Uppsala University
- Located only 45 minutes by train north of Stockholm, Uppsala has the charm of a small town as well as the opportunities of a big city
- Uppsala University has a wide variety of courses in English to choose from
- Meet other Swedish and international students by joining one of Uppsala University's student nations
In 1477, Archbishop Jacob Ulvsson was given permission from the Pope in Rome to open a "studium generale." Uppsala became the first university site in the Scandinavian countries. Since then, Uppsala's research, particularly in the field of natural science, is world-renowned. Six Nobel prizes have been awarded to researchers at Uppsala University.Presently there are approximately 40,000 students studying at Uppsala University.
Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden, with a population of 180,000. Located only 45 minutes by train north of Stockholm, it has the charm of a small town as well as the opportunities of a big city.
No Swedish city has a history that goes as far back as Uppsala's. By the 6th century Uppsala was a political and religious center. It was from here that the old pagan kings ruled. Up until the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Swedish kings were elected and honored at Mora stenar, a setting of stones just south of the center of Uppsala.
Uppsala became the seat of the Archbishop in the year 1164. On the site of the old pagan temple, a cathedral was erected. After the original cathedral burned down in 1245, the present Cathedral was erected at a place called Östra Aros. The present Cathedral was consecrated in 1435.
In the 1540s, King Gustav Vasa began construction of Uppsala's Castle. At first it was meant to be a fortress but was later fashioned into a castle by Vasa's sons.
There is a great variety of courses to choose from that are taught in English. In addition to individual courses, there are a small number of pre-arranged semester programs that draw several courses together with a unifying theme. These programs are generally worth 15 KU credit hours.
The Swedish Culture and Society program is worth up to 15 credit hours and is taught both in the fall and spring semesters. This program is good for a student who needs general education credits. The program is divided into Swedish History, Politics, Literature, Art, Architecture, and Music. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for this program.
Study in Your Major: Those students who would like to study in their major field need to have a GPA of approximately 3.0 and should consult the course catalog. Among subjects offered are Business, Biology, Economics, Political Science, International Communication and Education. It is possible to take the Swedish culture course the first semester--which is a good introduction to life in Sweden--and other subjects during the second semester. Or a student may spend the fall or a year taking courses in other subjects.
A full list of courses taught in English can be found on the Uppsala web site:
All students live in university residences in single rooms with bathroom facilities. A kitchen is shared with other students living on the same floor. All student housing complexes are equipped with laundromats. New students in the fall are able to move into their accommodations approximately 3 weeks before classes start, plenty of time to settle in and get acquainted with the town and university. In addition, to ease into daily life in Uppsala, students may take courses in the Swedish language free of charge.
The 13 Student Nations are clubs dating back to the 17th century. Each Nation is connected to and bears the name of a certain region in Sweden, and is primarily a club for students from that region.
As a foreign student you are free to choose to which Nation you want to belong. At every Nation there is an International Secretary and a Committee who will help you with any problems that might occur and with information about the activities at the Nation. The Committee organizes a welcoming party at the beginning of each semester, excursions, and the International Pub to meet other exchange students as well as Swedes. The Nations are a very important part of student life in Uppsala. Past KU students have highly recommended joining a nation as a good way to meet people.
An extensive guide for foreign students can be found on the Uppsala website
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to KU students in good academic standing who have completed at least 30 credit hours. Minimum 2.5 GPA for students applying to the Swedish Culture and Society program in the Fall; minimum 3.0 GPA for students applying to take courses in other subjects.