Mojtaba Zakariaee came to Oulu to gain more expertise in financial accounting
Having already worked as an accountant for over 15 years in Iran, Mojtaba Zakariaee wanted to get more expertise in his field and possibly go into research. He had a Master's degree and as he was thinking about pursuing a doctorate, but he decided he needed to apply for another Master's programme abroad. Now, he is taking part in the Financial and Management Accounting Master's programme at the University of Oulu.
Arriving to Finland with family
Zakariaee has a friend who is in Finland and was able to give him lots of information about the country and society in general before he made the choice to come to Oulu.
“I decided that I would travel with my family, so taking care of my family situation was very important to me. My friend told me that the Finnish education system is great for kids as well as at the University level, and that was an important thing to me”, Zakariaee says.
Zakariaee has adjusted well to his new environment and he says his family is also thriving.
“The education system is amazing. My children go to a school with great facilities and my family really enjoys it here. Outside of studies, the nature here is just wonderful. The weather can be harsh, but this is the first time in many years that I experienced autumn and saw fall colours”, Zakariaee says.
Settled in Oulu with help of the scholarship
The Iranian accountant and family man is also very pleased with his studies.
“More than half of the course content is fresh to me, which is very good. The university also has great facilities, libraries, places to study and so on.”
As a Finland Scholarship recipient of 2022, Zakariee says the scholarship was a great help in helping him relocate to Oulu with his family.
“It helped me cover our initial living costs here. I knew that it would be a while before there could be work opportunities and the scholarship is a very positive thing, and a great motivation for international students”, Zakariee says.
Zakariee has had a good time settling in to Oulu with its seasonal changes in temperature and light. He says it's been interesting to see how Finns cope with snow.
Text and photos by Janne-Pekka Manninen
Finland Scholarship nurtures talents
Finland Scholarships are awarded to the best applicants from non-EU/EEA countries who apply for international master’s programmes at the University of Oulu. The scholarships cover the first-year tuition fee and contain a relocation grant of 5 000 € .
Next application period for international programmes will take place on 3-17 January 2024 for studies starting in autumn 2024.
Applications are made online at studyinfo.fi . Please indicate your willingness to apply for the Finland Scholarship when you fill in the online application form.