Founded in 1995, Centria ammattikorkeakoulu (Centria University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the large town of Kokkola (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Central Ostrobothnia. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Ylivieska, Pietarsaari. Officially recognized by the Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö, Suomi (Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland), Centria ammattikorkeakoulu (Centria) is a small coeducational Finnish higher education institution. Centria ammattikorkeakoulu (Centria) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. Centria also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.