¹û¶³´«Ã½ wants to attract more students from outside Europe.
"We believe that having students from different countries will lead to higher quality education and better dynamics both on campus and in the classroom," says Pro-Vice-Chancellor Patrik Larsson.
The international students at Kau are mainly exchange students. When it comes to non-European students, who often study entire degree programs, the plan is to increase their numbers, with the goal of having just over 100 students by 2030.
"It’s useful to gain more perspectives and ways of thinking, and the non-European students would also give us the opportunity to build larger and more global networks," Patrik Larsson continues. "The surrounding community has also expressed a significant staff shortage both now and in the future. If we can attract more students from other countries who can study here, work in Värmland, or become good ambassadors for our university and our region in their home countries, it will undoubtedly be very worthwhile."
Vice-Chancellor made a decision in the summer
In the autumn of 2023, work began to investigate the conditions for increasing the number of non-European students at the university. Programme directors, existing students and representatives from the business sector were interviewed. There was also a review of prioritised countries and relevant study programmes. This summer, the Vice-Chancellor decided that the investigation should be used as an action plan.
Importance of establishing an effective process
Many non-European students have difficulties obtaining a residence permit and it can take a long time. The focus now is on establishing an effective process to welcome international students, ensuring they receive the help and support they need when it comes to dealing with authorities, finding accommodation and life as a student. Two people have been recruited to the International Office to support students before arriving at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ university as well as during their studies.
"An initiative like this needs to be seen in a long-term perspective, starting with a five-year period. During this time, we will establish a robust, safe and predictable structure to welcome and support our students in a good way, offering them excellent education and valuable connections with the wider community."
Fairs, agents and scholarships
Although it has only been a few months since the Vice-Chancellor’s decision, work is in full swing with several planned activities, including participation in three of the Swedish Institute’s digital student recruitment fairs targeting America, Asia and India. ¹û¶³´«Ã½ university representatives will also be on site in India this week to take part in four student fairs organised by the Swedish embassy. In addition, the app Goin’ has been procured, where incoming and outgoing students can connect with each other, and the university is also in contact with agents in several countries who can promote the university and our study programmes locally.
"We’re also working on scholarships and are in contact with various companies to offer ten scholarships this spring. We have also been successful in our application to the Swedish Institute’s Pioneering Women in STEM, where we have been granted two scholarships for female students studying biology or computer science."
Visit from embassy representatives
On 18-19 November, representatives from the embassies of India, Japan, the USA and Vietnam will visit the university.
"This is a way for us to make new contacts and show what we can offer students from other countries," says Patrik Larsson. "The embassy representatives will, among other things, listen to presentations by ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Elite Sports University and three master’s programmes (in computer science, information systems and business). Companies and clusters from the region will also be attending. I believe we have put together a good programme, and I’m confident that the two days will be both interesting and rewarding."
