Linnaeus University
Known as an internationally prominent research institution and one of the larger universities in Sweden with a total population of 45,000 students, the two campuses at Linnaeus University allow for small classes and an intimate study experience.
Named for the Swedish botanist Carl von Linné, Linnaeus University (known in Swedish as Linnéuniversitetet or LNU) was founded in 2010 after the merger of two universities in Växjö and Kalmar, and continues to operate from the two cities. Both are in southeastern Sweden and provide a unique lifestyle for students: Växjö is known as Europe's greenest city and surrounded by an abundance of forests & small lakes, while Kalmar is located on the sea coast and considered a popular tourism destination. The banner image on this webpage is of Kalmar's fortress castle, dating to the Middle Ages.
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Life as an international student at Linnaeus University
Program details
Programs Offered: LNU offers a wide selection of English-taught courses for exchange students across five faculties: Arts & Humanities (including fine art, literature, media/communications, graphic design, Swedish culture/history), Technology (including engineering (mechanical, electrical, software), computer science, astrophysics, math), Social Sciences (including anthropology, political science, law & society, international relations), Health & Life Sciences (including ecology, biology, chemistry), and Business & Economics (including economics, finance, management, marketing, tourism).
In Sweden, courses are held one at a time. Students write their exam after the final lecture and then move on to the next course. A standard course lasts five weeks and the semester is divided in quadrants with space for four consecutive courses, although some courses may vary in length and overlap. Exchange students are expected to take 30 ECTS credits per semester. One UofC Half Course Equivalent = 6 ECTS credits. Additional information on the Swedish academic system can be found online.
The academic year is divided into two semesters:
- Autumn semester runs from late August to mid-January
- Spring semester runs from mid-January to early June
It may be possible for students to complete the Autumn semester in December.
-
Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider. Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations, etc. in your budget planning.
Compared to Calgary, the cost of living in Sweden is generally slightly higher, though the lower cost of student housing helps to offset this. It is recommended that students budget around 8000 SEK per month to pay for accommodation and living expenses.
Here is a sample monthly budget at LNU :
Food - 2000 SEK
Accommodation - 3500 SEK
Course materials, textbooks - 750 SEK
Phone/internet - 300 SEK
Local travel - 550 SEK
Personal needs - 300 SEK
Entertainment - 500 SEK
TOTAL 7900 SEK per month (about $1000 CAD)Don't forget to check with the Swedish embassy or consulates, or the government website regarding study visa/permit requirements, timelines, and costs.
-
Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
Exchange students at both the Växjö and Kalmar campuses are offered accommodation in designated student housing. In Växjö, the housing options include private apartments on campus and student dorms off-campus. In Kalmar, the housing options are all off-campus and include apartments, dorms, and residence halls. For accommodations shared between multiple students, it is very common in Sweden that each student has a private room even if the main living space is shared.
The average cost is 3500-4500 SEK per month. Rent may be charged monthly or as a lump sum for the full semester. More information can be found here.
Students can choose to arrange their own accommodations if desired. The Linnaeus Student Union has an online guide for students who plan to search for their own housing.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the U of C, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Do I have to speak Swedish?
No prior knowledge of Swedish is required for this exchange. LNU offers many courses in English. Furthermore, English is a compulsory language taught to schoolchildren from age 9 and is fairly well-spoken by most Swedes, so it's a minimal barrier to daily life.
What's special about LNU?
Here are some fun facts:
- Both Växjö and Kalmar are connected on the regional train & bus network (with direct connections to Stockholm & Copenhagen several times per day), as well as local airports with direct flights to Stockholm
- The LNU university library is the first in Sweden to be officially LGBTQ Certified
- LNU is a long-time collaborator with IKEA and home to the world's first IKEA professor
What resources are available to new students?
A buddy program is available for new students.
ESN (Erasmus Student Network) has a presence at both campuses. ESN Kalmar and ESN Växjö organize local social events for students, cultural activities, and field trips to other areas of Sweden or neighbouring countries.
LNU also has more than 70 student associations (clubs).
Finally, there is an online chat so that you can talk to LNU students before you arrive!
What supports or services are available at LNU?
The Student Welfare Office offers support for mental health & wellness, including private counselling appointments which are free of charge. They coordinate wellness events throughout the year.
The Student Lounge is a one-stop-shop for general advice about student life and also offers study support.
LNU offers comprehensive academic support for students with disabilities - click here for more information.
For information on accessibility and support services at campuses across Europe, please check out Inclusive Mobility. For city-specific services and places in Europe, the Jaccede interactive platform (website and/or smartphone app - both Android and iOS) also provides a searchable user-built database to identify important accessibility information of public places and locations.
With a strong culture of inclusivity, Sweden is also considered one of the most friendly destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers! Click here to read a blog from an international student in Sweden, or click here for an accompanying video with several queer-identified students talking about their experience.
Have questions?
The exchange advisor for this program is: Kathryn Bauer
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.