Best in Sweden, but still only halfway there. 209 tuition-paying students paid in before deadline for the fall term.
– We have worked hard, but Lund University cannot do this on its own, says Pro Vice-Chancellor Eva Åkesson.
Students from countries beyond the borders of EES were required to deposit their tuition fees to Lund University before the midnight deadline the 15th of June. A total of 209 students paid in.
This is about one third of the total number of students that started studies at LU in previous years, and only half of what the university has been trying to achieve for the year.
– Compared to others in Sweden, things have gone well, but we are still lagging behind, says Pro Vice-Chancellor Eva Åkesson.
Your organization set a goal of recruiting 400 students. Was this plausible?
– It was a high standard to hold, but we want to keep them, says Eva Åkesson and continues:
– We have worked hard, but Lund University cannot do this on its own. We need input on a national scale so that we can compete for better quality. Sweden’s global classroom is crumbling, the way things are going for us now.
To exemplify how Sweden can work toward this goal nationally, Åkesson is calling for more scholarships and flexible immigration policies “that put the needs of students in focus”.
Lund with the highest total in Sweden
Lund University has received more deposits than any other university in Sweden. The vast majority or them, a total of 64, come from China where the university has promoted itself through education agencies and trade fairs.
– Lund University has a good reputation in the international community. There is a tradition in Lund (to recruit students abroad), but we have also worked very hard this past year, says Eva Åkesson.
Lund ventured 16 million SEK on this issue. Was it worth it?
– Absolutely. In today’s all the more globalized society, it would be a mistake on Lund University’s part to simply be available regionally. Our students must be able to step out into the world and continue to meet people from other countries. It is a question of quality.
The deadline was placed on the 15th as a result of policies set by the Migration Board. However, several of colleges and universities, including Lund University, still expect to be able to receive a number of latecomers.
Translation: An Holmqvist
