Transition to Canvas as the new learning platform 2026
In 2026, Stockholm University will replace its current learning platform, Athena, with Canvas, as the agreement with Athena expires.c. On this page you will find information about the implementation and the support available. The page will be updated on a continuous basis.
At the beginning of 2026, Canvas will be made available to all course administrators and teachers, giving them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the platform and begin setting up their courses. From the autumn semester of 2026, Canvas will be the learning platform used for all courses offered at Stockholm University.
To support the transition, each department will appoint Canvas Coaches who can assist their colleagues. Canvas is already in use at around 30 higher education institutions in Sweden, and there is extensive support material available for those seeking inspiration for course design and for making use of different functions.
When will the switch to Canvas take place?
All departments will gain access to Canvas at the beginning of 2026. This means that course administrators and teachers will be able to start uploading courses and materials in the platform. Students will gain access as their courses begin after the start of the autumn semester 2026.
How will the implementation be carried out, and what support can I expect?
Ahead of the platform being made available to SU staff, guides and training materials will be provided via this website. At the start of all courses in autumn 2026, additional IT support will also be available for teachers and course administrators.
Changing learning platforms will inevitably involve additional work. During the spring, everyone will have access to instructions and guides on how courses can be designed and structured in Canvas. Information about functions and course design under the theme From Athena to Canvas will also be made available. In addition, there are self-paced courses and plenty of examples of how Canvas is used for teaching in different subjects. The most important support may well be the collaboration between colleagues within each department, for example through the Canvas Coaches.
Will my course be automatically transferred from Athena to Canvas?
Since Athena does not include a function for transferring entire courses to Canvas, everyone will need to prepare by copying and saving their course material (including course page information). IT Services is currently exploring possible solutions to enable course imports into Canvas. However, since courses in Athena have been structured in many different ways, it is uncertain whether a general migration function suitable for all can be developed. More information on how material can be transferred will be provided once Canvas becomes available to everyone at the beginning of 2026.
Canvas coaches
To make it easier for teachers and course administrators to get started with Canvas, local Canvas coaches will be appointed in autumn 2025. Each department will be responsible for appointing one or more individuals who will act as the department’s contact with the Canvas project. The Canvas coaches will receive specific training on how the platform works, with the aim of enabling them to train and support their colleagues in creating courses and making use of the opportunities offered by the platform.
Increased opportunities for collaboration
Canvas is already used by around 30 higher education institutions in Sweden. By switching to Canvas, we gain valuable opportunities for collaboration with other institutions.
The Implementation project
Stockholm University has its own instance of Canvas, which has already been tested by teachers, course administrators and students. In spring 2025, an implementation project was launched in collaboration between core operations, the IT Department, CeUL, and a reference group with broad representation of teachers and course administrators. The aim is to involve more teachers and staff as the work progresses, to meet different needs during the implementation, which is central for the entire university.
In autumn 2025, a limited number of courses will be run in Canvas. The first of these “Canvas pilots” is a course for law students at Juridicum. Lessons learned from these pilots will be used to configure Canvas to meet SU’s needs and to develop user support, such as training materials.