Internationalisation
Last changed: 24 June 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
Advisory National Guidelines
Since December 2024, advisory national guidelines for responsible internationalisation are in place. Their purpose is to establish shared conditions for international collaboration across higher education institutions, public research funders and relevant public authorities. The guidelines are managed by the Swedish Research Council.
They are presented in an interim report on the UHR website. (Only in Swedish)
SLU-Specific Guidelines
Based on the national guidelines, the government has tasked each authority with developing operationally adapted guidelines. SLU is currently working on this, and a new internationalisation policy is expected to be completed in autumn 2025.
Support Materials
While awaiting the new SLU policy, the following materials are available:
From SLU
- SLU’s supplement to STINT’s Guidelines for Responsible Internationalisation, with a focus on equality aspects (PDF)
- SLU guidelines for business travel and meetings
- The Nagoya Protocol – for those intending to conduct research on genetic resources
- Policy for establishing cooperation agreements with foreign universities and institutes
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
Need advice or support regarding responsible internationalisation?
Contact: 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:
- International opportunities for staff and teachers
- International opportunities for doctoral students
Contact: mobility@slu.se
Funding opportunities for research and educational collaboration
For support and information regarding funding opportunities, please contact the Grants Office.
Contact: grantsoffice@slu.se
Incoming staff and SLU employees based abroad
Incoming staff
- Living and working in Sweden
- Work and residence permits
- Insurance at SLU
- Uppsala International Hub – guide for new arrivals in the Uppsala area.
- International Citizen Hub Lund – guide for new arrivals in the Lund and Malmö area.
- A Beginner's Guide to Swedish Academia – Young Academy of Sweden’s handbook for international researchers.
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.
Staff with HR management roles
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
- The Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research
A tool for strengthening the knowledge system within the agriculture and food sectors in the Nordic countries. - The Nordic Forestry, Veterinary and Agricultural University Network – NOVA
A collaboration between universities that aims to support the understanding of major global challenges in a Nordic context. - The Baltic University Programme A collaboration for education and research within sustainable development and democracy, conducted by universities in the Baltic region.
- Nordic Forest Research
A tool for strengthening the knowledge system within the forest sectors in the Nordic countries.
Europe
- Euroleague for Life Sciences – ELLS
A European network for member and candidate countries. - Association for European Life Science Universities – ICA
The association for life science universities in Europe. - The European Bioeconomy University
A collaboration between the leading European universities for bioeconomy. - European University Association - EUA
'The Voice of Europe's Universities'. EUA ensures that the independent voice of European universities is heard.
Global
- Global Challenges University Alliance – GCUA 2030
A network of universities from around the world, with the shared vision of contributing to sustainable global development. GCUA 2030 provides a global learning forum for doctoral students and young researchers. - The European Alliance on Agricultural knowledge for Development – Agrinatura
A European alliance that aims to create and spread knowledge necessary to combat poverty, promote economic growth, increase food safety in order to increase production and productivity while simultaneously meeting the sustainable development goals.
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