Overview
Jönköping University, in collaboration with North Park University (NPU), Chicago, USA, offers a unique opportunity designed for international students as a bridge towards a degree at NPU.
The NPU-Jönköping University Pathway Programme is designed to prepare international students academically to enter a bachelor program at NPU. The emphasis is building a solid academic foundation for success in higher education, becoming familiar with Scandinavian and American life and culture, and improving English competency and proficiency. Classes for the Pathway Programme will be held at Jönköping University in Sweden, at the campus in Gränna and the campus in Jönköping.
At JU, you will immerse yourself in the English language and Swedish culture. You’ll continue to build on that experience as you earn your degree from a university in Chicago that traces its roots to Sweden. NPU has many Swedish students, is located in a historically Swedish neighbourhood, and has many partnerships in Sweden.
Through a unique partnership between Jönköping University and North Park University, students who are accepted into the JU Pathway and commit to completing their degree at North Park are guaranteed full admission to North Park upon successfully completing the Pathway program.
This program develops the ability to present and discuss information accurately and clearly in English, adapting to purpose, recipient, and situation. Students will develop critical and analytical thinking while learning how to adapt language to the academic field. This program offers a combination of elective courses that allow students to have a head start on their future degree choice.
Pathway Year General allows students to enable their English language, subject knowledge, and study skills. It will also help you learn about life in Scandinavia and how you can make the most of your time here. It prepares students for university study, both academically and socially.
Pathway Year General is ideal for students with a higher English proficiency (IELTS at entry*: IELTS 5.5) who still need to meet specific entry requirements to be eligible for their follow-up program. These requirements can vary from English proficiency level, Mathematics requirement or the completion of 1 year of university studies.
More about the offering at NPU
Undergraduate programmes at NPU External link, opens in new window.
Graduate programmes (school of business, NPU) External link, opens in new window.
Facts and requirements
Courses
Year 1
Autumn 2026
Pathway English 2, 20 credits
Pathway Life and Studies 1, 2.5 credits
Pathway Mathematics, 7.5 credits
Spring 2027
Pathway Study Skills, Intercultural Competence and Advanced Literacies, 7.5 credits
Academic English, 7.5 credits
Gender Geographies, 7.5 credits
Culture and Society in the English Language, 7.5 credits
Programme structure
After the programme
Upon completion of the programme you will have recieved:
- direct entry to a degree programme at North Park University
- the English language level in reading, writing, listening and speaking necessary for enrollment in degree programmes at North Park University
- support in adjusting to the demands, challenges and expectations of American higher education
- acclimatization to Swedish and American culture making it easier to live and study in Sweden and America
- basic knowledge in the Swedish Language or upskilled level of Mathematics
In addition at the end of the pathway programme, you will receive a certificate of completion demonstrating skills equivalent to the Swedish high school course English 6 and Mathematics 3c. This is the most common English language level required for entering higher education in Sweden. You can read more about corresponding levels in other countries here.
Student projects
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