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The Nobel Prize is the legacy of Alfred Nobel and is widely considered the world’s most prestigious award.
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Ranking and recognitions

This page provides information on the University of Gothenburg's position in international league tables and important recognitions within research and education. We are especially proud of Arvid Carlsson; the 2000 Nobel Laureate in Medicine for his pioneering research on the signal substances of the brain.

The University of Gothenburg is highly ranked in many prestigious league tables and is in some fields among the best universities in the world. However, to measure the quality of a university is difficult and the methods are often criticised.

We always advice international students, researchers and employees to do extensive research and not to look only at ranking positions when deciding on which universities to apply to.  

World university rankings

Here is our position in the most well-known international rankings. 

What does a ranking measure?

It depends on the ranking. Most ranking lists measure publications and certifications as well as factors such as the amount of Nobel prizes received.

Some league tables tries to measure the universities’ reputation in the research community, but the response rate is usually so low that it's not valid.

Most rankings don't measure factors such as study and work environment, methods of teaching and student satisfaction. 

Video (13:27)
Are University rankings reliable?

Subject and field rankings

Even though subjects' rankings have the same flaws as overall rankings, it can be useful to look at how the university is measured in your field of interest. Please note that not all fields are covered in the subject rankings.

Placement in the subject ranking 2021

Top 100

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism 11
  • Neuroscience and Behavior 28 
  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology 58
  • Biology and Biochemistry 76
  • Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems 79 
  • Ecology Environment 80
  • Cell Biology 89
  • Clinical Medicine 91
  • Microbiology 94
  • Surgery 95
  • Public, Environmental and Occupational Health 97

Link to the report

Top 100 placement in the subject ranking 2023

Broad subject areas

  • Life Science and Medicine 94

Narrow subject areas

  • Dentistry 10
  • Art and Design 43
  • Medicine 93
  • Anatomy & Physiology 51-100
  • Communications and Media studies 51-100
  • Politics & International studies 51-100

Top 200

  • Biological sciences 144
  • Education 101-150
  • Nursing 101-150
  • Sociology 101-150

QS subject rankings 2023

Top 100 placement for the University of Gothenburg. Year 2022

  • Political Sciences 19
  • Human Biological Sciences 23
  • Public Administration 23
  • Dentistry & Oral Science 33
  • Biological Sciences 36
  • Nursing 51-75
  • Communication 51-75
  • Oceanography 51-75
  • Atmosperic Science 51-75
  • Clinical Medicine 76-100
  • Economics 76-100
  • Public Health 76-100

All subject rankings on ARWU's website 

Photo: Johan Wingborg
Photo: Nathalie Greppi

Accreditations 

The School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg is accredited by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. A so called “Triple Crown” accreditation.

About the accreditation on the School of Business, Economics and Law website

Student satisfaction survey

What our students think about the quality of the education, university services and life in Gothenburg, was measured in 2018 in the International Student Barometer Survey. The survey is facilitated by I graduate and hundreds of universities participate every year. The survey was sent out to 2209 international students at the University of Gothenburg and 1012 answered

In the survey 92% of the respondents stated that they were happy or very happy with their life at the University of Gothenburg. 82% of the respondents would recommend the University to others. You can see the results of the survey within these four categories: 

86% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the learning experience. Over 90% of the respondents were particularly pleased with:

  • Teaching staff's level of English
  • Subject expertise of our teaching staff
  • Assessment practice
  • Study support 
  • Multicultural classroom
  • Class sizes
  • Language support
  • Physical and online libraries
  • Laboratories
  • Learning spaces (facilities)

Some respondents were dissatisfied with work placement opportunities and career advice.

81% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall living experience in Gothenburg. Over 90% of the respondents were particularly pleased with the following: 

  • Safety
  • Good place to be
  • Campus environment
  • Transport links in the city
  •  Eco-friendly attitude
  • Campus buildings
  • Making friends

Some respondents struggled with finding accommodation, the cost of living in Sweden and earning money. 

89% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the arrival experience. The respondents were particularly pleased with:

  • Introduction days
  • Formal welcome 
  • Meeting staff

  • Meeting friends

  • Registration 

  • Social activities 

Some respondents struggled with opening a bank account and making Swedish friends. Some respondents were dissatisfied with the introductions to clubs and student societies and the accommodation upon arrival.

90% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the university’s support services. The respondents were particularly pleased with:

  • Library service
  • Service centers
  • Welcome services
  • IT support
  • Student health centre
  • Special learning support
  • International offices
  • Study counselling
  • Fees department
Photo: Natalie Greppi

Sustainable development rankings

Sustainable development is a vital part of the university's vision. We are committed to achieving the Global Goals adopted by the UN General Assembly in Agenda 2030. According to QS Sustainability Rankings 2023 the University of Gothenburg ranks 28 in the world!