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Student voices

Curious what life as an international student at Umeå University is really like? Meet some of our international students and alumni as they share their personal stories, favorite moments, and what made Umeå feel like home.

Q&A with master's students

Master's student profiles

Nikiforos Staveris
mastersstudent inom datavetenskap

"The calmness here gives you space to think and evolve”

Meet Nikiforos from Greece, 2026 graduate from the master's programme in artificial intelligence.

Portrait of Lūcija in front of the Lindell Hall on campus.

"I wanted the feel of a university town packed with students"

Meet Lūcija from Latvia, 2025 graduate from the master's programme in plant and forest biotechnology.

A man with long hair and glasses standing in front of a body of water.

"Teachers let you think freely and share your own experiences"

Meet Fabio from Germany, 2025 graduate from the master's programme in crisis management and peacebuilding.

New graduate by the campus pond at Umeå University

"Umeå was the perfect environment to study sustainability"

Meet Madeline from USA, 2025 graduate from the master's programme in environmental science and sustainability.

Porträttbild på Omar Abrahamsson

"it requires you to be creative, there are always different solutions to a problem"

Meet Omar from Iraq, 2025 graduate from the master's programme in robotics and control.

Student speaking at a graduation ceremony in front of a podium.

"This programme has been truly transformative for me"

Meet Amy from Nigeria, 2024 master's graduate in public health with a specialisation in health economics.

International Master's student from Guatemala on Campus Umeå.

"It's been a pretty cool journey of learning and self-discovery!"

Meet Silvia from Guatemala, 2024 graduate from the master's programme in cognitive science.

A male student with a broad smile in front of the Campus Pond.

"I’ve discovered many new paths to pursue after my studies"

Meet Joost from the Netherlands, 2024 graduate from the master's programme in artificial intelligence.

Porträtt av Lena Conz, student vid Institutionen för epidemiologi och global hälsa.

"The exchange with other students from all over the world was very valuable"

Meet Lena from Germany, 2020 graduate from the one-year master's programme in public health.

Student blogs

A collage of photos of a person shoveling snow.

Escape into wild, beautiful nature around Umeå

Silei from China shares her favourite nature spots around Umeå and reflects on her time as a master's student.

Groceries in a bag

A guide to grocery shopping in Sweden

Noha from France shares helpful tips to navigate around Swedish grocery stores like a pro!

Quick facts

43,736

Total enrolled students (as of 2025)

300,000+

Alumni across the world

60+

Nationalities on campus

Exchange student profiles

Portrait photo of exchange student Robin from Canada

"It has been a life changing and memorable experience"

Meet Robin Chan, exchange student from Canada.

A female student inside one of the buildings on Campus Umeå.

"One of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences of my life."

Meet Clarice Teo, exchange student from Singapore.

Portrait of Sam.

"It’s easy to make friends with people from all over the world."

Meet Sam Rhodes, exchange student from the United States.

Portrait of Polona in front of a picture of birch trees.

"The relaxed and balanced lifestyle has been so refreshing."

Meet Polona Smrekar, exchange student from Slovenia.

Portrait of Simon in front of a bookshelf.

"I haven’t met an exchange student who has regretted coming to Umeå."

Meet Simon Giasson, exchange student from Canada.

Portait photo of Hung-Ting Chien from Taiwan

Double the experience: Taiwanese student completes two memorable exchanges

Hung-Ting Chien returned for a second exchange in 2024 after a memorable first stay in 2021.

Student tips and memories

Alumni profiles

Olivia Harlin
Alumn

Found her home in the technology industry – "There is a need for diversity"

Olivia Harlin overcame self-doubt in maths—now she’s a UX designer.

Image of Asim Mehmood in the Umep Cricket Club

"My time at Umeå University helped me achieve my career goals"

Asim Mehmood from Pakistan hopes to make a long-lasting impact in his community and beyond.

An alumnae of Umeå University sitting on top of a white couch

"I learned valuable strategies to help build my professional network in Sweden"

Tatiana's journey is a testament to how education, culture, and passion can shape an inspiring career.