Apply for an exchange with focus on northern studies

Mikaela Edlund did her exchange studies in Canada via north2north.

ImageMikaela Edlund

Through exchange studies, you will get to know a new country and its culture, and make friends for life. The north2north exchange programme is a network within the University of the Arctic where you can travel to a number of universities that are also part of the network. In the 2026/2027 academic year, you can choose between universities in typical Arctic regions such as the northern United States, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Finland and Norway, including Svalbard, but also universities in England, Scotland, France and Tasmania (Australia).

Ellen did an exchange semester in Scotland

One of the students who went on exchange through north2north is Ellen Forsgren, who chose to study for a semester at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. The university is Scotland's third largest in terms of student numbers and dates back to 1796. Ellen describes the best thing about the exchange as the people she met and all her new friends.

Ellen Forsberg (to the left) did her exchange in Glasgow, Scottland.

ImageEllen Forsberg

‘Going on an exchange programme is an incredible opportunity to develop both academically and personally. It was so much fun to experience a new culture, see new places and meet people from all over the world. It was such an enjoyable experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who is considering it,’ says Ellen about her experience.

She also advises anyone who is interested in applying to do so well in advance!

‘If you're unsure, see if there are any students who have been there before so you can ask them about their experience. Once you've been accepted to the university, I recommend applying for shared accommodation, especially if you're going alone. It's an easy way to make friends in the beginning when everything is new and can be a lot of fun,’ says Ellen.

Opportunity to receive a scholarship

‘Take the opportunity to improve your knowledge of northern and Arctic issues by taking courses at another north2north institution. There is also the chance to receive a scholarship’, says Gwen King, international coordinator at Umeå University. ‘The size of the scholarship depends on which country you are travelling to; the further away, the larger the scholarship can be, she says. In previous years, the scholarship has been between SEK 10,000 and SEK 25,000 per student’.

Online information session and drop-in in December and January

Are you curious about exchange studies and want to know more about the opportunities available within north2north? Then you are warmly welcome to the International Office's online information session on Tuesday 16 December during lunchtime. You will learn more about exchange studies through north2north, which universities you can apply to and how the process works. We also offer two drop-in sessions during lunchtime, on 18 December and 13 January, where you can ask questions and get help with your application.