University of Gothenburg Student Unions - Gunnar Svedberg's prize

Gunnar Svedberg's prize

You will receive SEK 10,000 (about 900 EUR) and a certificate. The prize will be presented on a one-off basis during the University of Gothenburg’s graduation ceremony in October. This is a one-off award, not a monthly grant. It is awarded to a student who has worked to improve conditions for students across the whole university. The prize is awarded by the University of Gothenburg’s student unions (GUS) and is named after Gunnar Svedberg, who served as Vice-Chancellor of the University from 2003 to 2006.

Who can be nominated

• Where you study: You are studying at the University of Gothenburg or have recently graduated from there.
• What you have done: You have shown commitment to the welfare of the University’s students. Work that promotes collaboration between students from different areas of the University is particularly recognised.
• Field of study: Anyone can be nominated.
• Nationality: Candidates of any nationality may be nominated, provided they are studying at the University of Gothenburg.
• Who is excluded: Members of the jury, the GUS Executive Board and the University Executive Board, as well as their close relatives, are excluded from taking part.

How to apply

You cannot nominate yourself. Anyone affiliated with the university – whether a student or a member of staff – can nominate you by email by 1 June. A panel comprising two students, two members of staff and the GUS President will propose a winner. The final decision will be made by the University Council.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an award presented once a year to a student, as decided by a jury – so there is no open application process – which is why the competition is really tough. The key factors are convincing, well-documented achievements in supporting fellow students. If you have promoted student engagement across different departments and someone writes a compelling justification for your nomination, you stand a real chance. Without these demonstrable achievements, it is unlikely that a nomination will be successful.