Uppsala University is a well-regarded public university in Uppsala, Sweden. It is a large public university with roughly 22,000 undergraduate students. The admissions are competitive, especially for international students and specific programs, with an overall admission rate of roughly 34%. Some of the most popular majors are Social Sciences, Medicine, Law, Humanities, and Natural Sciences. The graduation rate within six years is approximately 85%, and Uppsala alumni receive a median starting salary of around INR 6,50,000 (approximately SEK 80,000 median income after ten years of graduation).
Lund University is an elite public institution located in Lund, Sweden. It is a very large university with about 23,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are relatively competitive, particularly for international and in demand programs candidates, with a general acceptance rate of about 75%. Engineering, Social Sciences, Medicine, Humanities, and Natural Sciences are common majors. The six-year graduation rate is about 84%, and the median starting salary of Lund graduates is around INR 6,80,000 (equivalent from SEK 85,000 median income ten years post-graduation).
| Uppsala University | Lund University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.2 Out of 10 | 6.3 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 93 QS World University 2026 # 128 Times Higher Education 2026 # 91 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 72 QS World University 2026 # 95 Times Higher Education 2026 # 75 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 201 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 116 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 126 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 143 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 92 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 36 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -4 PG Programs -90 | UG Programs -5 PG Programs -80 |
| Acceptance Rate | 80.0 % | 58.0 % |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 12137 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 16004 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 6500 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 17400 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 17400 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24937 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | The programs and the average salary are follows: Bachelor of Science: $164,000 Bachelor of Arts: $74,000 Masters in Science: $63,000 Masters in Finance: $59,000 Masters of Arts: $49,000 Master (Other): $37,000 | The programs and the average salary are as follows:
|
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Uppsala University | Lund University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1477 | 1666 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 12:1 |
| Male:Female | 44% Male, 56% Female | 46% Male, 54% Female |
| Location Facts | Uppsala University’s presmises are spread out across Uppsala and on Gotland. There are eleven campus areas at Uppsala University, with research and education in a broad spectrum of subjects. | Lund University is based in the Skåne region of southern Sweden in Scandinavia, Northern Europe. Campus locations include Lund, Helsingborg, Malmö and Ljungbyhed. Lund University's main campus is located in the city of Lund, which is 15 minutes by train from Malmö (the third largest city in Sweden) and less than an hour from Copenhagen (Scandinavia's largest city and the capital of Denmark). |
| Library | The Uppsala University Library (Swedish: Uppsala universitetsbibliotek) at Uppsala University in Uppsala, Sweden, consists of 11 subject libraries, one of which is housed in the old main library building, Carolina Rediviva. The library holds books and periodicals, manuscripts, musical scores, pictures and maps. | Lund University library was established in 1668 at the same time as the university and is one of Sweden's oldest and largest libraries. The library serves 620,000 loans per year, the staff is 200 full-time equivalents, and the 25 branch libraries house 2600 reading room desks In addition to the 25 libraries, the electronic library collection includes over 374 000 e-books, more than 30 000 e-journals and 200 databases – a goldmine for students and researchers! |
| Campus Life | At Uppsala University, the student unions and the student nations work together to make your time as a student as enjoyable and inspiring as possible. The university encourages you to get involved, get to know your fellow students and make your voice heard in the student body. Uppsala University has several student unions and student nations. You can choose to become a member of one or more unions and nations. They offer everything from student aid to study breaks. A membership can give you entry to the nations, or the opportunity to apply for scholarships. The 30th of April, Walpurgis Eve – referred to as ‘Sista april’ or ‘Valborg’ in Swedish – is the celebration of spring arriving in Sweden. In Uppsala it is also the largest student event of the year with the Donning of the Caps at Carolina Rediviva, student floats running the Fyris River, singing at the Gunilla Bell Tower and much more. As a student at Uppsala university you have access to a great variety of sports and activities. | The campus is highly equipped with a wide range of amenities for its national and international students.
|
| Hostel | #Accommodation rent/month - $6500 | #Studio flat per month - $4360 #Corridor Room per month - $5191 #Accommodation rent/month - $5200 #One Bedroom Apartment Per month - $7886 |
| Famous Alumni | Ebba Busch (politician), Carl Linnaeus (biologist, taxonomist), Victoria (crown princess of Sweden), Nyamko Sabuni (politician) | Lund University has an ever-growing network of alumni communities working at prestigious positions under various organisations and corporations. The alumnus becomes a part of the events, guest appearances, activities, and online courses, and partners up with many more big organisations through their consistent efforts to take university to great heights. Some notable alumni include Matts Kärreman, Caroline Wigren-Kristoferson, Niklas Sandell, Charlotta Levay, Clara Gustafsson and more. |
| City Life | Student life in Uppsala is extraordinary. Wherever you go in Uppsala you will be reminded of the students’ impressions.In Uppsala, more than 40,000 students are seen, heard and make their mark everywhere. It is no wonder, since they have been part of the city since 1477. They have created traditions and continue to create these, something that made Uppsala the student city it is today. As a student, living in Uppsala is amazing. There are things happening all the time, and there is something for everyone, nomatter personality or interests.The city centre is quite small and nomatter where in Uppsala you live, you can get around by bike, which everybody does. The architecture is cosy with old buildings here and there, and there are lots of parks and greenery.The close proximity to Stockholm and Arlanda airport enables you to experience more than just Uppsala when you live here. | Considered the number one city for students in Sweden, Lund offers an exciting campus environment with a vibrant student life, an international atmosphere and memorable student traditions.When it comes to travel opportunities, Lund is in a great location. Perhaps most importantly, Copenhagen Airport is just a 35-minute train ride from Lund, meaning you are connected with the whole world from this major international airport. Aside from Denmark, Lund is also located on the main railway line to other parts of Sweden and Norway, such as Gothenburg, Stockholm and Oslo. You can drive to Germany in less than 5 hours and there are ferries from nearby ports to take you to Poland, Denmark, Germany and the UK. Malmö Airport also has several international and domestic flights. Students in Helsingborg have the opportunity to enjoy student life both in Helsingborg and in Lund. Helsinborg was recently ranked 4th best student city in Sweden 2021 by Studentum. Student organisations, such as AGORA, ING-sektionen and Stampus are there to make your student life in Helsingborg as enjoyable as possible. Follow the link below to read more. |
| Weather |
Uppsala University vs Lund University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Uppsala University and Lund University are among the best in Sweden, well established in Europe and worldwide as far as the quality of research and education is concerned. Lund University is ranked 72nd internationally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, while Uppsala University stands at 93rd internationally. Based on the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, Lund is 95th, while Uppsala is at 130th. Lund is placed 121 and Uppsala is placed 141 in the US News Global University Ranking 2026.
For subject areas, Lund University leads in Sustainability, being the 3rd in the world, while Uppsala University is stronger in Materials Science, Life Sciences, and Physics. The two universities are both leading contributors to scientific research, albeit Lund is more prominent worldwide in environment and sustainability fields, while Uppsala is stronger in life sciences and engineering.
General Information
Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is Sweden's oldest and is situated within the ancient city of Uppsala. It has some 45,000 students, providing a wide variety of academic programs and research activities.
Lund University, founded in 1666, is situated in Lund, Sweden, and is also very large, with about 47,000 students. Lund is renowned for innovation, research output, and globalized students.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Uppsala University is more competitive, with an acceptance rate of 34%, particularly for sought-after courses in life sciences and engineering. Lund University, on the other hand, has a higher acceptance rate of 75%, providing comparatively easier admission for international students, although some courses like engineering are competitive. Both universities screen applicants through academic merit and motivation.
Research Impact & Facilities
Uppsala University is home to five national centres of excellence, making major contributions in Materials Science, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physics. It provides room for a broad spectrum of research activities and cooperation with industry, particularly in biotechnology and environmental research.
Lund University provides robust research facilities, e.g., six national research facilities like Lund NanoLab and various centers dedicated to Sustainability, Engineering, and Medicine. It's particularly known for inter-disciplinary projects connecting technology with environmental studies.
Cost & Financial Aid
For foreign students, Uppsala University has fees ranging from 50,000 to 72,500 SEK per semester depending on the program. For Lund University, tuition is program-based with some of the engineering and science programs having an approximate cost of 145,000 SEK per year.
Both the universities provide various scholarships and financial assistance programs, focusing on merit-based achievement as well as providing assistance to students from developing nations. The schemes of the Swedish government and universities assist in providing partial or full fee coverage for meritorious students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Uppsala University graduates are well placed in Life Sciences, Engineering, and Research professions, and many of them support Sweden's pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The university has close links to the national innovation system.
Lund University graduates do well in Sustainability, Engineering, and Business fields, and they play leading roles in significant international firms, research centers, and environmental agencies. Lund's broad worldwide network also provides excellent career opportunities in academia and industry across the globe.
