Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Orientation | Semester Start | Semester End | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 15 March | 1 May | ~week before the first day of class* | ** | |||
| Academic Year 2026-2027 | 15 March | 1 May | ~week before the first day of class* | ||||
| Spring 2027 | 15 September | 1 May | ~first day of class* | ||||
| Fall 2025 | 15 March | ~weekend before semester* | 1 September 2025 | 18 January 2026** | |||
| Academic Year 2025-26 | 15 March | ~weekend before semester* | 1 September 2025 | 7 June 2026 | |||
| Spring 2026 | 1 September | ~weekend before semester* | 19 January 2026 | 7 June 2026 |
View the Umeå University academic calendar.
Do not make travel arrangements until Umeå University has officially accepted you and shared key dates.
*Exact details about arrival and orientation will be provided by Umeå University when they issue an acceptance letter.
**If you are studying fall semester only, the semester ends in December. If you be in Umeå for the academic year, the fall semester ends in January.
Students may participate in study abroad any time after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school)
Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year, but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program their sophomore year.
About Program
- Population of Umeå: 130,000
- Distance to Stockholm: 397 miles
- Distance to Helsinki: 336 miles
- Distance to Arctic Circle: 250 miles
As the unofficial northern capital of Sweden, Umeå is Sweden’s 12th largest city. To enjoy the city in all its beauty, sign up for a guided walking tour, ride around on the plentiful bicycle paths, or explore the city by rickshaw. The city’s recent rapid growth can be attributed to the ever-expanding student population, making it a vibrant city with lots to offer young adults. Umeå has something for everyone: nature and outdoor life, sporting events, concerts, festivals, cultural events, and a bustling nightlife.
Umeå’s milder climate throughout the year can be attributed to the warm Gulf Stream. Take advantage of winter weather by dog sledding, horse riding or cross-country skiing. Downhill ski or snowboard at one of the many slopes, such as Umeå city’s ski slope, Bräntberget. In the spring and summer, go camping, golfing, canoeing, disc golfing and enjoy the season’s Midnight Sun. In addition, there is fantastic cuisine to be enjoyed which incorporates special ingredients from the forest, mountains, ocean and local farms. As a prior European Capital of Culture, visitors from around the world will venture to Umeå for cultural events that will celebrate the city’s rich heritage.
Founded in 1965, Umeå University is known for having a strong international and multicultural presence. As one of the leading comprehensive universities in the nation and with an enrollment of 34,200 students, the campus is alive with enthusiasm, creativity, and fresh ideas.
Umeå University strives to be one of Scandinavia's best environments for study and research that meets the challenges of an ever-increasing global society. The university has consistantly ranked 1st on the International Student Barometer with the world's most satisfied international students. Campus is located about three miles east of the city center and is home to the largest training facilities in Europe, IKSU Sport. The University consistently has the world's most satisfied international students, with top rankings for their social activities, housing, ability to make friends, sports facilities, affordability (living & housing), and more!
Umeå University is AACSB accredited.
UMD works with Umeå University's International Office to offer this program.
Academics
Umeå University uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Courses are typically 7.5 ECTS credits and enrollment in 30 ECTS credits per term is considered full-time. Understand how your grades abroad will convert at UMD by viewing Swedish University Grade & Credit Equivalents.
Note the following when looking at courses:
- There are two levels: undergraduate (basic) and master’s (advanced). Applicants must meet course prerequisites regardless of the course level.
- Only select courses from the exchange student course webpage (see link below)
- Courses should not clash. Swedish study system full-time courses (100% tempo) are taken one at a time rather than in parallel. Carefully check which week each course starts and ends. More information about the study duration can be found on the course web page.
- Umeå University has no add/drop period., so you must choose your course carefully (course selections are due at the time you submit your Umeå University application)
Learn more about Sweden's Study System and about Selecting your courses .
- Typically, your course schedules will look like this (with finals at the end of each course, not at the end of the semester):
| General Study Model | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative 1 | Course 1, 7.5 ECTS | Course 2, 7.5 ECTS | Course 3, 7.5 ECTS | Course 4, 7.5 ECTS |
| Alternative 2 | Course 1, 15.0 ECTS | Course 2, 15.0 ECTS | ||
| Alternative 3 | Course 1, 30 ECTS | |||
| Alternative 4 | Course 1, 7.5 ECTS | Course 2, 7.5 ECTS | Course 3, 15.0 ECTS | |
| Alternative 5 | Course 1, 15.0 ECTS | Course 2, 7.5 ECST | Course 3, 7.5 ECTS | |
Click on the links below for more details:
Search Umeå University course offerings
- View Umeå University courses already reviewed at UMD
- If you wish to enroll in courses taught in Swedish, contact Umea University staff as soon as possible at [email protected] (cc: your UMD Study Abroad Program Coordinator).
View the Umeå University Fact Sheet for more details about the program.
To request disability accommodations, please contact International Programs and Services at [email protected] or 218-726-8764.
Cost Information
What’s included in the program fee?
- Personalized advising
- Pre-departure orientation
- Tuition
- Entry visa assistance
- On-site orientation (via the Umeå University International Office)
- On-site staff support
- International student buddy program (via the Umeå University International Office)
- Foreign transcript issuance
- Grade posting at UMD
- Foreign course evaluation at UMD
- Re-entry support
These estimated costs do not include the $50 application fee.
- Compare this cost to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year.
- Compare this cost to all other study abroad programs.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic year programs.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
- UMD Scholarships
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Housing
Umeå University‘s accommodation options consist of mainly single-occupancy rooms in student corridors. Corridors (similar to apartments) typically house 6–10 students and include a mix of Swedish and international students. Most rooms have private bathrooms. All occupants share the kitchen and a common room (living room/dining room) spaces. The housing application process can only begin after being officially accepted by Umeå University. Housing is not guaranteed, so early application is critical.
Umeå University Accommodation Service provides further details about housing, including alternate housing options, the application process, and FAQs.
Travel Documents
Travel Documents
- You are required to have a passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire within 6 months after you will return from abroad, apply for a passport as soon as possible. It can take 2+ months to receive your passport after applying. You can apply for a new passport on-campus at the UMD Passport Acceptance Facility.
- Swedish residence permit guidance will be provided after applying. Travel to the Swedish Embassy may be required to obtain a permit.
- The UMD Exchange in Sweden Handbook (Travel Documents section) has been created to assist applicants with the process. UMD Study Abroad staff routinely update this resource, however, the Swedish Migration Agency may change the process at anytime.
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after official acceptance is issued from the foreign university.
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Exchange in Umeå, Sweden: Umeå University;
and the - Term (e.g. Spring Semester 2026 or Academic Year 2026–2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
