UMU is renowned for its comprehensive educational approach and creative learning environments, including its large unified campus and contemporary Arts Campus by the riverside. The university is characterised by its openness and approachability. International students have been surveyed as the most satisfied in Sweden for four consecutive years.

Many of our more than 2,000 researchers and teachers are among the elite in Sweden and throughout the world. Designated environments of strong research include: global health, infection biology, plant and forest biotechnology, ageing and population studies and artic research. The groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 mechanism in bacteria, which became a gene editing tool now used in research labs worldwide, began in a laboratory here.

Umeå University has been ranked among the world’s top young universities and its Umeå Institute of Design regularly places among the global elite.

Umeå was the European Capital of Culture in 2014, which allowed the city to demonstrate that it is one of the foremost culture-driven cities in Europe. With a population of 120,000, Umeå is northern Sweden’s largest city – a dynamic city with a rich cultural life, trendy shopping, first-class restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs and everything from design hotels to genuinely different accommodation.

Just around the corner from the busy city, those who seek outdoor adventure or tranquility have massive forests, high mountains and roaring rivers for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and white-water rafting. Our countryside also offers farm shops, sights and attractions for all tastes – all within reach.

What kind of programmes does UMU offer?

We offer international programmes at all levels, with over 40 degree programmes at the master’s level. They are of the highest quality and provide our students with unique opportunities for professional and personal development. The teaching staff maintains a high level of scientific, pedagogic and professionally linked expertise.

Programmes are offered in all major academic disciplines, including business, design, architecture, public health, IT management, computer science, molecular biology, cognitive science and many more.

All programmes are listed at study.umu.se.

What’s the alumni network like?

The Umeå University Alumni network has members spread across more than 100 countries. They all receive the award-winning magazine ‘Think’ each year as newsletters to keep up to date with the University and invitations to alumni events. There are several global alumni chapters that provide up-to-date information and effective communication platforms to Umeå University alumni within a certain region or country in order to network socially and professionally.

Notable alumni include: Stefan Löfven, the current Prime Minister of Sweden, Hanna Ljungberg, retired football star, Kay Pollak, acclaimed film director, Helena Helmersson, CEO of H&M Group, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO and Nobel Peace Prize awarded Dr. Denis Mukwege.

What are the main local industries?

Umeå is home to many growing companies, mainly in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, IT, the environment and energy, and modern forestry and engineering industries.

Umeå university’s campuses encourage cross-border meetings – between students, researchers, teachers and external parties alike. Through close collaborations with local and international stakeholders, we also contribute to making new and exciting things possible in society.

Location: Umeå, Skellefteå & Örnskäldsvik

Founded: 1965

Students: 34000

Faculty: 4300