Jönköping is Student City of the Year 2026

Jönköping has been named Student City of the Year 2026 by the Swedish National Union of Students (SFS). In its justification, SFS highlights a city where students not only live and study, but also actively contribute to shaping its development.

The award is presented annually to a city that provides exemplary conditions for students and works long-term to strengthen students’ influence, safety, and opportunities for engagement.

“Jönköping demonstrates how a student city can be built through long-term commitment, collaboration, and a genuine interest in students’ conditions. Students are not regarded as temporary guests, but as a natural and significant part of the city’s present and future. This makes Jönköping a highly deserving recipient of the Student City of the Year 2026 award,” says Rasmus Lindstedt, President of the Swedish National Union of Students.

A safe everyday life and strong student influence

SFS highlights housing as one of Jönköping’s greatest strengths. The city offers a safe and accessible housing situation, including a housing guarantee for international students. The cooperation between the municipality, the university, housing providers, and the student union is described as well-established and responsive, with the student union serving as a natural and influential voice in long-term decision-making. This contributes to a stable and predictable housing situation, which SFS emphasises as crucial to students’ ability to succeed both academically and socially.

Student influence also extends to issues related to safety and urban development, contributing to an environment in which students feel involved and able to influence their surroundings, both on campus and in the city. This creates favourable conditions for both academic success and a rich social life.

“For us, it’s about more than education. A well-functioning everyday life, including housing, safety, and opportunities to make a difference, is essential for students to thrive,” says Måns Svensson, President of Jönköping University.

International student life with strong ties to working life

SFS particularly praises Jönköping’s vibrant, active, and inclusive student life. Introduction activities and major student events take place in the city centre, creating natural meeting places for students and residents alike.

Jönköping is also commended for its strong focus on international inclusion. A significant portion of student life is conducted in English, allowing students from around the world to meet on equal terms and feel at home from their very first day.

“Our ambition is for all students to feel welcomed and included. This is one of the factors that truly builds a strong sense of community here,” says Yaman Zaidan, President of the Jönköping Student Union.

The connection between studies and working life is another key factor behind the award. The municipality, the region, the university, and the business community work closely together to create opportunities for internships, part-time work, and future careers. Through collaboration hubs such as Science Park, students gain early contact with employers, strengthening the talent supply while increasing the likelihood that graduates remain in the region after completing their studies.

“Students are a strategically important resource and a central part of Jönköping’s future. By building bridges to the world of work early on, we strengthen the region’s overall development. This award shows that our determined and long-term collaboration is yielding results,” says Mona Forsberg, Chair of the Jönköping Municipal Executive Board.

The justification also highlights Jönköping’s unique combination of regional accessibility and international character. A university with an international profile, a student life where languages and cultures meet, and a business community with global ties make Jönköping feel like an international and welcoming student city, despite its relatively small size.

“This award is an important recognition of the work we do together with our students. It inspires us to continue developing Jönköping as an even stronger student city. We are especially pleased that SFS highlights the connection to industry and the international perspective, as these elements truly shape both campus and the city,” says Måns Svensson.