Jönköping is Student City of the Year 2026! The award has been presented by SFS since 1999 to cities that excel in their work to create a good study and living environment for students. Through long-term and structured cooperation between the student union, the university and the municipality of Jönköping, the city is constantly developing, and puts the student perspective at the center. The award will be presented at a press conference in Jönköping on January 21 at 13:00 PM.
The award is motivated by Jönköping's vibrant and inclusive student life,
and a strong student influence where the student perspective is allowed to take place.
The justification also highlights Jönköping's unique combination of regional proximity and international nerve. A university with an international profile, a student life where different languages and cultures meet, and a business community with global connections mean that Jönköping is experienced as an international and welcoming student city, despite its relatively small size.
— Jönköping shows how a student city can be built through long-term planning, collaboration and a genuine interest in the conditions of students. Students are not seen as temporary guests, but as an obvious and significant 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 the Swedish National Union of Students.
— The award is an important recognition of the work done together with our students. It inspires us to continue developing Jönköping as an even stronger student city. The fact that SFS particularly highlights the connection to the business community and the international perspective makes us extra happy, as it really characterizes both the campus and the city, says Måns Svensson, Vice-Chancellor of Jönköping University.
— A strong university and a vibrant student life are crucial for a growing municipality. Students contribute knowledge, commitment and new perspectives that strengthen both business and social development. The award is proof that our long-term work is yielding results, says Mona Forsberg (S), chairwoman of the municipal board in Jönköping Municipality.
— Students are a strategically important resource for us and a central part of Jönköping's future. By building bridges to working life early on, we strengthen the development of the entire region. This award shows that our purposeful and long-term cooperation is yielding results, says Sven Rydell, Business Director of Jönköping Municipality.
—The ambition is for all students to feel welcome and included. It's one of the things that really builds the community here, says Yaman Zaidan, union chairman at Jönköping Student Union.
Every year, SFS awards the Student City of the Year award to a city that excels in its work to create a good study and living environment for students. The “Student City of the Year” award has been awarded since 1999 and is awarded after an extensive application process, with written submissions and site visits to applicant cities. The award will be presented to Jönköping University, Jönköping Student Union, and Jönköping Municipality at a press conference at Science Park Towers in Jönköping together with the motivation on January 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Parts of SFS's justification
Jönköping is a student city where students actively contribute to the city's development through a long-term and well-functioning collaboration between the student union, the university and the municipality. The city offers a safe environment with a stable housing situation where the student perspective permeates both short- and long-term decisions, and where international students are guaranteed housing.
Student life is vibrant and inclusive, with a strong community life and clear efforts to integrate international students. Students are seen as a natural part of the city's identity and have real influence through established dialogue structures with the municipality's political leadership.
The connection between studies and working life is strong, with good opportunities for internships, extra jobs and future establishment through collaboration with the business community. With its international perspective, strong student influence and holistic view of students' living conditions, Jönköping is a very worthy recipient of the Student City of the Year 2026 award.