Interest in Umeå University’s international programmes at record levels

The number of first-choice applicants out of the 13,146 who applied for master's programmes is 4,390, which is an increase of 39.9% compared to the previous year. Umeå University offers 45 programmes at master's level and four at bachelor's level. At bachelor's level, the number of applicants has also increased by 39.8%, with 2,056 applicants, of whom 581 are first-choice applicants.

“It’s encouraging to see such strong and growing interest in our international master’s programmes,” says Cathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education at Umeå University.

It is evident that two years of intensive and strategic recruitment efforts within the EU/EEA have yielded results, with continued strong interest from Germany and applicants from countries such as the Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain, where several recruitment initiatives have been carried out.

The growing interest reflects the current geopolitical climate, in which many students are actively seeking stable and appealing educational environments in Europe and Scandinavia.

“The aim of the initiative was to strengthen recruitment from Europe, and the work carried out has also created a ripple effect globally. The growing interest reflects the current geopolitical climate, in which many students are actively seeking stable and appealing educational environments in Europe and Scandinavia,” says Francine Ferretti Horst, project coordinator for international student recruitment in Europe.

During the year, Umeå University has increased its visibility by launching a new user-friendly education website and ensuring that the university's international programmes were searchable earlier on the application portal universityadmissions.se, the website where international students apply for higher education in Sweden. The University has participated in a large number of digital fairs, combined with a strong physical presence at over ten education fairs around Europe.

The University has also invested in digital advertising and follow-up of prospective students. Through personal chats, social media, films and blogs, student ambassadors have contributed authentic student-generated content that builds trust and engagement among prospective students worldwide.

Number of applicants to international master's programmes on the final application date for autumn 2026.

ImageInternational Office