Facts and practical information
Here you will find facts about the University of Gothenburg, about the Faculty of Education and practical information for exchange students and partner universities.
The University of Gothenburg
Exchange students from all over the world come to Gothenburg to experience the city’s unique atmosphere, and spirit. The University of Gothenburg (in Swedish: Göteborgs universitet) tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 50 000 students and 6 000 employees make the University a large and inspiring place to work and study, with a continuous flow of new knowledge and ideas. Together with the universities in Uppsala, Lund, and Stockholm it is one of the large international research universities in Sweden.
The university is also one of the most wide-ranging and versatile universities in Sweden. Its faculties offer training in the Creative Arts, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Education, Information Technology, Business, Economics and Law, and Health Sciences.
The Faculty of Education
Students at the University of Gothenburg are not based on one single campus; instead, they are spread out across different faculties all over the city. The Faculty of Education is centrally located in beautiful surroundings, right in the heart of Gothenburg. The Faculty of Education (in Swedish: Utbildningsvetenskapliga fakulteten) offers education in teaching, learning, leadership and pedagogy – for future teachers, qualified educators, and professionals such as food economists, sports coaches, educational leaders and health promoters.
Our research tackles key societal challenges, including teaching content, digital learning, assessment and grading, as well as issues in sustainability, health, school organisation and educational policy.
The Departments
Department of Education, Communication and Learning offer high-quality education and research in Education, Communication and Learning, with a focus on societal challenges such as globalisation, sustainability and digitalisation. Our international research addresses issues like the situation of vulnerable children, preschool quality, migration, violence and racism, and the impact of digitalisation on education and work.
Department of Food and Nutrition and Sport Science focusing on a holistic approach to food, meals, sport and physical activity, we promote health and sustainable development.
Research and education in Food and Nutrition focus on eating habits, public health, and leadership in food services, while Sport Science spans health promotion to elite sports.
Department of Education and Special Education offers research and courses on teaching, learning, school development and inclusive education. Key areas include educational leadership, assessment, and the role of the teacher in pupils’ learning.
Department of Pedagogical, Curricular and Professional Studies conduct research on the conditions, processes and outcomes of teaching and learning, with a strong focus on the teaching profession and teacher education. Interests range from broad educational perspectives to subject-specific themes and in-service teacher development.
Practical Information
Welcome Program
There is always a welcome program including arrival day and pick-up service at the airport, for international students the week before the official start of the semester. More information can be found here.
Application
All nominated students will receive information and guidelines for application through email. More information about the application can be found here.
Deadlines
| Nomination for full year/autumn semester | May 1 |
| Application for full year/autumn semester | May 15 |
| Nomination for spring semester | November 1 |
| Application for spring semester | November 15 |
Courses & Grades
Erasmus students are expected to choose courses offered at the faculty of Education. It is possible to choose courses from other faculties, given that the students meet the prerequisites and that there are available places.
General language requirements for courses taught in English is a minimum of B2 in English. General language requirements for courses taught in Swedish is a minimum of B2 in Swedish. Some courses in the subjects English or Swedish requires a minimum of C1 in English or Swedish.
60 credits (hp) represent a full academic year. The system is compatible with ECTS credits (the European Credit Transfer System) as one credit is equal to one ECTS credit.
For information about how to plan for selection of courses and grading scales at the University of Gothenburg, please see Avoid time-table clashes | University of Gothenburg (gu.se).
Courses for exchange students at the Faculty of education
You can choose courses within your study field, at the department or faculty specified in your exchange agreement. If you are on a university-wide agreement, you can choose courses from all faculties.
Academic calendar
The academic year in Sweden is divided into two semesters, each lasting 20 weeks. The exact duration of the semesters may vary slightly from year to year, depending on which weekday the official holidays are that year.
- Autumn semester 2024: September 02 - January 19
- Spring semester 2025: January 20 - June 08
- Autumn semester 2025: September 01 - January 18
- Spring semester 2026: January 19 - June 07
Accommodation
Application for accommodation is made together with the online exchange application. For more information about accommodation please use this link.