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 23 January and 5 February 2025.
Art classes
- Grades 3-6 art emphasis classes operate in Hintta and Myllytulli Schools
- 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 2025 operate in Myllyoja, Pateniemi and Teuvo Pakkala 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 23 January and 5 February 2025 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 2025 (for those applying for grade 3) and 1 April 2025 (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 |
Chart: Limits for low income in different households. Source: Tilastokeskus 2021
Info session and entrance exam dates 2024
| Info | Entrance exam date | |
| Art - primary school | Tue 14.1. at 18.00 Hintta and Myllytulli Schools | Wed 12.2. Hintta and Myllytulli Schools |
| Art - lower secondary school | Tue 14.1. at 18.00 Myllytulli School | Wed 19.2. Myllytulli School |
| Sport - primary school | Mon 13.1. at 17.30 in Teams | Tue 11.2. Kastelli Community Centre |
| Sport - lower secondary school | Mon 13.1. at 18.30 in Teams | Wed-Thu 12.-13.2. Kastelli Community Centre |
| Music - primary school | Tru 16.1. at 17.30 Myllytulli School | Thu-Fri 13.-14.2. Myllyoja, Pateniemi and Teuvo Pakkala Schools |
| Music - lower secondary school | Wed 15.1. at 18 Pohjankartano School Cafeteria | Mon-Tue 10.-11.2. Pohjankartano and Rajakylä Schools |
| Oulu International School | Wed 22.1. at 17 Oulu International School | Thu 20.2. (applying for grade 1) Fri 21.2. (applying for grades 2-9) |
