According to recent figures from the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), the total number of applicants has increased by 16–17 percent compared to last year and the proportion of paying applicants is increasing even faster.
At the University of Gothenburg, the increase is 20 percent.
“It is particularly pleasing that we are seeing a big increase in the number of first-choice applicants. Sweden has a long tradition of high-quality education and research, which makes our universities attractive to students from all over the world,” says John Molander, project manager for international student recruitment at the University of Gothenburg.
He also points out that Sweden has an increasingly international academic environment. In 2012, 15 percent of researchers were internationally recruited, a figure that rised to 23 percent in 2022. In addition, more than 40 percent of all new doctoral students come from other countries.
Changes in the world around us
But the increase may also be due to changes in other countries. The US, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia have tightened their rules for international students. In the UK, the number of student visa applications between 2023 and 2024 has fallen by 16 percent.
“Such changes could have made Sweden a more attractive option,” says John Molander.
At the University of Gothenburg, the number of paying applicants to international master’s programmes has increased by 31 percent since last year. Among eligible first-choice applicants, the increase is even greater, a full 40 percent.
Almost all higher education institutions see increase
The positive trend is evident in almost all universities in Sweden. Of the 31 universities offering international master’s programmes, 29 report an increase in the number of applicants. Undergraduate programmes are also attracting more applicants and 19 out of 26 universities have more applicants than last year.
The increased interest in international programmes is thought to be linked to a growing demand for international skills and a greater focus on globalisation in both academia and the labour market.
Admission decisions in March and April
The next step in the process is selection. Applicants for international master’s programmes will receive their admission decisions on 27 March, while applying for undergraduate programmes will be notified on 3 April.
By: Allan Eriksson
