Please do not contact this university directly.
For all enquiries please contact the Exchange Office at exchange@otago.ac.nz.
Last updated October, 2024
Academic Information
Course Information
There are over 200 courses available in English with the following general subject headings: Archaeology, Epidemiology and Public Health, Medicine, Music, Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Environmental Health, Geography, Mathematics, Molecular Biology, Physical Geography, Physics, Radiation Physics, Business Administration and Management, Economics, Food and Nutrition, Law, Pedagogy, Political Science, Psychology, Social and Economic Geography, Sociology, Sports Pedagogy, Electronics and Space Physics.
Swedish Language courses
Four Swedish Language courses "Swedish a Second Language" are offered at Umeå University (level 1, 2, 3 and 4; worth 5 Swedish credits each) during both the Fall and Spring Semesters. These courses are free of charge and are only offered to students who are simultaneously studying other courses at Umeå University.
Semester Dates
- Academic Year: August - June
- Autumn Semester: August - January
- Spring Semester: January - June
Course Load and Minimum Unit Requirements
- Minimum Course Load: 20 credits
- Maximum Course Load: 30 credits
Accommodation and the Cost of Living
Accommodation
The International Housing Office provides housing for exchange students studying at Umeå University. The International Housing Office (IHO) offers single-occupancy rooms in student corridors. Since student rooms in Umeå are in high demand, it is recommended that you organize your accommodation before leaving New Zealand. Rooms are rented for the full academic semester, which is usually five months, with a maximum period of tenancy of one academic year. The rooms are situated in student housing complexes on corridors where 6-8 rooms share a common kitchen with all cooking facilities needed. Rooms have private bathrooms and are furnished with a bed, desk, chairs and a bookshelf. Heating, water, electricity, and the use of the laundry room are included in the rent.
Estimated Cost of Living
If you are a citizen of a country that is NOT in the European Union or the European Economic Area, the Swedish Migration Board requires that you prove that you have funds to cover your living expenses (SEK 7 300 per month) when you apply for a student visa.
Student Visa and Insurance
Information on Student Visas and Insurance for students going on exchange can be found elsewhere on this website.
Exchange experiences
The University, City and Region
The University
Umeå University is one of the largest universities of education in Sweden and offers a broad and attractive range of academic disciplines. Students come from all over Sweden, as well as from many other countries, to pursue their studies. Those who study at Umeå University speak of it as being practical, open and dynamic-not bound by traditions. The University offers students an environment that lends itself to inspiration, where it is just as easy to acquire knowledge, as it is to enjoy life itself.
The City of Umeå
Umeå is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden. It has population of 110 000 inhabitants with, thanks to the university, a very high proportion of young people. The city, founded in 1622 by King Gustav II Adolf, was largely destroyed by fire in 1888. During rebuilding thousands of birch trees were planted to prevent future fires from spreading. The birch population has been maintained ever since, earning Umeå the nickname Town of Silver Birches, in Swedish "Björkarnas stad."
Today, Umeå is a dynamic centre for both learning and work, with the university as the biggest employer. Umeå is also a centre for leisure and pleasure, with a wide and varied range of cultural and sporting activities on offer. The Norrland Opera is known nationwide for its unusual and unconventional performances of classical and modern opera. The town has a very lively jazz and pop music scene, and boasts the world renowned Umeå Jazz Festival and Chamber Music Festival. There are also festivals of Folk Music, Film, Pop music, and a Ballad festival. Several permanent theatres, concerts, cinemas, pubs, and nightclubs, add to the choice of entertainment all the year round.
Further Information
For further information about Otago Global Student Exchange please email exchange@otago.ac.nz