Continued support for elite sports students – SLU proposed to retain its status

SLU is one of 16 universities proposed to retain their status as elite sports-friendly universities – known as EVL universities. SLU has held this status since autumn 2022 and currently supports around 15 students in the elite sports student category.

‘We are delighted that we can continue as an EVL university. This is excellent news both for the students directly affected, who combine high-level sport with university studies, and for SLU, as it enables us to think innovatively about developing our processes to meet our students’ needs during their time with us’, says SLU Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutsson Wedel.

Anna-Lena Holgersson, project manager and EVL coordinator at SLU, is very pleased with the news.

‘As the Swedish Sports Federation puts it, the success of our Swedish elite athletes inspires new generations and contributes to an active population. For me, this parallels success in research and knowledge development. The fact that our students can pursue dual careers benefits them and all of us.’

What does EVL status mean in practice?

Being an EVL university means that students can combine their studies with elite sports through support for dual careers (DK). This support includes career guidance, career development and adjustments to studies in collaboration with teaching staff, examiners and programme directors.

EVL students at SLU have expressed strong appreciation for the support. Through its participation in this collaboration, SLU also strengthens its ability to compete with other universities.