Chalmers University of Technology, founded in 1829, is a private foundation university in Gothenburg on Sweden’s west coast, with close links to Swedish industry. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026, it was 174th in the world and the fifth-highest-ranked university in Sweden. It’s known for engineering, architecture, shipping and maritime studies, materials science and sustainable energy.
Chalmers teaches all its bachelor’s programmes in Swedish, so most international students come for a master’s programme taught in English. Here are 10 things you can do to give yourself the best chance, based on Chalmers’ own guidance and official Swedish government information.
1. Know that bachelor’s programmes are taught in Swedish
Chalmers offers around 30 bachelor’s programmes in engineering, science, shipping and architecture, and all of them are taught in Swedish. To be admitted, you must prove Swedish at the level of the upper secondary course Swedish 3, and only the fifth semester is taught in English. If you don’t speak Swedish, plan to come to Chalmers for a master’s instead. Chalmers bachelor’s studies.
2. Choose an English-taught master’s programme
All but one of Chalmers’ master’s programmes are taught in English and open to international students. They usually last two years, and each one sets its own subject requirements, so check that your bachelor’s degree covers the courses your programme asks for, especially in mathematics, physics and programming.
3. Apply through University Admissions in Sweden
You apply to Chalmers, and to other Swedish universities, through the national website Universityadmissions.se, where you can rank several programmes in one application. For autumn 2027, the international round opens on 16 October 2026 and closes on 15 January 2027, and you must upload your documents and pay the SEK 900 application fee by 1 February 2027. Results are announced in April. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland should apply in this first round, because the second round doesn’t leave enough time for a residence permit. University Admissions: application fee.
4. Prove your English
For most bachelor’s and master’s programmes taught in English, you need the equivalent of the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. You can meet it through your school studies in many countries, or with a test such as IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5 and no section below 5.5 (IELTS General Training isn’t accepted). Practise with our free IELTS and TOEFL practice tests. University Admissions: English requirements.
5. Have your bachelor’s degree, or be close to finishing it
For a master’s programme you need a bachelor’s degree, or to be in your final year, with the specific courses your programme requires. Upload your transcripts and degree documents following University Admissions’ instructions for your country, and make sure everything is in by the 1 February deadline.
6. Apply for a Chalmers scholarship
Chalmers offers a number of merit-based scholarships for strong applicants who must pay tuition fees, and the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals cover tuition and a living allowance of SEK 12,000 a month for applicants from selected countries. If you’re waiting for a scholarship decision, Chalmers recommends waiting for it before paying your tuition fee.
7. Understand the fees
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don’t pay tuition fees. For other students, most master’s programmes cost SEK 80,000 per semester in 2026-27, rising to SEK 95,000 per semester (SEK 380,000 for a two-year master’s) from 2027-28. Architectural Design, Urban Design and Human-Centred Design and Engineering cost SEK 135,000 per semester from 2027-28. You pay one semester at a time, and your admission stays conditional until the first payment is made in full. Chalmers tuition fees.
8. Pay before applying for your residence permit, and don’t delay
Chalmers notifies the Swedish Migration Agency when you’ve paid, and you should apply for your residence permit straight away. Chalmers can’t guarantee a permit decision before the autumn semester, and if you apply for your permit after 15 June, you won’t be entitled to a tuition fee refund if it isn’t granted in time.
9. Pay your first instalment, then apply for a residence permit
EU/EEA citizens don’t need a permit to study in Sweden, and Swiss citizens apply for a residence permit for Swiss citizens. If you’re from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, your offer from Chalmers is only final once you’ve paid your first tuition instalment, and the Swedish Migration Agency won’t approve your residence permit for studies until Chalmers confirms the payment. You must also show that you can support yourself, with at least SEK 10,656 a month if you apply in 2026, and have comprehensive health insurance if your studies last less than a year. Apply as soon as you’ve paid, because processing can take time. Swedish Migration Agency: studies at higher education.
10. Plan for work during and after your studies
The rules on working changed in 2026. If your residence permit for bachelor’s or master’s studies was granted on or after 11 June 2026, you can work a maximum of 15 hours a week, and working more can lead to your permit being withdrawn. There are exceptions for work that’s part of your education, such as an internship, and once you’ve completed the equivalent of two semesters you can work more for the rest of your permit. After you graduate, you can apply for a residence permit for up to one year to look for work or start a business, but you must apply before your student permit expires. Swedish Migration Agency: look for work after your studies.
Applying for a PhD at Chalmers?
PhD positions at Chalmers are paid employment, advertised by each department, and usually require a relevant master’s degree. Applications are made directly to the advertised position. See our 50 sample SOPs and free GRE practice tests.
Be ambitious, but apply to a balanced list
Chalmers’ master’s programmes are competitive, so apply to other options too. Read our guides to Lund University, KTH, Uppsala University and Stockholm University. Our guide to studying in Sweden explains how the Swedish system works, and our free study abroad assessment can help you build a shortlist.
Information was taken from Chalmers’ official programme, admissions and fee pages, University Admissions in Sweden, the Swedish Migration Agency and the QS World University Rankings 2027, and checked in October 2026. Admissions rules, deadlines, fees and immigration rules can change, so always confirm the details on Chalmers’ admissions website before you apply. StudyAbroadMarket is not affiliated with Chalmers.