Each year we welcome international trainees from around the world. A traineeship can give you valuable academic and professional experience in a dynamic research and education environment in northern Sweden.
How to apply for a traineeship
We do not have a central coordination for incoming traineeships. Instead, traineeships are arranged directly with the department or unit where you wish to do your placement.
Your first step is therefore to contact the department or unit you are interested in doing your traineeship at, and ask if they can host you as a trainee.
whether the traineeship is part of a programme (e.g. Erasmus+)
Different types of traineeship
Umeå University offers several opportunities for students to complete a traineeship within the university. Traineeships can be carried out in different departments or units and vary depending on academic background and interests, providing valuable practical experience in an academic setting.
Erasmus+ traineeship
If you are enrolled at a university participating in the Erasmus+ programme, you may be able to do an Erasmus+ traineeship at Umeå University. You need approval from your home university. No formal exchange agreement between universities is required.
A Learning Agreement for Traineeships must be signed by: - you (the student) - the coordinator at your home university - an authorised representative at the receiving department or unit at Umeå University
Please note that the International Office does not sign learning agreements.
During an Erasmus+ traineeship:
- you are not registered as a student at Umeå University - you cannot take courses or receive credits from Umeå University
Traineeship as part of your thesis
If your thesis course allows it, you may conduct your thesis work at Umeå University.
You remain registered at your home university
You will have: - a supervisor at your home university - a supervisor at Umeå University
Umeå University does not award credits for the thesis.
Contact your international coordinator at your home university to confirm whether your thesis can be carried out as an Erasmus+ traineeship.
Courses with project work (exchange students)
Umeå University offers a small number of courses, aimed at exchange students, that include project work.
To be eligible:
there must be a formal exchange agreement between the universities
you must be officially nominated as an exchange student.
It is also possible to apply for a traineeship without participating in an exchange programme.
Traineeships are generally unpaid
The application process is similar to other traineeships
Contact the department or unit you wish to work with directly.
Please note that trainees are not considered students at Umeå University, and no academic credits are awarded.
Placement at the University hospital
Clinical placements at the University Hospital are only available to exchange students enrolled in courses that include clinical training.
If you are not coming to Umeå University as an exchange student, placements at the hospital are unfortunately not possible.
Practical information
To help you prepare for your stay, we have gathered practical information that may be useful before and during your traineeship.
Housing
Finding accommodation in Umeå can be challenging, especially at the start of semesters. We strongly recommend that you arrange housing before your arrival.
Trainees usually find accommodation on their own
Ask the receiving department whether they can offer advice or suggestions
Incoming trainees are covered by a collective insurance for foreign visitors, provided by the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Agency (Kammarkollegiet). Read more here. (Kammarkollegiet.se)
Students from EU/EEA countries should also bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives access to necessary healthcare in Sweden under the same conditions as Swedish residents.
Practical questions about living in Umeå and Sweden
Our International Student Guide contains practical information about living in Sweden and Umeå. While it is aimed primarily at students, much of the information is also relevant to international trainees.
