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Programs : Brochure

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  • Locations: Umea, Sweden
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Restrictions: BW applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2025 04/01/2025 04/15/2025 TBA TBA
Spring 2026 10/15/2025 11/01/2025 TBA TBA
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Program Type: Independent Language of Instruction: English
Minimum GPA: 2.70 Core Credit: Experiential Learning Requirement (EXP), International Studies Core
Housing: Residence Hall Housing Options: On Campus
Application Fee: 50
Program Description:
Umeå University
Umea University     Swedish flag     umea

History & Description

Umeå University was founded in 1965 and is Sweden's fifth oldest university. Today, they are known for their international and multicultural presence with students, teachers and researchers from all over the world. As one of the leading comprehensive universities in the nation, they also pride themselves on their enthusiasm, creativity, and fresh ideas.  And their success reflects in their statistics: today the total of students - including those at the postgraduate level- is approximately 36,700. More than 9,000 of these students are taking courses via distance education, or off-campus.

Umeå, Sweden

With the vibrant feel of a college town, Umeå is an excellent example of modern urbanity.  It's one of the fastest-growing towns in Sweden and is considered by all to be the perfect place to relax and explore.  With its breathtaking scenery, vibrant arts scene, and dash of history, Umeå is unforgettable.

More information about Umea can be found here: https://www.visitumea.se/en

winter umea     Umea 3     Umea 4

About The Program

Your guide to exchange studies.pdf
7 top reasons.pdf
This is UMU.pdf

Study at Umeå University: https://www.umu.se/en/education/
If you would like to view the International Student Handbook, it is available for perusal at the following link: http://www.umu.se/english/education/student-handbook.

Orientation & Airport Pick-Up

Umeå does not offer airport pick-up, therefore you will need to consult the International Student Handbook for  information about transportation from the airport. Although airport pick-up is not offered, orientation will be  offered to all of the incoming international students. The Orientation Course consists of a series of lectures and activities that are designed to help you to become acquainted with life in Umeå and studies at our university. The course also offers a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. The Orientation Course Schedule for the coming term will be available on their website one month before the beginning of the term. There can be last minute changes in the schedule, therefore you should always pick up a new schedule from the International Office after your arrival in Umeå.

Housing

The International Housing Office (IHO) provides guaranteed housing for exchange students in some of the main student housing areas. Accommodations offered through the IHO is located between a 5-25 minute walk from campus. For more information, visit http://www.umu.se/english/umea/accommodation/exchange-student. Students live in "student corridors" consisting of 6-10 single occupancy rooms and a shared kitchen and common room.  The student corridors are always "mixed", with both male and female students, Swedish and international students in the same corridor. All rooms have high-speed Internet access; but, it is suggested that you bring your own laptop for convenience.

Living in Umeåhttps://www.umu.se/en/education/experience-umea/this-is-umea/

Academics

At Umeå, you will study one course at a time.  Exams are given at different times throughout the academic year.  One full week of study equals 40 hours of lectures, group work, seminars and independent study.  One term consists of 20 weeks during which you will receive 30 higher education credits (ECTS).  One ECTS credit is equivalent to 0.5 U.S. credits.  Umeå University offers a wide range of courses in English.
The online course catalogue can be found at the following website: http://www.umu.se/english/education/courses-and-programmes.

Search exchange courses: https://www.umu.se/en/education/exchange-students/search-courses/


Activities

The Buddy Programme: "Buddies" are Swedish students who volunteer to introduce new international students to the Swedish way of life.  The Buddy Programme plans a variety of activities such as sports, parties, trips, and coffee dates.

The Host Programme: provides international students with an oppportunity to meet regular Swedish people and to experience a little bit of Swedish everyday life.  As a participating international student you are paired with another international student and the two of you receive one host person.  Students and hosts meet at least twice during the term.  The host will be an employee or a student at the university or an employee at the Umeå Municipality.

Culture On-Campus: organization that arranges and produces free events on-campus during lunchtime.  The present many musical acts, but also literature, theater, circus, film, photography, dance, and art. 

The other student organizations and student pubs at this university are run by students on a voluntary basis.  There is an extensive range of groups that cover all kinds of interests. For example, there are theater groups, a comedy club, an academic riding club, and international affairs club, a radio station, and a newspaper.

Health & Fitness

All BW students are required to have international health insurance. Students will be automatically enrolled in this insurance. More information regarding insurance coverage will be provided once you begin an online application or contact Explorations for more details. 

The IKSU Gym may be the most popular meeting place, but you will have to pay to use this facility.  It has several halls for team sports such as squash, basketball, and floorball, in addition to indoor pools, beach volleyball, facilities for many types of group training, a spacious and modern gym, a rock climbing wall, and a golf swing simulator.  Through its outdoor - and alpine sections, they also offer a wide variety of affordable excursions and ski trips for beginner and more advanced skiers.  You also have access to personal trainers, massage, physical therapists, and other spa treatments. 


Eligibility

Current BW Status

You must be a current BW student and have completed at least one semester of on-campus study at BW before you may submit an application.

GPA

Your cumulative grade point average has to be 2.7 or above (the host institution might have a higher GPA requirement.)  If lower than a 2.7, students may appeal with the permission of the Explorations Director.


Student Conduct Record

Serious or multiple violations of college policy may jeopardize your eligibility for Explorations/Study Abroad programs. You will not be eligible for a program if you have been found in violation of any of the following policies within the past 12 months: alcohol, drugs, assault (any type), harassment, stalking, vandalism, theft and more (this list is not all-inclusive).

Bursar's Approval

Your account must be paid in full, or at least, making current payments to the University for the current term.


Insurance

All BW students are required to have international health insurance. Students will be automatically enrolled in this insurance. More information regarding insurance coverage will be provided once you begin an online application or contact Explorations for more details. 

What Can I Study?

Some of the subjects available for study at Umeå are: Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, International Business, Mathematical Economics, Mathematics, Medical Technology, Physics, Political Science, Sociology, Software Engineering, and Sustainability. 

Academic Credit

In order to receive transfer credit from your classes abroad, you need to receive a "C" grade or better.

How Much Does It Cost?

Students who choose to participate in this full semester program can expect to pay charges as a BW residential student--current tuition, room and board, for the respective semester. All of your financial aid and scholarships will apply. Students should expect to pay out of pocket for airfare and in-country expenses. These typically run between $2,000 and $4,000. However, this will depend on your personal spending habits. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

In addition to federal aid, other forms of financial assistance may be available. Public and private organizations, businesses, and churches often award grants, loans, and fellowships to students traveling abroad. Scholarships may be awarded on the basis of personal attributes (ethnic or religious background, parents' field of employment,etc.) For more information about available scholarships/funding, please visit : my.bw.edu/Academics/Study-Abroad/Pages/Financial-Aid-and-Scholarships.aspx.