GIH – the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences

The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH) has been home to ground-breaking health science for over 200 years.

What is GIH best known for?

GIH is the only university in Sweden dedicated entirely to sport and health sciences.

Pehr Henrik Ling, the school’s founder, has been called the father of Swedish gymnastics, and has contributed immensely to gymnastics and physiology around the world. The world’s first exercise bike was developed at GIH, and early in the school’s history, students from around the world came to study in one of the world’s first physiotherapy programmes. Today, GIH offers unique programmes across the field of sport and health sciences.

The campus is located in central Stockholm near the historic site of the 1912 Olympic Stadium, with easy access to both sport facilities and the city centre.

What kind of programmes does GIH offer?

A wide range of programmes is available on the bachelor’s, master’s and PhD level, from sports coaching and management to preventive health and human biology. Most courses at GIH are held in Swedish, but some are in English, especially at the master’s level. There are also plans to develop all courses in English, making the school more accessible to international students.

What’s the alumni network like?

Prominent GIH alumni include Erik Hamrén, manager of the Swedish men’s national football team, and Pia Sundhage, former head coach of the US women’s football team and current coach of the Swedish women’s national team. In addition, many of the school’s sport psychologists are hired by the Swedish Olympic Committee.

Many alumni maintain close ties with GIH, and activities are arranged regularly in Stockholm.

Read more about academics at GIH – the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences. ↗️