In short
The University of Gothenburg is a large, comprehensive institution on Sweden's west coast, offering numerous English-taught programs. It provides a vibrant student life in a sustainable city and offers various scholarships for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1954
- Students
- 37,000
- International students
- 6,000
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €13–19k/yr
- Languages
- SV, EN
- Location
- Sweden
The University of Gothenburg, located on Sweden's west coast, is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of study programs and research opportunities. It is actively involved in diverse research areas, from marine microbial ecology to the political consequences of pregnancy. The university also maintains a strong focus on community engagement, with initiatives like 'Forskarfrukost i Vasaparken' designed to foster interaction between academia and wider society. Students have access to various resources to support their academic journey and student life in Gothenburg.
Why study here
- One of the largest and most comprehensive universities in the Nordic region, with eight faculties.
- Wide selection of English-taught Master's programmes across the sciences, humanities and health.
- Internationally recognised research strengths in marine and environmental science, life sciences and the arts.
- Located in Gothenburg, a sustainable, student-friendly city on Sweden's west coast.
- Strong student-union tradition and extensive support services for international students.
Student life
Student life in Gothenburg revolves around a strong student-union culture, with active unions, student nations and societies organising events, sport and social activities throughout the year. The university's campuses are integrated into the city, giving easy access to libraries, cafes, music venues and the west-coast archipelago, and the city is widely regarded as one of Sweden's most welcoming and sustainable places to study.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU/EEA students pay tuition by programme, typically around SEK 140,000-200,000 (roughly EUR 13,000-19,000) per academic year, with higher fees for some studio- and lab-based subjects.
HomeStudents from the EU/EEA, the Nordic countries and Switzerland study tuition-free; all students pay a small mandatory student-union membership fee.
LivingLiving costs in Gothenburg are around SEK 9,000-12,000 (about EUR 850-1,100) per month for accommodation, food and personal expenses.
A non-refundable application fee applies to non-EU/EEA applicants via universityadmissions.se. Scholarships can offset part or all of the tuition.
Admissions
Bachelor's entryCompleted upper-secondary education meeting Swedish general entry requirements, plus any programme-specific prerequisites.
Master's entryA relevant bachelor's degree from a recognised institution and the subject prerequisites for the chosen programme.
English proficiencyEnglish 6 / English B equivalent, demonstrated via IELTS, TOEFL or an exempting prior education.
IELTS6.5
TOEFL iBT90
Rankings
QS World University RankingsAround 200 globally
Times Higher Education World University RankingsTop 250 globally
University scholarships
Adlerbert scholarships15,000 SEK
The Adlerbert Foreign Student Hospitality Foundation4,000-6,000 SEK
University of Gothenburg Study Scholarship (tuition fee waiver)Partial to full tuition
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global ProfessionalsFull tuition plus living costs
Accreditation
State public university recognised by the Swedish Higher Education Authority (Universitetskanslersämbetet, UKÄ).
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Gothenburg · Sweden
Advanced Organic Chemistry
The Advanced Organic Chemistry course offers an in-depth exploration of organic chemistry, with a particular emphasis on the synthetic aspects of complex organic compounds. You will gain expanded knowledge and develop essential experimental skills in this field. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be equipped to plan, execute, and comprehend organic reactions at a more advanced level, as well as perform sophisticated separation and structural analyses of organic compounds. These competencies are crucial for pursuing further studies in organic and medicinal chemistry.
Master's
Level
€3k
Tuition
3 mo
Duration
University of Gothenburg · Sweden
Advanced topics in proof theory
This Master's level course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced proof theory, a field where mathematics and philosophy intersect to study formal reasoning. You will delve into current research topics, including strong arithmetics, set theory, infinitary logic, and theories of truth and provability, examining both traditional and innovative proof systems. The course emphasizes critical analysis, equipping you with the skills to dissect complex arguments, assess various methodologies, and formulate your own reasoned viewpoints. By engaging with research-level material, you will enhance your capacity to analyze, discuss, and write about sophisticated theoretical issues, preparing you for advanced academic pursuits or careers in logic and related disciplines. It is ideal for students seeking a profound engagement with the theory and philosophy behind mathematical proof.
Master's
Level
€2k
Tuition
2 mo
Duration
University of Gothenburg · Sweden
Applied Analytical Chemistry in Marine Sciences
This Master's level course focuses on the theory and application of advanced analytical techniques used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the ocean. You will gain a deeper understanding of methods for quantifying specific compounds and analyzing the marine environment. The skills learned are also applicable to broader industrial and environmental science fields. The course addresses the unique challenges of chemical measurements in seawater, considering its complex composition and the vast spatial and temporal scales involved. Understanding the flow of chemicals globally and locally is crucial, as these are linked to human activities and Earth's climate. To interpret biogeochemical processes, one must consider the physical and chemical complexity of seawater, the atmosphere, and sediments. Many naturally occurring organic and inorganic species are present at extremely low concentrations, and only a few ions exceed 1mM. Furthermore, seawater is a complex organic mixture. New technologies and sensor development are rapidly advancing to meet these analytical challenges.
Master's
Level
€3k
Tuition
3 mo
Duration
University of Gothenburg · Sweden
Artificial Intelligence: Cognitive Systems
This Master's level course provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence with a focus on cognitive systems. It explores the theories and practical applications involved in creating artificial systems that mimic intelligent human behaviour. The course bridges the gap between natural language, action, and perception, linking them to the physical world through computational modelling.
Master's
Level
€2k
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Gothenburg · Sweden
Bachelor's Degree Project in Marine Science
This course offers an advanced opportunity to conduct a supervised scientific project within the field of Marine Science. Students can choose to focus on oceanography, marine biology, chemistry, or geology, aligning with the department's research areas. The project can involve experimental work or the analysis of existing scientific data. The culmination of the course includes presenting the findings in a written scientific report and an oral presentation. This project can be undertaken at the Department of Marine Sciences, another relevant academic institution, or externally with a company, institution, or authority, under the guidance of experienced researchers.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Gothenburg · Sweden
Biogeochemical Cycles in the Sea
This course focuses on the global oceanic biogeochemical cycles of essential elements including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon. You will explore the chemical, biological, and physical processes that drive these cycles. Topics covered include deep-sea circulation, the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and oceans, biological production, the biological pump, and the roles of sediments. The course also delves into the calcium carbonate cycle and the critical relationship between the carbon cycle and climate, with a strong emphasis on modeling.
Bachelor's
Level
€3k
Tuition
2 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Sweden
tuition only fundingStockholm School of Economics (with Dagens Industri and utbildning.se)
Stockholm School of Economics MBA Scholarship
Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to 180 credits, have at least five years of relevant work experience and proficient English. The scholarship covers the full SSE MBA tuition fee of SEK 595,000 + VAT.
tuition only
Funding
€52k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingChalmers University of Technology
Chalmers University of Technology PhD Position in Maintenance Engineering
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree (240 ECTS credits) in production engineering, industrial engineering, operations management, applied analytics, or a closely related discipline. Applicants should have a background or experience in manufacturing and industrial systems, strong written and verbal English communication skills, and a solid foundation in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Swedish language skills are a plus but not mandatory, with a willingness to learn encouraged.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
May 22, 2027
Deadline
tuition only fundingUniversity of Gothenburg
University of Gothenburg Scholarships (Axel Adler Scholarship)
Open to fee-paying international (non-EU/EEA) students applying for master's programmes at the University of Gothenburg who list the university as their first-choice and demonstrate strong academic merit; the Axel Adler Scholarship covers tuition fees and is awarded on academic excellence.
tuition only
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 3, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUmea University - Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics
Umea University Postdoctoral Scholarship in Mitochondrial Research
Open to international and domestic researchers who hold a doctoral degree (PhD) or equivalent in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, obtained within the last 3 years (with exceptions for parental leave or illness). Applicants need proven research experience with first authorship in peer-reviewed publications and strong skills in protein biochemistry and cell or molecular biology.
full
Funding
€28k
Max
Oct 18, 2026
Deadline
full fundingSwedish Institute (SI), Sweden
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
For applicants from a defined list of ~40 countries who have work and/or leadership experience and plan to drive change in their home country. You must first apply for and gain admission to an eligible Swedish master's programme through the national admissions service, then apply separately to the SISGP scholarship.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Feb 12, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSwedish Institute (Svenska institutet)
Swedish Institute Study Scholarships – Pioneering Women in STEM
For women from a defined list of eligible countries who plan to pursue an eligible STEM master's programme in Sweden and aim to drive change in their home country. You must first apply for and gain admission to an eligible programme through University Admissions in Sweden, then apply for the scholarship.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Feb 12, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Gothenburg?
+
Students from the EU/EEA, Nordic countries, and Switzerland study tuition-free. Non-EU/EEA students pay tuition fees per program, typically ranging from SEK 140,000-200,000 per academic year. Some studio and lab-based subjects may have higher fees.
What are the living costs for students in Gothenburg?
+
The estimated living costs in Gothenburg are around SEK 9,000-12,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
What are the general admission requirements for international students?
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International applications are processed through universityadmissions.se. Entry is competitive, based on academic qualifications and English proficiency. A completed upper-secondary education or a relevant bachelor's degree is required depending on the level of study.
Does the University of Gothenburg offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the university offers several scholarships, including the Adlerbert scholarships, the Adlerbert Foreign Student Hospitality Foundation, the University of Gothenburg Study Scholarship (tuition fee waiver), and the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals.
What makes the University of Gothenburg a good choice for international students?
+
It is one of the largest universities in the Nordic region with a wide selection of English-taught Master's programs. It also has internationally recognized research strengths and is located in the sustainable and student-friendly city of Gothenburg.
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