Selection process Master of Science in International Business and Trade
It is not mandatory to submit a GMAT test result/personal motivation application. However, these applicants are prioritized in the admission. To apply with a personal motivation application different documents needs to be submitted.
Selection
Applicants who meet the entrance requirements (general and programme specific) are divided into 3 groups. First, all places are allocated to applicants in group 1. If any places are left, they are distributed to applicants in group 2, and thereafter to applicants in group 3.
Group 1 is applicants with a GMAT score. Applicants are ranked by their GMAT score result. For further information: minimum GMAT score
Group 2 is applicants ranked by their personal motivation application. Personal motivation applications are rated on a scale of 1-10. Ratings below 4 are placed in selection group 3. For information on submission guidelines see below.
Group 3 is applicants ranked by number of university credits (ECTS). Applicants are ranked by number of credits reported on the last day for application (max. 165 ECTS).
If several applicants have the same merit rating the selection of students is made by ballot.
Applicants with test results/motivation application that do not meet the minimum are placed in selection group 3.
Evaluation process for Group 2
Applicants in group 2 are assessed holistically and receive a single merit rating on a 10-point scale (10 = highest). The merit rating reflects an overall evaluation of academic performance, professional experiences, personal motivation, and programme fit.
Assessment Criteria:
Below you can find the three different areas that are assessed.
Academic qualifications
- Relevance and performance in university-level coursework in business, management, economics, trade, and social sciences.
- Breadth and depth of learning and the applicant’s demonstrated ability to succeed in graduate-level academic studies.
Professional experience
- Evaluation of CV and letter of intent in relation to internships, employment history, exchange studies, and extracurricular activities.
- Experiences, in particular international experiences, with international organizations, multinational corporations, development agencies, or global trade initiatives are especially valuable.
- Special attention is given to evidence of leadership, analytical skills, or cross-cultural engagement.
Motivation and fit
- The letter of intent is considered closely for clarity, purpose, and structure.
- A strong application will demonstrate a clear academic or professional trajectory, strong reasons for joining the MSc in International Business and Trade, and the ability to contribute to and benefit from the programme’s teaching environment.
Submission Guidelines
The application needs to include both a CV and the provided template “letter of intent” for the motivation application to be considered.
If you do not submit all required documents, your application will be placed in selection group 3
Curriculum Vitae
The CV should present your educational background, employment history, internships, professional experience, and other relevant engagements (such as exchange studies, organization membership, or international projects).
Applicants are encouraged to highlight experiences with an international, intercultural, or global trade focus.
The CV should demonstrate progression in your career and/or studies and connect logically to the goals outlined in your letter of intent.
In order for us to take work experience into account you need to provide proof for example a certificate of employment or other relevant supporting documentation.
The maximum length is 2 pages, and the preferred format is reverse chronological order (most recent achievements listed first).
Upload the documents together with your other documents when you apply at www.universityadmissions.se, by the latest on the last day for application (15 January/15 April 2026).
Letter of intent
You must use the provided letter of intent template;
The letter should show your academic merits, relevant professional experience, and overall qualifications for advanced graduate studies in international business and trade.
It should clearly communicate your academic goals, professional aspirations in fields such as global management, strategy, or international trade policy, and why this particular programme aligns with your long-term ambitions.
The letter should also highlight your motivation, ability to contribute to a diverse academic environment, and potential to benefit from the programme’s global perspective.
The letter of intent must be the applicant’s own, independent work. The use of artificial intelligence or other automated text-generation tools, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited and will render the submission invalid.
Upload the letter of intent together with your other documents when you apply at www.universityadmissions.se by the latest on the last day for application (15 January/15 April 2026). Before uploading the document, rename it to “MSc in International Business and Trade”.
Academic merits
University transcripts and academic records form a critical part of the assessment.
Special consideration is given to performance in relevant subject areas such as international business, economics, management, international relations, trade and development studies, and related social science courses.
The evaluation takes into account both the quality of academic performance and the relevance of completed coursework to the programme’s curriculum.
No extra documentation is required for this, as we assess your documents provided to fulfil the general and programme specific entry requirements.
Other documents (not mandatory)
Other documents that are not mandatory but may be of relevance for the assessment include:
- documents supporting English language skills
- letters of recommendation
- diplomas and certificates