Seeking northward and open to the future

The spring semester of 2026 was recently launched at UiT with an event called Debut Week International. It brings together new international students who will be studying at UiT.

Rikke Gürgens Gjærum, Prorector for Education, delivered the opening speech for the students, who this spring number 241 from 46 countries. She emphasises that international students help UiT develop a more diverse, exciting, and inclusive university environment.

'When students and staff come from different countries and academic traditions, it contributes to the development of the learning environment. It also enhances the quality of teaching and strengthens our international orientation,' she points out.

Portrait photo — Rikke Gürgens Gjærum, Prorector for Education at UiT. Foto: Tommy Skum Hansen / UiT

Seeing Northern Norway from a New Perspective

Gjærum believes that international students bring new and valuable perspectives to Northern Norway. 'They are curious, eager to head north, and open to whatever the future may bring. Leading actors in Northern Norway’s public sector and business community should take notice of this group of students. There are opportunities here to attract new, talented employees. This is, in many ways, crucial if we are to succeed in addressing future challenges, including smaller youth cohorts and an increasing number of people retiring in our region,' says Gjærum.

Leading actors in Northern Norway’s public sector and business community should take notice of this group of students.

Gjærum encourages the inclusion of international students in social and academic activities, even outside working hours.

'It enriches both our campuses and the entire region – but only if we ourselves make an effort, ' she says.

For Gjærum, who has herself been an international student, cultural and academic exchange can contribute to important bridge-building, especially in a time marked by instability and significant tensions.

'When students and researchers meet across national borders, trust, understanding, and community are created, which develop independently of political divides and national boundaries. My experience is that when such relationships are built, they create space for deeper dialogue and honest knowledge-sharing that can last long after the exchange period itself, ' she emphasises.

Exchange Students at UiT, Spring 2026

A total of 241 students from 46 countries.
The majority come from Germany, France, Finland, Italy, and the Netherlands.
31 of the students are from non-European countries, with many from the USA, Japan, Canada, and China.
Most of the exchange students will study at UiT in Tromsø.
However, there are also four in Alta, six in Harstad, and 13 in Narvik.

Broadening Horizons

According to Gjærum, UiT offers international students unique opportunities to broaden their academic horizons and personal experiences. She highlights that they can gain knowledge about the region, Indigenous history and culture, climate change in the north, peace and conflict, marine and fisheries management, or art and emergency preparedness in the Arctic.

'This goes hand in hand with students experiencing life in an Arctic setting, including everything from good neighbourliness, new friendships, cold weather, storms and snow shovelling, to the midnight sun, northern lights, festivals, and unique nature. These experiences provide them with memories and perspectives that they carry with them throughout their lives and careers. They will likely never forget Northern Norway if they return home, and we must remember that many also choose to stay, 'concludes Gjærum.

Bredesen, Kim kim.bredesen@uit.no Rådgiver

Published: 09.01.26 10:00 Updated: 09.01.26 13:22

International cooperation Studentliv / Studier Worklife