Rektors internationaliseringsråd 28e aug 2026

The Council refined its purpose and roles to include students in a three-way dialogue; will publish and promote fika dialogues. It set internal evaluations questions on mandates, partnerships, rankings and future needs. Outgoing exchange communications should start earlier if we want to increase the number of outgoing students. Work continues on PhD surveys, clearer sabbatical/URA routines, and an AMIF bid to attract/retain third‑country researchers. LTU maintains a CSC‑scholarship ban pending feedback; upcoming migration changes may impact master’s recruitment in the future.

Key topics:

• Council purpose refresh: Maria updated the Council’s purpose to explicitly include students, positioning the Council as a strategic, three‑way dialogue between university leadership, departments and students; emphasis is on top‑down and bottom‑up exchange, not decision‑making in the room.
• Member roles and dissemination: Council member expectations were clarified (represent constituency, maintain three‑way dialogue, surface opportunities/risks, communicate back, balance local vs LTU interests), with plans to publish the purpose/role on the Council web page.
• Internal evaluation questions: Four open‑ended questions will go to departments on: clear mandate and dialogue for the internationalisation responsible, progress on strategic partnerships, impact of highlighting rankings/achievements, and emerging needs
• Planned activities (Sep–Dec): September: first Erasmus KA131 (outside EU) call outcome; academic guest process sent on remiss to HoDs/units; initiate strategic discussions on European degrees/university alliances with invited guests; continue storytelling on student/staff mobility. Later in the term: ACCESS Chile‑Sweden engagement and reassessing ‘Meet in Greet’.
• Outgoing student mobility drive: To raise outgoings (~100 full‑semester/year today), the International Office will co‑plan earlier (Sep–mid Oct) info events with student unions and programs, try to share dates in spring; deadlines: Dec 1 (non‑EU) and mid‑Feb (EU), with restplats in late Aug/early Sep; also promote thesis‑abroad and short BIP exchanges.
• Safety and security preparedness: Given recent incidents, the Council discussed how we can step up practical training: advertise existing online courses (ENG/SWE), add more English sessions, run drills and clarify evacuation routines (noted compliance gaps), and brief international students; follow up with Head of Security.
• PhD experience and wellbeing: The Council will review the ST/SFS report on international students (out on the 21 Sep) and the PhD section will add targeted questions to its mirror survey; agreed aim is to turn findings into concrete actions for the next action plan.
• Sabbaticals and URA process: Processes for academic sabbaticals (URA agreements) are inconsistent across HR levels; Tommy will present a streamlined, university‑wide process so staff know roles, forms and approvals before going abroad.
• AMIF project (attract/retain international PhDs/postdocs): LTU will join the application (submission Monday): indicative budget ~SEK 4.5m over three years, with 3–4 departmental participants (~10% each), a 40–50% project lead in professional services, and HR support; activities include mentorship, Swedish language, and migration/onboarding guidance, with Luleå kommun/region involvement—final roles/time will be set if funded.
• Immigration change risk (Oct 1): Swedish Migration Agency data indicates family accompaniment for master’s students may be removed from Oct 1; while not yet final, impact on recruitment could be substantial, so units should prepare messaging and support scenarios.
• Responsible internationalisation and CSC scholarships: LTU currently has an internal ban on CSC‑funded PhD enrolments; the Council discussed adopting a more nuanced stance for short‑term academic visitors based on access, sensitivity and control (ISP‑aligned) and asked departments to consult locally and bring a recommendation back for potential policy refinement.
• Department changes and representation: ETKS is transitioning to ETS with a new head (Matthew) starting mid‑month; a new council representative is needed, and in‑person attendance is preferred for sensitive/security discussions.