Overview

How regions, identities and borders are transforming? What are the conditions and constraints for economic development to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the well-being of people and nature in future? What would make the tourism economy locally and globally responsible and sustainable?

Questions and research problems like this are typical of doctoral studies in Geography from University of Oulu.

Key facts

A doctoral degree in geography provides excellent ground and capacity to solve these kinds of important, diverse and sometimes ‘wicked’ research problems and questions.

In doctoral studies, it is possible to specialize in the fields of regional development and regional policy, political geography, physical geography, tourism geographies and geoinformatics.

The scientific research carried out in the Geography Research Unit is of a very high standard and internationally acknowledged.

The research unit has had a long-standing the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence, and in the external evaluation of research at the University of Oulu in 2020, the unit achieved an overall grade of outstanding (6/6).

In international discipline evaluations, geography is, without exception, the highest-rated field in the University, which supports high-quality doctoral education in geography at the University of Oulu.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Scientific Research and Ethics

Responsible research: publications, data, metrics and merits

Scientific Communication

Communicating Science to the Media, General Public and Decision Makers

Utilization of Patent Databases in Research

IP Rights and Research

Project Management

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-30 00:00:00

More details

Application periods are open during January 1 - April 30 and July 1 - October 31.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

92

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PTE Academic

62

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Oulu, Finland

Disciplines

Geography

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Suitability of the field of major:

The Doctoral Programme Committee will evaluate if your previous degree aligns with the major that you are applying for.

Good academic performance:

The relevant university-level Master’s degree (or equivalent) must have been completed with good grades (3/5, or at least 60% of the maximum grade, in both coursework and master's thesis). If the credit-weighted average grade or the Master’s thesis mark does not meet the requirements, you may, in exceptional cases, compensate for lower grades with complementary studies before applying for the study rights.

The relevant master's degree from a university of applied sciences, either from Finland or abroad must have been completed with very good grades (4/5 or at least 80 % of the maximum score for both coursework and the thesis). The doctoral training capabilities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the major subject.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Oulu and/or in Finland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

Doctoral education at the University of Oulu is funded through doctoral programmes, teaching tasks at the university, foundation grants, or research groups.

Living costs

Oulu

Finland

660 - 1040 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Geography.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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