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More students applied to international master’s programmes at Örebro University

Students on campus.

“Internationalisation contributes to broader perspectives, increased understanding of other cultures and new types of knowledge. This is particularly important considering the unrest in the world around us,” says Ida Andersson-Norrie.

The number of applicants to the international master’s programmes at Örebro University will increase by 15 per cent this autumn – which is higher than the national average.
“It’s great to see that international mobility has started again after the pandemic – and it’s especially rewarding that Örebro University is expanding so well,” says Ida Andersson-Norrie, who is Örebro University’s international strategy officer.

Örebro University offers ten international master’s programmes for the autumn 2023 semester. There are both one- and two-year programmes in subjects ranging from strategic communication, music and statistics to sports and experimental medicine.

According to statistics compiled by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), the number of applicants to Örebro this autumn increased by nearly 300 – or almost 15 per cent – compared to the year before. The national rates increased by around ten per cent.

Happy students and attractive programmes

Ida Andersson-Norrie

Ida Andersson-Norrie

Ida Andersson-Norrie views this growth as evidence that Örebro University’s active internationalisation efforts are yielding results.

“Örebro University’s quality is also reflected in ranking lists, high student satisfaction in teaching and support functions, and attractive programmes. These are just a few reasons why students choose Örebro.”

More international students participating in the university’s study programmes also provide the opportunity for “internationalisation at home”.

“An increased diversification of students strengthens our programmes by bringing a wider range of student perspectives and experiences into the classroom,” says Ida Andersson-Norrie.

Back at pre-pandemic levels

International students also enter Örebro University through exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+, to study at the undergraduate level. In addition, there are free movers, who are students who choose to come here and study outside of an exchange agreement. Many of them enrolled in master’s degree programmes at Örebro.

“The general trend right now is that the interest of international students in studying in Örebro is back at pre-pandemic levels. Still, we believe it is more significant to focus on how many students start – and finish – their studies here at Örebro University than on how many apply. In other words, our efforts are to increase the number of international students graduating from Örebro,” says Ida Andersson-Norrie.

Wants to see increased internationalisation

At Örebro University, efforts are underway to increase internationalisation in education and research. The goal is to improve both the number of incoming and outgoing students. Every academic year, around 200 students from Örebro University venture out into the world, while some 300 students come here via exchange agreements.

“We would also like those students who, for various reasons, cannot participate in a full semester exchange programme, to have the opportunity for shorter periods of mobility abroad, virtual mobility or internationalisation at home.”

Why is internationalisation so important to Örebro University?

“Studies show that internationalisation enhances quality, which is a starting point for our efforts. At the same time, we know that internationalisation contributes to broader perspectives, increased understanding of other cultures and new types of knowledge. This is particularly important considering the unrest in the world around us,” says Ida Andersson-Norrie.

Text: Anna Lorentzon
Photo: Terése Classon Sundh
Translation: Jerry Gray