Navigated to
Exchange students pose during Scavenger Hunt day HT24
Image: Malin Grönborg

World's most satisfied international students

International students from 137 universities across the globe responded to the International Student Barometer (ISB) survey in the 2023 autumn semester. Umeå University placed first of all participating universities in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction.

#1 in Living

#1 in Support

#1 in Overall Satisfaction

International Student Barometer Highlights 2023

Living sub-categories

  • Campus Buildings (#1 globally)

  • Sports Facilities (#1 globally)

  • Social Activities (#1 globally)

  • Making Friends from Home Country (#1 globally)

  • Making Friends from Other Countries (#4 globally)

  • Accommodation Cost (#1 globally)

  • Access to Suitable Accommodation (#1 Sweden, #4 globally)

  • Living Cost (#1 in Sweden)

  • Financial Support (#1 in Sweden)

Support sub-categories

  • Libraries (#1 in Sweden, #4 globally)

  • Student Health Services (#1 in Sweden, #2 globally)

  • IT Support (#2 in Sweden, #8 globally)

  • Student Associations  (#2 in Sweden, #6 in Europe)

  • International Office  (#1 in Sweden, #8 globally)

  • Housing Office (#1 in Sweden, # 4 globally)

  • Campus Cafés  (#2 in Sweden, #9 in Europe)

  • Study Counselling (#1 in Sweden)

Learning sub-categories

  • Learning Spaces (#1 in Sweden, #3 globally)

  • Physical Library Facilities (#1 in Sweden, #5 globally)

  • Assessment (#2 in Sweden, #8 globally)

  • Learning Support (#2 in Sweden, #6 in Europe)

  • Performance Feedback (#2 in Sweden, #5 in Europe)

  • Language Support (#2 in Sweden, #4 globally)

  • Learning Technology (#2 in Sweden, #8 in Europe)

  • Online Study Materials (#2 in Sweden, #7 in Europe)

Overall Happiness

#1 globally

Recommendation

#1 in Sweden

Career Goal Preparation

#1 in Europe

Why Umeå University stands out

1. World's most satisfied international students

Ranked number one globally by international students for Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction. 

2. Dedicated and supportive teachers

Join a welcoming learning environment where lecturers are committed to help you achieve your academic goals.

3. Breathtaking nature and safe environment

Experience the Northern lights, arctic landscapes and endless summer nights with peaceful surroundings.

4. Highly international

Students, faculty, and staff from over 60 nationalities create a vibrant global community.

5. Top-ranked student life

Including the super popular Buddy Programme – connecting students for a memorable experience of social activities.

6. Modern campus and facilities

Enjoy our beautiful campus and creative learning environments that encourage critical thinking and engagement.

7. City of sports and culture

World-class museums, numerous festivals and sporting events, along with a vibrant restaurant scene.

About the International Student Barometer (ISB)

The ISB 2023 Wave 2 survey was developed and administered by the International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate) – an independent benchmarking and research service. A total of 121,418 exchange students and other international students from 137 higher education institutions globally participated in the International Student Barometer survey from October to December 2023, which included 44 institutions in Europe and 10 in Sweden.

Umeå University had an impressive 62% response rate, with a total of 425 student responses. 

There are five main categories in the survey: Arrival, Learning, Living, Support and Overall Satisfaction. Umeå University placed #1 globally in three of them.

Read a news release about the survey

Get more inspiration

Overhead view of Umeå with a pink twilight sky.

Experience Umeå

Northern Sweden’s largest city – diverse, dynamic, and student-friendly.

Två pratbubblor

Chat with our students

Are you wondering what it's really like to study at Umeå University?

Several students in winter attire in the warming spring sun on Campus Umeå.

Student voices

Curious about what international student life is really like? Hear others' experience.