Jönköping - Student City of the Year 2026

Jönköping has been named Student City of the Year 2026 by Sveriges förenade studentkårer (SFS). In its statement, SFS highlights a city where students not only live and study, but also actively participate in shaping its development.

The award is presented annually to a city that sets an example in creating good conditions for students and works long-term to strengthen their influence, safety, and engagement.

"Jönköping shows how a student city can be built through long-term thinking, collaboration, and a genuine interest in students' conditions. Students are not seen as temporary guests, but as a natural and important part of the city's present and future. This makes Jönköping a very worthy recipient of the Student City of the Year 2026 award," says Rasmus Lindstedt, chairman of Sveriges förenade studentkårer (SFS).

A Safe Everyday Life and Strong Student Influence

SFS highlights housing as one of Jönköping’s strongest areas.
The city offers a safe and accessible housing situation, where international students are guaranteed accommodation.
The collaboration 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 voice in long-term decision-making. According to SFS, this contributes to a stable and predictable housing situation for students, which is of great importance for their ability to succeed throughout their studies

Student influence also extends to issues relating to safety and urban development, which contributes to an everyday life where students feel involved and have the opportunity to influence their environment, both on campus and in the city, creating good conditions for both studies and social life.

“For us, it's about more than just education. A functional everyday life with housing, safety, and the opportunity to influence are crucial for students' chances of success,” says Måns Svensson, President of Jönköping University.

An international student life closely connected to working life

SFS particularly highlights that student life in Jönköping is visible, active, and inclusive.
Introductory activities and large student events held in the city centre create natural meeting places between students and local residents.

Jönköping is also praised for its work with international inclusion. With large parts of student life conducted in English, students from all over the world are able to meet on equal terms and feel at home from day one.

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

The strong connection between studies and working life is another central aspect of the award. The municipality, the region, the university, and the business community work closely together to create opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, and long-term career establishment. Through collaborative platforms such as Science Park, students gain early contact with employers, strengthening both skills development and the opportunity to remain in the region after graduation.

“Students are a strategically important resource for us and a central part of Jönköping’s future. By building bridges to working life at an early stage, we strengthen the development of the entire region. This award shows that our focused and long-term collaboration delivers real results,” says Mona Forsberg, Chair of the Municipal Executive Board in Jönköping.

The motivation also highlights Jönköping’s unique balance between strong regional ties and an international outlook. An internationally oriented university, a student life where different languages and cultures meet, and a business community with strong global connections contribute to Jönköping being perceived as an open and international student city, despite its relatively small size.

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