Interest Surges in SLU’s Forestry Programs

When the application deadline passed on 15 April, it became clear that the Forest Science Programme and Forest Economics had attracted more than twice as many first-choice applicants than in 2025. The Forest and Landscape programme also saw a sharp increase. Interest in the forestry foundation year (skogligt basår) and in master’s programmes also grew.

The increased interest means that both the foundation year and the bachelor’s programmes now have more applicants than there are places available.

“Extensive work in student recruitment is now paying off,” says Camilla Widmark, Vice Dean for Undergraduate Education.

Extensive school tour

In recent years, SLU has made major efforts to attract more students to the university—particularly to its forestry programmes. This spring, for example, the faculty carried out a school tour, visiting 24 schools in 14 locations over seven weeks, from Örebro in the south to Gällivare in the north.

“High school students are not the easiest group to reach. But once we connect, we can communicate in depth—the personal meeting is very important in these digital times,” says project manager Anna Morén.

Social media collaborations

The faculty has also invested in direct mail, outdoor advertising, social media campaigns and cinema advertising. The Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre has collaborated with both the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation Youth (Fältbiologerna) and WWF in digital campaigns to attract more people to future careers in forestry.

It is important to note that it is not yet clear how many of the applicants will ultimately accept an offer and begin their studies. Applicants will receive their admission decisions on 10 July.