Capacity development programmes
Lund University is a world-class university that works to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. We offer a wide range of capacity development programmes to strengthen companies, professional organisations, authorities and individuals to achieve their own and global development initiatives, including the UN's Agenda 2030.
Empowering individuals, organisations and societies
Capacity development is the process through which individuals, organisations, and societies obtain, strengthen, and maintain the capabilities to set and achieve their own development objectives over time. Universities around the world have an important role in this development, where education and research can contribute to the reduction of poverty, increased equality, participation and democracy as well as economic development.
Lund University has long supported capacity development in many forms, including by partnering with universities in developing countries, sponsoring student and teacher exchanges, and participating in cross-national research collaborations. Lund University has coordinated contract education programmes with partners like The Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Swedish Institute (SI).
Mutual exchange
Our capacity development programmes produce a range of benefits, not only for the participants and the countries and institutions they represent, but also for Sweden and Lund University. Such effects include active networks and partnerships around specific initiatives. New avenues for research have also become available, including new ideas, new collaborators, and new opportunities for collecting data and material. We have also been able to increase the quality of the education we offer, of which we are very proud!
Current programmes
Lund University currently offers the capacity development programmes listed below. For more information about the programmes, application instructions and contact details, please see specific information for each programme.
Programme objectives
This initiative supports Ukrainian officials and decision-makers at national, regional, and local levels who are engaged in policy development, transport planning and management, mobility, and accessibility within the public sector. By strengthening institutional capacity, the programme aims to align Ukraine’s transport policies and practices with European Union (EU) regulations and standards, thereby accelerating the country’s EU integration process.
Focus areas
The programme emphasises the critical link between transport systems and fundamental human rights, including health, safety, equality, and environmental sustainability. Its core areas of focus include road construction, transport planning, public transport, active mobility, traffic safety, and social equity in transportation.
Partners and funding
The Department of Technology and Society at the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University, is partnering with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine to implement this programme. It is funded by the Swedish Institute (SI).
Contact
For more information, please contact: uppdragsutbildning [at] lth [dot] lu [dot] se (uppdragsutbildning[at]lth[dot]lu[dot]se)
Programme objectives
In response to Ukraine’s ongoing recovery efforts and EU integration process, the capacity building programme EUcation addresses critical governance challenges faced by cities like Lviv. Veterans and people with disabilities often struggle with access to services, employment, and rehabilitation. By equipping local actors with the knowledge and tools to implement EU-aligned, human rights-based policies – the programme contributes to reconstruction, democratic resilience, and long-term stability.
The aim is to empower local governments in Lviv to enhance human rights and EU integration through inclusive, barrier-free urban governance. The target group is local government officials and professionals working with inclusion, human rights, or EU integration in Ukraine.
Partners and funding
EUcation is implemented by the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology, Lund University (LU) in collaboration with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), the Lviv Bureau of European Integration (LBEI) and the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). It is funded by the Swedish Institute (SI).
Contact
For more information, please contact: uppdragsutbildning [at] ht [dot] lu [dot] se (uppdragsutbildning[at]ht[dot]lu[dot]se)
Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM) is leading this capacity development programme as part of a larger project to strengthen the development and use of science, technology, and innovation (STI) indicators in Africa. The programme ultimately aims to contribute to the continental vision known as Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want’.
Visit Lund School of Economics' (LUSEM) website for more information and application instructions:
Innovation, Transformation and Resilience for Sustainable Development
Programme objectives
Due to conflict and political unrest, Myanmar’s higher education system remains in crisis, leaving tens of thousands of students with interrupted studies, unable to graduate, and uncertain about their academic futures. The Pilot Capstone Programme responds to this disruption by bridging the gap with an innovative model that fast-tracks degree completion.
This capacity building programme provides a structured academic experience that supports students in completing academic requirements and gaining international recognition for their efforts. Through collaboration with the Myanmar Higher Education Consortium – a consortium of global universities and educational institutions – the programme empowers students from Myanmar to complete their studies, gain research experience, and re-enter the academic or professional world with meaningful credentials.
Who the programme is designed for
The programme is tailored for advanced undergraduate students from across Myanmar. It also trains educators to deliver future capstone projects, and graduate students to serve as cluster co-leads – building capacity for future academic leadership. Participants engage in a learning journey that includes training in research methodology, academic writing, and subject-specific courses tailored to their research interests.
Programme implementation
The Pilot Capstone Programme is implemented by the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies (ACE) at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology, Lund University (LU).
Contact
For more information, please contact: uppdragsutbildning [at] ht [dot] lu [dot] se (uppdragsutbildning[at]ht[dot]lu[dot]se)
Previously offered capacity development programmes
If you are interested in programmes previously offered, please visit the links below to explore a selection of past initiatives.
Contact information
For questions about contract education:
contracteducation [at] stu [dot] lu [dot] se