What are the core values of Stockholm University?

Stockholm University (SU) values knowledge, academic freedom, integrity, and the pursuit of truth, guiding both research and teaching.

What kind of financial support do Swedish universities typically offer?

Stockholm Universiy offers merit-based tuition fee waivers 25% to 100% reduction.

What student support services are available?

Services include residence permit guidance, counselling, student health, and international student coordination for a smooth stay in Stockholm.

What is the main campus environment like and where is it located relative to the city?

The main Frescati Campus is a green, park-like area just minutes from central Stockholm, offering a vibrant Student House (Studenthuset) with study spaces and cafes.

What kind of social activities and support structures are available for new international students?

The university provides an Arrival Service and a Welcome Day, while the Student Union (SUS) and faculty associations organize social events, pubs, and clubs to foster community.

University Details

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Stockholm University

Stockholm, Sweden

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Establishment Year

1878

National Students

41,551

International Students

4,426

Acceptance Rate

51%

Distance From City

10-15 minutes

QS World University Ranking

#147

Times Higher Education Ranking

#191

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Overview!

Stockholm University, established in 1878, is one of the largest and most highly-ranked public research institutions in Sweden and Scandinavia. It organizes its academic work into two main domains: Natural Sciences and Human Sciences (including Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences). The university is renowned for its research in Environmental Science and counts four Nobel Laureates among its former researchers. The main campus is uniquely situated within the Royal National City Park, offering a blend of nature and access to the capital city. SU maintains a strong international profile with many Master's programs taught in English, contributing to public policy and democratic society.

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History

(1878) Origins and Establishment

Stockholm University originated in 1878 when it was founded as Stockholm University College (Stockholms hogskola). The initiative came from the Stockholm City Council, driven by a desire to establish a modern higher education institution in the capital that would serve society. It was established as a radical alternative to the traditional universities in Uppsala and Lund, famously beginning its operations with public lectures on the natural sciences, a tradition that continues today. The college was granted the right to award official degrees in 1904, and, following post-war educational expansion, it was granted full university status in 1960, officially becoming Sweden's fourth state university. Due to surging enrollment, the majority of the university's operations were relocated from its central city location to the current, expansive Frescati campus in the Royal National City Park by 1970.

Modern Day Development

Stockholm University's modern development is strongly centered on global engagement and sustainability research. A key initiative is its role as the lead partner in the European Civic University Alliance (CIVIS), which aims to boost mobility, co-created training, and collaborative research with other European universities to address societal challenges. Furthermore, the university is committed to global goals through the Stockholm Resilience Centre and the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, actively contributing knowledge towards Agenda 2030 and climate action. The university has also formalized the Stockholm Trio collaboration with KTH and Karolinska Institutet to strengthen the region's position in research, education, and innovation, particularly concerning Digital Trust and Sustainability.

What Do We Stand For?

Our Mission!

Stockholm University's mission is to advance knowledge through independent, fundamental research and to provide highest quality education based on that research. The university strives to contribute to a sustainable democratic society through the critical dissemination of knowledge and the cultivation of independent, creative thinking among its students. A core part of its mission is also to actively participate in societal dialogue and collaborate with external partners to address complex issues in a changing world.

Our Values!

•Knowledge
•Enlightenment
•The Pursuit of Truth
•Autonomy

Rankings & Achievements!

Rankings:

Country Rank

Ranked #5

QS World University Ranking

Ranked #147

Times Higher Education Ranking

Ranked #191

Excellence Rank

Ranked #223

Notable Alumni:

Fredrik Reinfeldt

former Prime Minister of Sweden (2006-2014)

Nooshi Dadgostar

Swedish politician

Campus Life at Stockholm University

Sports & Recreation

Stockholm University's sports and recreation are managed through the Frescati Sports Center and the Stockholm Students' Sports Club (SSIF), offering a variety of facilities and activities. The Frescati Sports Center includes a gym run by Fitness24Seven, sports halls for team sports like floorball and volleyball, and courts for sports like badminton and tennis. SSIF organizes group fitness classes, instructor-led sessions, and over 30 different sports, with options for students to purchase training cards for discounted access to over 100 sessions per week.

Campus Life at Stockholm University

Accommodation

Stockholm University students can find accommodation through the university's application portal, which often connects them with housing agencies like SSSB or Bostadsförmedlingen i Stockholm AB. Other options include finding private sublets on platforms like Facebook or exploring co-living spaces. For those who don't get university housing, alternative options are available, such as private sublets, hotels, or apartments managed by private companies.

ABOUT CITY

History and Heritage

Stockholm is rich in historical landmarks that reflect its cultural and political heritage. Gamla Stan (Old Town) features medieval streets, the Royal Palace, and historic squares. Early scientific achievements are represented at Observatorielunden, while Drottninggatan and nearby streets boast 17th- and 18th-century architecture that includes Scheffler Palace (Spökslottet). Nobel Prize festivities take place at Stockholm City Hall, and the nearby Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences serves as a link between the city and international science. These sites together suggest the evolution of Stockholm from its origins as a medieval town to its current status as a cosmopolitan and intellectual hub.

Food and Cafe

From traditional food establishments in Gamla Stan to trendy areas like Södermalm and Norrmalm, every corner of Stockholm is packed with cafes, restaurants, and eateries catering to locals, students, and tourists. Besides these, popular food chains, fast food restaurants, international food, vegetarian, and vegan establishments can be found in almost every nook and cranny. Fresh foods and take-away food are sold from local markets and food halls. Most city areas boast open spaces and kitchens where one can share homemade food. The vibrant culture of food reflects the modern, cosmopolitan life of Stockholm.

Famous Places to Visit

Vasa Museum
Royal Palace
Skansen

Cultures

Stockholm University's culture is defined by an emphasis on openness, accessibility, and high-calibre research, actively engaging with society and global issues like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The academic environment, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, is highly interdisciplinary, fostering collaboration across fields such as Art History, Literature, and Cultural Heritage, and maintaining a low organizational hierarchy. Student life is very active and organized, driven by three major student unions and numerous associations that host traditional Swedish student activities like pub nights and formal dinners, creating a strong sense of community and making it a social experience for both local and a large body of international students.

Transportation

Stockholm is very well connected by its public transport system, run by SL. The city boasts an underground network called the Tunnelbana, commuter trains, and buses, which connect the inner areas with the suburbs of Stockholm. Major stations, such as T-Centralen, are interchange points for traveling within the city. Travellers coming from Arlanda Airport can go to the city centre using the Arlanda Express train, airport buses, or commuter trains, thus making Stockholm quite accessible to locals, students, and visitors.

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