How to apply to university
There are many reasons to consider studying in West Sweden. To name a few you’ll learn to think creatively and sustainably, experience equality and diversity, and ready yourself for a global career.
Degree programmes in Sweden
The region’s five universities, which are presented below, offer degree programmes according to the European standard.
- Bachelor’s programmes, also known as undergraduate programmes, are usually three years long (180 ECTS credits).
- Master’s programmes, also known as graduate programmes, build upon the knowledge developed during bachelor’s-level studies and can be one or two years long (60 or 120 ECTS credits).
- PhD programmes, also known as doctoral programmes, are research degrees involving several years of work toward a dissertation. The duration and setup of PhD programmes in Sweden vary between universities.
Search for programmes and apply
On the official University Admissions for Sweden website, you can search and apply for bachelor and master’s programmes that are taught in English. You can also find these programme listings at universities’ own websites. Depending on your citizenship and the type of resident permit you hold, application and tuition fees may apply.
Do I have to pay application and tuition fees?
- Applicants with citizenship in a European Union/European Economic Area country, or Switzerland, do not have to pay application and tuition fees.
- Applicants with a Swedish temporary or permanent resident permit granted for reasons other than studies do not have to pay fees.
- If you have been given refugee status, you must pay application and tuition fees. There are, unfortunately, no exceptions that can be made to this rule.
- There are other situations that may grant you a waiver. Please see the following link for detailed information on who must pay fees: Am I required to pay?
Source: universityadmissions.se
PhD programmes in Sweden
Admission to PhD programmes is handled by each university and positions are advertised on university websites alongside other academic positions. PhD students in Sweden are paid a salary, which varies between the various universities and even departments.
The Swedish academic year
The Swedish academic year is divided into two semesters: Autumn semester (late August to mid-January) and Spring semester (mid-January to early June). For key dates and deadlines for your application, visit: University Admissions – key dates and deadlines.
Universities in western Sweden
University of Gothenburg
From business and economics to medicine and performing arts, the University of Gothenburg has one of Sweden’s most comprehensive offerings of courses and programmes. It is also one of the most popular universities in the country and currently has around 37,000 students and 6,000 employees. It has several campuses in Gothenburg.
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Chalmers University of Technology
The university holds a prominent international position in education and research in engineering for sustainable development. It is currently coordinating the Graphene Flagship, the EU's biggest research initiative ever. The university offers 40 English-taught master’s programmes in engineering, architecture and technology management. It has two campuses in Gothenburg, at Lindholmen and Johanneberg.
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The University of Borås
Located in Borås, the Swedish centre for textiles and clothing companies, this university offers one and two-year master’s programmes taught in English. Some of its programmes include fashion and textile design and management, textile engineering and informatics.
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University West
University West in Trollhättan is well known for its focus on work-integrated learning, which teaches students to apply their studies from day one. The university offers English language master’s programmes in business and management, information systems and engineering. The city is home to a number of high-tech companies, including GKN Aerospace and National Electric Vehicle Sweden, and is a key centre for the Swedish film industry.
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University of Skövde
The University of Skövde, located next to Science Park Skövde, is one of Sweden’s most specialised universities. Research is conducted within five areas: Informatics, System Biology, Virtual Systems, Health and Learning, and Enterprises for the future. The university offers many international postgraduate studies/master’s programmes taught in English.
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Last updated: 21 January 2020
Photo credits:
Jan-Olof Yxell/imagebank.sweden.se
Stefan Ideberg
Sofia Sabel/imagebank.sweden.se
Kristoffer Hedberg
Sofia Sabel/imagebank.sweden.se
University of Skövde
