How to apply to OIS?
Entrance to OIS & Application Forms
Grades by Year of Birth 2024-2025
| Grade | Year of Birth |
| 1 | 2017 |
| 2 | 2016 |
| 3 | 2015 |
| 4 | 2014 |
| 5 | 2013 |
| 6 | 2012 |
| 7 | 2011 |
| 8 | 2010 |
| 9 | 2009 |
NOTE:
The school system in Finland is different from many other countries. Even though children in Finland start school later than in most countries, practicing basic skills starts already in pre-school (two years: 1 year of viskarit (5 year olds) and 1 of esiopetus (6 year olds) OR 2 years of esiopetus (5-6 year olds).
If you move back to your country of origin, the school can provide a letter to help explain the Finnish system. Thus, you do NOT need to worry about your child being at 1 or 2 years lower grade level than they would be in your country of origin.
Applying to Oulu International School
Welcome to apply to Oulu International School!
Please follow these simple guidelines:
1. On Wednesday 24.1.2024 at 5 p.m., you and your parents are welcome to the info evening to learn about our school and the IB programmes.
2. Fill out the application form in https://ouka.inschool.fi/browsecourses by 4.2.2024.
3. Come to the entrance test on
Thursday 15.2.2024 (applicants to gr 1) starting at 13.15 o'clock and ending at latest at 15.15 o'clock or
Friday 16.2.2024 from 9 to 11 o'clock for gr 7-9 applicants and from 13.15 to 15.15 o'clock for gr 2-6 applicants.
You will not be sent a separate invitation to the entrance test. You do not need to practice for the entrance test. Wait in front of the main door for guidance. Make sure you eat a good breakfast/lunch before the test. You can bring a small snack with you if you like.
If the applicant is absent from the language test due to illness, with a doctor's certificate the applicant can join a language test organized on the 3rd of March.
Please note that the students' enrolment decision is valid for grades 1-4 students until grade 6. After that, students wishing to continue can re-apply to grades 7-9 or they can opt to go to their nearby school. This guideline is enforced and applicable since 2021.
The language proficiency test includes:
Gr 1: listening comprehension, oral & pre-reading tasks
Gr 2: listening comprehension, oral, reading and & spelling tasks
Gr 3-9: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing skills & oral skills.
As of spring 2021, Finnish children living in Finland need to pass the Finnish test in order to be accepted to OIS. Students are accepted according to the ranking order based on English test results depending on the availability of vacancies in the class.
4. 18.3.2024 guardians will receive information as to whether their child passed the entrance test. This information will be sent through Wilma or by mail. Guardians need to accept or decline the study place within one week time.
5. Entrance tests are held twice a year only*, in February (15.-16.2.2024) and in August (the date and time will be confirmed), with no exceptions. If you have registered for the language test in August and you are not able to come, please inform the school in advance. If you do not inform the school, and have no health reasons or other (justified) reasons, your next language test opportunity is in February. *For applicants who move to Oulu region during the academic, the testing is ongoing.
6. Academic year 2024-2025 starts on Wednesday 7.8. August language test is on Friday 2.8. at 9:00.
For more information send email to admissions.ois@eduouka.fi
If applying to grade 1, fill out the form for afternoon care, if needed.
Application and other links
OIS Language tests 2024
OIS Language test details for students applying from Oulu:
Gr 1 test Thu 15.2. 13:15-15:15,
Gr 2-6 Fri 16.2. 13:15-15:15,
Gr 7-9 Fri 16.2. 9:00-11:30.