NEWS Umeå University reports that the number of applications received for single-subject courses for the autumn 2009 term have increased by 14 per cent, and an increase for degree programmes by 11.5 per cent.
Sweden’s national average for applications to higher education courses and programmes rose by 11 per cent, with Umeå University’s total jump even higher at 12.5 per cent.
“These are very pleasing numbers and it’s difficult to explain why we performed better than the national average, but I think that our quality in academics is a factor,” says Åsa Bergenheim, pro-vice-chancellor for undergraduate and postgraduate education at Umeå University. “For example, we have earned the recognition as a centre of excellence in higher education for two consecutive years, and I think it’s had a positive effect.”
At the same last year, 17,226 individuals applied to courses at the university in comparison with 19,700 this year. The number of applications for bachelor and master level degree programmes was 6,580 in 2008 and grew by 7,337 in 2009.
“We always have to be cognisant this is about the number of applications and are not yet aware how many applications meet the entrance requirements,” continues Bergheim. The amount of students that indeed register for courses and programmes in the autumn and begin their studies is another thing. But we are naturally hoping that this increase results in enrolments as well.
Currently, there are no available statistics regarding the number of applications to specific courses and programmes. This information is planned to be published towards the end of next week.
There were nearly 325,000 applications for all higher education courses and programmes in Sweden. This was an increase of 11 per cent from the autumn term in 2008.
Contact persons: Åsa Bergenheim, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, Umeå University Phone: +46 (0)90 -786 79 49 Mobiel: +46 (0)702-58 88 29
E-mail: aasa.bergenheim@adm.umu.se
Lars Lustig, Univeristy Director Phone: +46 (0)90-786 97 97 Mobile: +46 (0)73-620 50 01
E-mail: Lars.lustig@adm.umu.se
Editor: David meyers