Compilation of Linnaeus University’s information on account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Here you will find frequently asked questions (FAQ) and information relevant to prospective and current students mainly from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. There are several ongoing discussions both at local and national level in Sweden, concerning support measures for incoming students from Ukraine. This is what we can say right now.

Any updates will be communicated on this page and on related pages on our web. 

What's going to happen now with students from Russia and Belarus?

Students who are already studying at Linnaeus University can continue their studies.

Are you accepting students from Russia and Belarus?

Linnaeus University welcomes applicants from all countries and the selection for studies is based on academic qualifications – nationality is not a factor when selecting students for admission. But as collaboration has been suspended with state institutions in Russia and Belarus, we can, however, not receive exchange students from these partner institutions for autumn 2022.

Can Linnaeus University assist students whose assets have been frozen due to the sanctions against Russia and Belarus?

Linnaeus University is a government institution and is not permitted to give away its assets in the form of either property or money. At present, all we can do is to refer students to other organisations – Växjö municipality, Kalmar municipality, and NGO's. Students who are in Sweden who do not have access to their funds can contact the Social Services (Växjö and Kalmar municipalities).

I am a Ukrainian student and I have difficulties financing my studies, is there a scholarship I can apply for?

Linnaeus University does not currently offer scholarships aimed at Ukrainian citizens. Support measures for incoming students are being discussed, and any updates will be communicated on our web. 

What are my opportunities to apply for a residence permit or asylum as a Ukrainian student? 

For more information, we recommend that you visit the Swedish Migrations Agency's website with updated information regarding Ukrainian citizens.

Can I apply for a deferment of studies?

You must have an acceptable reason for deferring your studies. Please contact the Admissions Office for details.

I’m a student from Ukraine and I want to study at Linnaeus University. Do I have to pay any tuition fees?

If you are covered by the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive and left Ukraine after 24 February 2022 and come to Sweden and get a permit here on the basis of the Directive, you will be exempt from paying tuition fees during this permit period. However, if you are not covered by the Directive, you are normally required to pay tuition fees as a non-EU/EEA student.

Information from Swedish authorities

On Krisinformation.se, you can find information from Swedish authorities about the current situation and advice on how to manage your concerns. 

Information about Scholars at Risk (SAR)

Within this network there are discussions at the national level concerning support measures for incoming researchers from Ukraine. There is also a dialogue with research funders about possible collaborations with Swedish universities in order to increase the number of individuals who can get academic sanctuaries through Scholars at Risk in Sweden. Appointments between researchers and universities are made by the SAR organization.

At present, many inquiries come directly to our researchers from their Ukrainian colleagues calling for research stays in Sweden and the rest of Europe. We also see that there is a great willingness to contribute within the Swedish society, both from higher education institutions and from individual researchers, but also from other actors in the university sector.

Linnaeus University’s support to students

Our Student Welfare Office offers professional counselling free of charge. To book an appointment, please see their webpage for contact details. 

Contact details

If you have further questions, please contact:

• General questions: internationalstudents@lnu.se
• Questions regarding tuition fees: tuitionfees@lnu.se
• Questions regarding admissions: admissions@lnu.se
• Questions regarding scholarships: internationalstudents@lnu.se

Our Student Welfare Office offers professional counselling free of charge for you if you are a student at Linnaeus University and need support. A counselling session lasts about one hour. The Student Welfare Office can be reached via email studenthalsan@lnu.seor via the university switchboard on +46772-28 80 00. More information about the counselling support at the Student Welfare Office can be found here.

Swedish research foundations, universities and others are now making a joint effort to be able to receive Ukrainian researchers. The list fills up gradually.

The Swedish Research Council

Several Swedish higher education institutions and research funding bodies are offering different types of support to researchers and doctoral students from Ukraine. The Swedish Research Council gather information about current support initiatives. The page "Support initiatives for researchers from Ukraine" is updated continuously.

ERA4Ukraine

The European Commission has created the ERA4Ukraine initiative and published information on the EURAXESS portal. The purpose is, among other things, to help relevant researchers in Ukraine and those who have fled to find housing and jobs, and to facilitate the recognition of diplomas. Here you´ll find information about ERA4U.

EURAXESS Sweden

There is also a Swedish page with regular updates on the ERA4Ukraine initiative in Sweden. Read more about EURAXESS Sweden here.

The Knowledge Foundation

The Knowledge Foundation has now published a special announcement that makes it possible for higher education institutions to apply for funding for researchers and teaching staff from higher education institutions in Ukraine.

The Wenner-Gren Foundations

The Wenner-Gren Foundations are now announcing scholarships intended to make it easier for PhD researchers from Ukraine who came to Sweden after 24 February 2022 to work at a Swedish academic institution. Read about the Wenner-Gren Foundation's scholarship here.

SciLifeLab

SciLifeLab launches a call, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, to support Ukrainian researchers coming to Sweden. Read about the call from SciLifeLab here.

The Wallenberg Foundations

Due to the difficult situation in Ukraine, The Wallenberg Foundations have decided to announce support for the employment of Ukrainian researchers at Swedish universities. They now invite scientific leaders for centres with support from The Wallenberg Foundations to nominate researchers of Ukrainian nationality considred suitable for the research programmes. Learn more in this letter from the Wallenberg Foundations. 

The Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF)

The Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) is now announcing a grant for Ukrainian researchers coming to Sweden in 2022 to conduct research. SEK 30 million is set aside in the call, which is aimed at Ukrainian citizens with a doctoral degree. The researcher must be employed by a Swedish university or research institute during the project period. Link to SSF.

Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (KVA)

As an extraordinary measure, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (KVA) is announcing scholarships for Ukrainian researchers to work in Sweden. Learn more about the KVA announcement here. 

Scholars at Risk (SAR)

In collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (KVA) and the
The Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF), SAR Sweden is working to compile the support for researchers who have been forced to flee Ukraine due to Russia's invasion. This involves traditional placements at Swedish universities of 1–2 years as well as shorter placements. This information will be updated shortly. For more information about SAR, see the page on Lnu.se. 

The Swedish authorities have compiled a web page with important information to you who arrive to Sweden from Ukraine. The information is avalable in Swedish, English, Russian and Ukrainian. 

• "Arriving to Sweden from Ukraine" in English.