Gothenburg awaits: Discover the host city

This September, our international higher education community will gather in Gothenburg, Sweden, a place known for its bold innovation, inclusive spirit and deep-rooted tradition of collaboration. As the host city for the 2025 EAIE Conference and Exhibition, Gothenburg is more than a destination; it’s an invitation to co-create. 

Whether shaping global partnerships, designing intercultural learning experiences, or reimagining the student journey, Gothenburg offers the perfect backdrop for collective creativity. So pack your ideas, curiosity and sense of adventure because it’s time to discover how this Scandinavian gem can inspire new pathways for internationalisation. 

A city designed for collaboration 

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city. It is ranked as one of Europe’s most sustainable cities and a recognised leader in innovative urban planning. Gothenburg has long embraced the idea that progress is a team effort.

Gothenburg’s walkable centre makes it easy to explore charming districts like Haga, where 19th-century wooden houses host cosy cafés and quirky boutiques. Stop for a giant kanelbulle at Café Husaren, a local rite of passage, and experience a classic Swedish fika: coffee, conversation and creativity all in one. 

Craving culture? Don’t miss the Göteborg Museum of Art, home to Nordic masters and international icons, or the cutting-edge exhibits at Röhsska Museum, Sweden’s museum of design and craft. Prefer something more interactive? The Universeum science centre, just steps from the conference venue, invites you to dive into immersive experiences that ignite your curiosity, much like the EAIE Conference programme itself! 

Discover the archipelago: Nature as a co-creator 

When it’s time to unplug, nature is never far. Gothenburg’s southern archipelago is car-free and easily reachable by ferry, a perfect half-day escape for fresh air and fresh ideas. Hike coastal trails, dip your toes in the sea or simply breathe in the bracing salt air as fishing boats bob in the harbour. 

These islands aren’t just beautiful; they remind us that great ideas often come when we step outside the classroom, the boardroom or the conference room. 

Get a local taste: From food trucks to fine dining 

Gothenburg is a rising star on the European culinary map. The city’s location next to the sea means fresh fish and shellfish are menu highlights, from the famous Feskekôrka (the "Fish Church") to Michelin-starred restaurants like Bhoga and SK Mat & Människor. And innovation thrives here, too, in the form of street food collectives, sustainable eateries and creative cafés where local ingredients meet global inspiration. 

Just like international education, Gothenburg’s food scene is about blending traditions, experimenting boldly, and always staying open to new influences. 

GO-create the EAIE experience 

The 2025 theme, ‘GO-create’, is more than a slogan; it’s a call to action. In Gothenburg, we’ll explore how to co-create inclusive classrooms, co-design innovative partnerships and co-lead the transformation of international higher education. With a programme filled to the brim with activities that reflect this theme, every participant will be inspired to take what they’ve learned and collaborate with their networks back home. In the coming weeks, you'll be able to explore the conference programme, which is shaped with collaboration at its core: expect interactive formats, joint presentations, hands-on sessions and keynote speakers who challenge and inspire. 

This is your opportunity to share best practices and build new ones together. 

See you in September 

So, are you ready to GO-create the future of international higher education? Early-bird registration opens on 28 May! Join us in Gothenburg on 09 –12 September for an unforgettable conference experience as collaborative, inspiring and forward-looking as the city itself.