Internationalisation

Last changed: 22 December 2025

Internationalisation involves international collaboration in research, environmental monitoring and education, as well as student and staff exchanges. It also includes the recruitment and reception of international employees and students. The university's participation in international networks contributes to long-term development and enables deeper cooperation at all levels of the organisation.

In line with SLU’s current strategy, the purpose of internationalisation is to “strengthen the international dimension, achieve mutual exchange of experience and perspectives, and enhance the quality and relevance of our activities.”

Internationalisation must be carried out responsibly

Responsible internationalisation means that international collaboration should be of mutual benefit, carried out as openly as possible and as securely as necessary. Key considerations include research ethics, academic freedom, data management, core values and reciprocity, as well as responsibilities towards employees and students.

In an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, security considerations become more important, such as protecting research findings and other assets.

Support for staff working with internationalisation

As an SLU employee, you will likely engage with internationalisation in one form or another.

This page contains information and links to support your work with various aspects of internationalisation.

Policies, guidelines and checklists

To make well-informed decisions regarding responsible international collaboration, support is available in the form of guidelines, checklists and policies:

National guidelines for responsible internationalisation

Advisory National Guidelines

In March 2026, the Swedish Research Council published a report. The purpose of these national guidlines is to establish a common framework for Swedish stakeholders working with responsible internationalisation, and to highlight both the opportunities and challenges it entails. The guidelines cover a broad range of internationalisation activities and identify the elements that should form the basis for a comprehensive and proportionate assessment of risks and opportunities in the internationalisation of higher education, research and innovation.

You can read the national guidelines on the Swedish Research Council’s (Vetenskapsrådet) website.(in Swedish)

SLU-Specific Guidelines
Based on the national guidelines, the government has tasked each authority with developing operationally adapted guidelines. Work of this kind is currently underway at SLU and will result in a policy for internationalisation, along with further developed guidance. This work is ongoing throughout 2026.

Support Materials

From SLU

External Guidance and Tools

Responsible internationalisation: Guidelines for reflection on international academic collaboration(PDF) – a useful checklist when conducting a responsible collaboration. Published by the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research (STINT)

Global Responsible Engagement: Checklist - a checklist, established by the SUHF (The Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions) presidency, that can be used as a basis for dialogues with international partners.

Internal support resources

Advisory services

During 2026, a procedural description for responsible internationalisation will be developed, together with tools for risk assessment.

In the meantime, you can obtain advice and support by contacting: internationalisering@slu.se

Training for travel to risk areas

SLU employees may apply for safety training.
Contact: Therese Rantakokko, SLU Global

Internationalisation in teaching and education

Internationalisation is an important aspect and approach for you as a teacher. You can integrate international and intercultural dimensions into your course plans and teaching by using internationalisation as a resource.

Training opportunities and exchange programmes are also available to teachers.
Contact Educational Development Unit (EPU) to learn more:
epu@slu.se

Funding opportunities for teachers, doctoral candidates and other staff

Mobility Funding

Information on funding for international mobility (teachers, researchers, doctoral students, and staff) is available via the following pages on the staff web:

Contact: mobility@slu.se

Funding opportunities for research and educational collaboration
For support and information regarding funding opportunities, please contact the Grants Office. Read more about funding opportunities

Contact: grantsoffice@slu.se

For support and information on funding opportunities for collaborations for global development, please contact SLU Global.
Contact: global@slu.se

Incoming staff and SLU employees based abroad

Incoming staff

SLU employees stationed abroad

As a public authority, the law prohibits SLU from employing a person who lives abroad. People working abroad as part of a URA agreement are exempt from this rule. 

​For support and information regarding international recruitment, please contact the HR Division’s contact person for international matters, Julia Damberg.
Email: julia.damberg@slu.se

Student mobility

As a teacher or in another role, you’ll find information here on supporting and advising students on mobility matters:

Contact: mobility@slu.se

Networks for educational and research collaboration

Nordic and Baltics region

Europe

Global

Internal networks at SLU

  • Global network for staff and doctoral students at SLU
    This network is open to all SLU staff and doctoral students who are involved with or interested in collaborating with low-income countries. The network is coordinated by SLU Global, a unit at the Vice-Chancellor's Office. SLU Global supports the university’s work with global development to contribute to Agenda 2030