Two admissions rounds explained

There are two admissions rounds available for students to apply to in each semester: the First and Second round. Here are answers to common questions about them.

What's the difference between the earlier and later admissions rounds?

The First admissions rounds (for both autumn and spring semester) begin many months before the start of the semester. The Second admissions rounds (autumn and spring semester) run parallel to the Swedish admissions rounds, and start several months later than the First rounds. For example, the application decisions for the First admissions round for the autumn semester arrive in March/April, while the decisions for the Second round arrive in July.

Which round should I apply to?

All students are encouraged to apply to the First round as the entire catalogue of courses and programmes is available then. In addition, as admissions decisions come much sooner in the First round, this gives students the time they need to apply for and receive their resident permit (all students from a non-EU/EEA country must have a resident permit to study in Sweden), arrange housing, etc. Please note that students cannot apply for a resident permit until they receive their admissions notification and have been offered a place in a course or programme.

EU/EEA students may also apply to the Second admissions round, as they do not need a resident permit and will be able to start their classes on-time. We don't encourage students from other countries to apply to these later rounds as time is very short from the posting of admissions results, to the time classes begin. There's a good chance the student will apply and pay the application fee and not receive their decision in time to study in Sweden. The application fee is non-refundable.

Why do I see some courses listed twice when I do a search?

Many universities place their international courses and programmes in both the First and Second admissions rounds. If you see a course listed twice, this means that there are separate dates regarding deadlines and decisions. You can always click on 'More information' under the course and then click on the link to information on the University's website for more specific information.