Special Subject Emphasis Classes
Comprehensive schools in Oulu have special subject emphasis classes emphasizing art, sports and music. The classes start in grades 3 and 7 and require taking an entrance exam. You can apply for a place in a special subject emphasis class (beginning in autumn 2024) between 22 January and 5 February 2026.
Art classes
- Grades 3-6 art emphasis classes operate in Myllytulli School
- Grades 7-9 art emphasis classes operate in Myllytulli School
Sports classes
- Grades 3-6 sports emphasis classes operate in Kastelli and Kaukovainio Schools
- Grades 7-9 sports emphasis classes operate in Kastelli Schools
Music classes
- Grades 3-6 music emphasis classes operate in Myllyoja, Pateniemi, Teuvo Pakkala, Tuira and Rajakylä Schools. Grade 3 music emphasis classes that begin in autumn 2026 operate in Rajakylä, Teuvo Pakkala and Tuira Schools.
- Grades 7-9 music emphasis classes operate in Pohjankartano and Rajakylä Schools.
Guardians are responsible for covering the expenses of possible school transportation. Pupils of special emphasis classes can, however, be annually admitted a Waltti card on the basis of the income of the adults in their household. The application form for reduction in price for school transportation of a special subject emphasis class student ("Erikoisluokalla opiskelevan kuljetusetuushakemus") can be found and printed on the Opetuksen lomakkeet ("Teaching forms") website.
If a pupil drops out of a special subject emphasis class they will continue their studies in their assigned city region school.
Applying, Info Sessions and Entrance Exam
Applying for a place in special subject emphasis class
A pupil in Oulu can apply for a special subject emphasis class. Pupils can apply in grade 2 spring for the special subject emphasis classes that begin in grade 3 and in grade 6 spring for the special subject emphasis classes that begin in grade 7. There is an entrance exam.
Pupils studying in primary school music or art emphasis classes do not have to apply and take the entrance exam again when transitioning to lower secondary school after grade 6. A guardian's confirmation is enough to continue the studies in special subject emphasis class. Those studying in primary school sports emphasis class and transitioning to lower secondary school must apply and take an entrance exam again to be admitted to Kastelli lower secondary school sports emphasis class.
You can apply for a place in a special subjects emphasis class between 22 January and 5 February 2026 in the address:
https://ouka.inschool.fi/browsecourses by filling an electronic application form. If you are applying for more than one special subject emphasis class, please organize your applications in a wish order.
Only selection criterion for admission is the pupil's talent and skills demonstrated in the entrance exam.
Further details and instructions on how to apply can be found on the individual subject-related websites linked on this website.
Regional managers and school principals assign admissions. Admission decisions are made based on the entrance exams.
The admission decision will appear in Wilma system 17 March 2026 (for those applying for grade 3) and 1 April 2026 (for those applying for grade 7).
Waltti card based on the income
The guardian is responsible for covering the expenses of possible school transportation. These pupils can, however, be admitted annually a Waltti card based on the income of the adults living in the same address. The income limit is the upper limit for low income (view the chart below)
| Household type | euros/year | euros/month |
| 1 adult, 1 child | 21 132 | 1 761 |
| 1 adult, 2 children | 26 016 | 2 168 |
| 1 adult, 3 children | 30 876 | 2 573 |
| 1 adult, 4 children | 35 753 | 2 979 |
| 2 adults, 1 child | 29 256 | 2 438 |
| 2 adults, 2 children | 34 140 | 2 845 |
| 2 adults, 3 children | 39 012 | 3 251 |
| 2 adults, 4 children | 43 896 | 3 658 |
The table includes calculated income limits for up to five children. Each child increases the monthly income limit by 407 euros. This means that 407 euros is added to the previous income level each time the number of children increases.
Chart: Limits for low income in different households. Source: Tilastokeskus 2021
Info session and entrance exam dates 2026
| Info | Entrance exam date | |
| Art - primary school | Tue 20.1. at 18.00 Myllytulli School | Wed 18.2. Myllytulli School |
| Art - lower secondary school | Tue 20.1. at 18.00 Myllytulli School | Wed 11.2. Myllytulli School |
| Sport - primary school | Mon 12.1. at 17.30 in Teams | Tue 10.2. Kastelli Community Centre |
| Sport - lower secondary school | Mon 12.1. at 18.30 in Teams | Wed-Thu 11.-12.2. Kastelli Community Centre |
| Music - primary school | Tru 15.1. at 18 Tuira School | Thu-Fri 12.-13.2. Rajakylä, Teuvo Pakkala and Tuira Schools |
| Music - lower secondary school | Wed 14.1. at 18 Pohjankartano School Cafeteria | Mon-Tue 9.-10.2. Pohjankartano and Rajakylä Schools |
| Oulu International School | Wed 21.1. at 17 Oulu International School | Thu 19.2. (applying for grade 1) Fri 20.2. (applying for grades 2-9) |
