International cooperation in higher education
Photo: Jyrki Siikanen
Swedish universities and other higher education institutions have long been active in international contexts. Higher education and research is one of the few areas that has a natural connection to the rest of the world through exchange between researchers and teaching staff, and students from different countries. Swedish higher education is characterised by high standards, well developed study environments and proximity to world-class research. This is a crucial part of Sweden's attractiveness as a knowledge-based nation. Greater internationalisation of higher education is important in order to develop quality in higher education institutions. Internationalisation gives students an understanding of other countries, and the diversity of which foreign students and teachers are a part is a hallmark of the most successful study and research environments in the world.
International cooperation in higher education takes place in a number of forums. Higher education institutions are engaged in both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, exchanges and international networks. Government action in this area takes place primarily through international organisations and associations.
