International Studies in Gävle 2025
The University of Gävle is located at the heart of one of the most unique countries of the world. Coming to us is not just about shaping your professional future. We want you to have the time of your life too. We cherish an inclusive atmosphere, and our teachers pride themselves to be accessible and personal, with your progress and goals in focus. Our safe, small-town atmosphere is only short train rides away from Arlanda airport and the urban attractions of the Swedish capital Stockholm. The University of Gävle is the perfect place for shaping a bright future; the first-hand choice for you who want to make a difference.
Study in Gävle
Your step-by-step guide to a brighter future in Gävle.
Take a Tour of our Campus
Our concentrated and vibrant campus has several group-study rooms and state-of-the-art laboratories, big lecture halls and a much-appreciated library. Let’s treat you a Campus Walk.
Check out what our students think
While you are here with us, we will do everything we can to live up to your expectations. We asked some of our former students about their views of the University and the move to Gävle, Sweden. Read the interviews and get inspired.
Amanda Patterson, alumni
Bachelor of Science in Social Work – Specialization in International Social Work
Read the interview with Amanda
Interview with Amanda from USA (2021)
If you haven’t started working yet, what are your job plans and career ambitions for the future?
Although I have a business I do have plans for the future. I am currently the co-president on the board of directors for a grassroots organisation that works with homeless youth in Oregon.
Tell us a little about your profession, how you ended up in this field and what has been influential in making decisions along the way.
I currently own an ecommerce business which I ended up doing because I began learning how to read tarot cards whilst studying in Gävle. Although this profession is not what I studied, I know I ended up doing it because of my studies. I learned much more than Social Work in Gävle.
What is the best thing about your job/profession?
I love what I do, I feel happy to do the things I do. Sometimes it is hard and stressful, but I am always enjoying myself and I love that. I still connect with and help a lot of people just in a more spiritual and holistic way.
How have your studies at the University of Gävle shaped your choice of profession and/or your path to that profession?
As mentioned briefly before, Gävle, especially my classes, really required deep self reflection and awareness. This essentially provoked me into digging deeper into my side passions and hobbies, which lead me to what I do now. I am still active in the social work community and enjoy doing a little bit of social work on the side.
How have you benefited (or how do you think you will benefit) from your education in your working career?
During my education I did an internship that opened up a number of doors for me. It also helped me gain a new perspective in social work and that was: I need to decide where I want to go in the field of social work. The field is so large and vast, which has led me to realize I want to focus on one area in the field. I’ve also benefited because my education prepared me for the practical theories and methods I need to use with real life clients. I experienced this first hand during my internship.
What do you especially remember from your time at the University of Gävle?
To be honest the most significant memories I take from Gävle involve the community I created with the other students at the school. I created life long friends and connections that helped me become such a better, happy and loving person. I would never replace my time in Gävle for anything, it truly shaped me into who I am today, both as a person and social worker.
What was it like to move to Sweden and to Gävle?
I had lived in Sweden for half a year prior to moving to Gävle. I was really nervous and afraid of course, but after one week I started to really enjoy myself.
What is the best thing about Sweden and Gävle?
I think this would go back to the family of friends I had in Gävle. I felt heard, seen and loved by my friends and for that I am just so incredibly grateful for my time in Gävle.
Do you have any tips or suggestions for other students who want to move to Sweden and study?
What you put in, is what you will get out of it; academically, socially, etc. Enjoy yourself, go with the flow and don’t fear the change you will endure in Gävle.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to live in the US for a while then eventually do my masters degree back in Europe. I see myself living in Europe long term, but for now I am happy with the chapter in the USA.
Ukpemeobong Usen Ibokette, alumni
MSc. Business and Economics with Majors in Business Administration
Read the interview with Ukpemeobong
Interview with Ukpemeobong from Nigeria (2020)
If you haven’t started working yet, what are your job plans and career ambitions for the future?
I’m looking forward to starting an amazing career in Project management.
Tell us a little about your profession, how you ended up in this field and what has been influential in making decisions along the way.
Project management in the nutshell is leading a designated team to achieve a set out goal within a certain timeframe and cost. I love coordinating a whole a lot, and possess excellent communication skills, so I figured out that this will be my space.
What is the best thing about your job/profession?
Not monotonous, It requires you thinking on your feet always.
How have your studies at the University of Gävle shaped your choice of profession and/or your path to that profession?
Studying at the University of Gävle was a dream come true for me, I had researched the course content prior to my resumption, I loved the fact that the entire program is interdisciplinary in nature. Once you diligently go through the MBA program, you have no bounds to what you can achieve.
How have you benefitted (or how do you think you will benefit) from your education in your working career?
There are so many things I’d love to mention. But I’ll just say a few. Excellent communication skills, project Management skills, collaboration skills and the big one presentation skills, The MBA program is such that real world scenarios are mirrored and every project is given to address the problems of the world. My confidence level went up, because I got to be presenting almost every other day before my professors and colleagues.
What do you especially remember from your time at the University of Gävle?
University of Gävle makes you international, the exposure, the depth of knowledge from our professors are the amazing things I love about this school, everyone is always willing to help.
What was it like to move to Sweden and to Gävle?
I was uncertain, but yet still I believed God it would be worthwhile, and hence I was ready to explore.
What is the best thing about Sweden and Gävle?
Sweden is such a beautiful country, I’m always very particular about environmental sustainability, for me, I will say Sweden is the number compliant country in the world on that. I’m so in love with Gävle, because it’s a small and very cosy city.
Do you have any tips or suggestions for other students who want to move to Sweden and study?
I’ll say, they should be open minded, ready to explore and above all be diligent in their studies. I’ll love to add, the Swedish educational system is very demanding. They should be willing to invest sufficient time in their studies.
What are your plans for the future?
Gather sufficient experience in my career. I look forward to establishing SMEs in my country that will focus on food, clothing and shelter, by creating employment opportunities.
Our Programmes and Courses
Here you can find our programmes and courses taught in English.
Use this quick guide to get going
Here is a useful guide that covers the steps you must take to start shaping a bright Future at the University of Gävle.
- Fill in your application
- Check if you can get a scholarship
- Get confirmation that you are accepted
- Pay the first tuition fee
- Get your residency permit
- Find a place to live
- Travel to Gävle
- Start studying
1. Fill in your application
All university applications in Sweden are made via the national web portal universityadmissions.se
External link. Choose your first semester, fill in ‘University of Gävle’ in the search box, and you are on your way. You also pay the application fee on the same web page.
2. Check if you are eligible for a scholarship
There are many scholarships available for students at our university – and there are also thousands of national scholarships seeking owners. You could be one of them.
3. Get confirmation that you are accepted
You find your application result the national web portal universityadmissions.se External link. On the applications page, there is a link to a pdf document called ‘Notification of Selection Results’. Once you get in, we will also send you a welcome letter.
4. Pay the first tuition fee (Only for non-EU/EEA citizens)
Generally, you must pay tuition fees if you are a citizen of a country that is not part of the European Union or the European Economic Area. There are some exceptions. You find details at universityadmissions.se. Make sure to pay the tuition fee before you apply for a Swedish residence permit. The Swedish Migration Agency will be notified automatically of your payment.
5. Get your residency permit (Only for non-EU/EEA citizens)
To study in Sweden for more than three months, residents outside the European Union and European Economic Area need a residence permit. You may not even able to book your travel without it. The easiest way to apply is the online application at the Swedish Migration Agency’s website migrationsverket.se External link. In addition to the automatic confirmation of your tuition payment, you must also show proof of a comprehensive health insurance valid in Sweden and a bank account statement confirming that you have funds covering your living expenses.
6. Find a place to live
Even if our university doesn’t have any accommodation to offer, there are several paths to finding comfortable and safe place to live during your studies. Note that accommodation and food are not included in the tuition fee. A home insurance is required, and most Swedish rental properties are unfurnished. However, affordable furniture is easy to find in Sweden.
7. Travel to Gävle
When it’s time to book your trip, remember that you must arrange the entire journey to the university yourself. If you arrive via Stockholm Arlanda airport, the easiest way to get here is to hop on the train that goes directly from the airport to Gävle. Then you are here in an hour.
Links to the train operators: SJ External link. and UL External link..
You can also find useful information at Visit Gävle External link.
8. Start studying
We are so happy that you made it! We will do everything we can to live up to your expectations.
Another good advice is to register at studentkortet.se as soon as possible. This digital student cars makes you eligible for a lot of offers, including travel discounts that open possibilities to discover Sweden.
This page was last updated 2024-12-11