The doctor's hat

The doctor's hat is a symbol of liberty. Furthermore, it is a symbol of scholarship and freedom of research. The hat is round, because its wearer is supposed to answer questions clearly and naturally and not to split hairs.

The hat and the emblem

A young doctor needs to order his/her hat by him/herself. The exact appearance of the doctor's hat and emblem may vary according to university and discipline. When ordering your hat and emblem please give the hat maker exact details about your degree and your university.

Here follows a table of the hats and emblems used in the University of Oulu.

Degree Hat Doctor of Philosophy Black Hat Doctor of Education Black Hat Doctor of Medicine Green Hat Doctor of Dentistry Green Hat Doctor of Health Sciences Black Hat Doctor of Science in Technology (D.Sc. (Tech.)) The hat of a D.Sc. (Tech.) Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration Black Hat

Hat Stores in Finland

Ateljee Lyoléne

E.R. Wahlmann Oy

Hattuateljee Miia

Hattuateljee Memmu Lankila

Melanders Hattfabrik

Tohtorinhatut Harvest EB

The young doctors order and purchase their hats and swords themselves. The Finnish hat makers are mostly based in Helsinki. We recommend that the doctors order their hats as soon as possible; the delivery time of the hat might be several months.



A Borrowed Hat

You can also borrow a doctor’s hat from a colleague for the ceremonies. Please ensure that the color of the hat and the emblem match the regulations for your field of science at the University of Oulu and that it is in excellent condition and the right size.

The Doctor's Sword

The Doctor's Sword is a symbol for the scientist's fight for what he or she, in rigorous research, has found to be good, right and true.

In Finland, the only sort of sword allowed in conferment ceremonies is the officially certified civilian sword of the independent republic of Finland. It comes with a black or golden clip and a scabbard with a golden University Emblem.

Both male and female doctors are required to wear a sword in the conferment ceremony of the University of Oulu. The sword is worn on the left side; men wear the sword in a clip, for which a sturdy loop needs to be sown in the trousers. The sword is held firmly in place by a clasp in the scabbard. Women have to carry the sword in a manner suitable for their outfit because the material of the evening gowns cannot support the scabbard. If a female doctor does not want to carry the sword attached to their outfit, it can be carried in hand. A young doctor needs to order his/her sword by him/herself.

Doctor's Sword

Swords are also sold by these jeweler's shops:

Oulun Koru Oy (order form, commercial co-operation)

Au-Holmberg Oy



A Borrowed Sword

It is also possible to borrow a sword; military swords are not allowed.

The Transportation of the Sword in an Airplane

Swords and other sharp-edged weapons are transported in the cargo hold as registered luggage. The sword should be packed properly, preferably in their own transport box or package. The sword has to be reported in the check-in and it will go on record. These prodedures belong to normal airport routines, and there is no surcharge on Finnair flights for the transportation of a sword or other special luggage unless the weight limit is exceeded. More information is available at the check-in of the Helsinki-Vantaa airport.

For more information about doctor's hats and swords, please contact the representative of promovendi at your faculty. Young doctors interested of a joint order for the sword and/or the hat, can tentatively sign in by Feb 26th, 2020 through this link.