with notable strengths in Education and Educational Research, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Computer Science, according to U.S. News 2026. However, QS and THE rankings reveal a gradual decline in Engineering and Education disciplines over recent years. Despite this, Oulu maintains a strong research output, particularly in health sciences, engineering, and technology-related fields.

What is the University of Oulu's QS Ranking 2026

The University of Oulu holds a QS global ranking of approximately #342 in 2026. Subject-wise, Engineering & Technology dropped slightly to the 451–500 band, while Engineering in Electrical & Electronic remains in the 251–300 range. Education, Medicine, and Computer Science have shifted into the 301–350 or 401–450 bands, and Biological Sciences fell to 601–650, showing broad subject-level stability amid modest regional changes.

Course

2023

2024

2025

Education and Training

201-250

201-250

301-350

Medicine

351-400

401-450

351-400

Computer Science and Information Systems 

301-350

301-350

401-450

Engineering and Technology

364

401-450

451-500

Engineering - Electrical and Electronic

201-250

251-300

251-300

Biological Sciences

451-500

501-550

601-650

What is the University of Oulu's THE Ranking 2026

In THE’s 2026 subject rankings, the University of Oulu demonstrates strong performance in Computer Science and Engineering, both of which have improved since 2023. Business & Economics recovered to the 251–300 range, while Medical & Health Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Physical Sciences remain within the 301–400 bracket. Education Studies declined slightly to 201–250, reflecting consistent strengths across research and teaching disciplines. 

Course

2023

2024

2025

Arts and Humanities

301-400

301-400

301-400

Business and Economics

251-300

301-400

251-300

Medical and Health

401-500

301-400

301-400

Computer Science

126-150

151-175

126-150

Education Studies

151-175

176-200

201-250

What is the University of Oulu's US News Ranking 2026

The University of Oulu demonstrates strong global research performance in its U.S. News 2026 subject rankings. Its Education & Educational Research excels, ranking within the top 60 worldwide, and both Computer Science and Electrical & Electronic Engineering show robust visibility. Engineering overall holds moderate standing, while Psychology remains less competitive. These results underscore Oulu’s strengths in education, technology, and applied sciences.

Course

2025

Engineering

336

Computer Science

166

Psychology

455

Education and Educational Research

53

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

75

Frequently Asked Questions on University of Oulu Ranking

1. What is the University of Oulu’s overall World University Ranking in 2026?

The University of Oulu ranks among the top 400 globally in the QS and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. It is recognised for its excellence in research impact, innovation, and academic output, particularly in technology and health sciences.

2. What are the best-performing courses at the University of Oulu?

Oulu stands out in Education and Educational Research (ranked #53 globally by U.S. News), Electrical and Electronic Engineering (#75), and Computer Science (#166). It also performs consistently well in Medicine, Engineering, and Health disciplines across global rankings.

3. What is the acceptance rate of the University of Oulu?

The estimated acceptance rate ranges from 20–35%, depending on the course and applicant profile. Admission is moderately competitive, especially for postgraduate and research-intensive programs in engineering, health sciences, and education.

4. Why is the University of Oulu popular among international students?

The University of Oulu is known for its cutting-edge research, strong industry collaboration in technology and health, and its student-friendly environment in Finland. Its international master’s programs, scholarships, and innovation ecosystem attract students from over 100 countries.