Umea University is a public research university located in Umea, Sweden. The university was founded in 1965 and is the 5th oldest in Sweden. Umea University ranks #401 in the QS World University Ranking 2026. The Times Higher Education ranked the university in the 351-400 band in its World University Rankings 2025. In the 2025 U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings, Umea University ranks #411 in the world and #9 in Sweden. These rankings establish the university as a reputable institution both globally and in Sweden.
Umea University offers over 35 courses across Master’s and Bachelor’s levels. The university is well-known for courses in fields like the Sciences, Technology, and the Arts. Among Indian students, MS Human-Computer Interaction and Social Media, Master of Interaction Design, and MS Computing Science are popular programs. The estimated annual tuition fees vary from SEK 279,00 (INR 25.6 Lakhs) for undergraduate courses to SEK 585,000 (INR 53.5 Lakhs) for graduate level courses.
Umea University has an acceptance rate of 41%. In 2024, 378 international students outside of the EU were enrolled in the university. International students also get several scholarship benefits based on merit. For example, the Erling-Persson Scholarship provides an amount of SEK 12,000 (INR 1.1 Lakhs) per month to 5 new students every year.
Umea University Popular Courses
Umea University offers more than 35 courses to international students at Master’s and Bachelor’s levels. Human-Computer Interaction and Social Media, Master of Interaction Design, and MS Computing Science are popular programs among international students.
The table below highlights some of the popular Umea University courses along with their tuition fees.
| Course Name | Annual Tuition Fee (SEK) | Annual Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| MS Human-Computer Interaction and Social Media | 152,300 | 14 Lakhs |
| Master of Interaction Design | 321,300 | 29.5 Lakhs |
| MS Computing Science | 585,000 | 53.6 Lakhs |
| MS Tourism | 585,000 | 53.6 Lakhs |
| MS Ecology | 585,000 | 53.6 Lakhs |
| MS Public Health | 585,000 | 53.6 Lakhs |
| MS Computational Science and Engineering | 585,000 | 53.6 Lakhs |
| MS Finance | 585,000 | 53.6 Lakhs |
| MS Accounting | 585,000 | 53.6 Lakhs |
| BS International Business Program | 279,000 | 25.6 Lakhs |
Umea University Admissions
Umea University has an acceptance rate of 41%. For admissions to Master’s programs, you need to have at least 50% marks in your 3-year or 4-year bachelor’s degree. You also need to demonstrate your English language proficiency by taking any of the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English. This requirement is waived if the medium of instruction for previous studies was in English.
The table below shows the requirements for Umea University admissions for Master’s and Bachelor’s programs.
| Graduate Admission Requirements | Undergraduate Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Fee: SEK 900 (INR 8,241) | |
|
3-year or 4-year Bachelor’s degree 60 credits 50% marks Any 1 of the following English proficiency test scores: TOEFL - 90 IELTS - 6.5 PTE - 68 Cambridge English C2 Proficiency - 200 Cambridge English C1 Advanced - 180 Degree Certificate Transcripts Passport Copy Letters of Recommendation |
Class 12 completion Class 12 certificate Any 1 of the following English proficiency test scores: TOEFL - 90 IELTS - 6.5 PTE - 68 Cambridge English C2 Proficiency - 200 Cambridge English C1 Advanced - 180 * English requirement is waived if Class 12 was completed in ICSE/CBSE boards or any other board with English as the medium of instruction Passport Copy |
Umea University Application Deadlines
Umea University has 2 intake seasons, Autumn and Spring. Admissions in the Spring semester are only allowed for the MS Molecular Biology program. All other degrees are offered in the Autumn semester. There are 2 rounds of applications for each intake. International students are encouraged to apply in the 1st round, as the applications remain open for a longer period of time. This would allow enough time for Swedish Student Visa processing.
The Umea University application deadlines for each of the semesters are mentioned in the table below.
| Intakes | Round 1 | Round 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn |
Application Opens: 16 October 2025 Application Deadline: 15 January 2026 |
Application Opens: 16 March 2026 Application Deadline: 15 April 2026 |
| Spring (Only for MS Molecular Biology) |
Application Opens: 2 June 2026 Application Deadline: 15 August 2026 |
Application Opens: 15 September 2025 Application Deadline: 15 October 2026 |
Umea University Cost of Attendance
Umea University's estimates of the annual cost of attendance are available on the “Study in Sweden” portal of the Swedish Government. It provides an overall breakdown of the finances international students need to study in Sweden.
The table below mentions the cost of living in Sweden, specific to Umea University.
| Cost Category | Cost in SEK | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 585,000 (Computer Science) | 53.6 Lakhs |
| Food | 2,700 | 24,726 |
| Accommodation | 4,900 | 44,874 |
| Transportation | 620 | 5,678 |
| Phone & Internet | 400 | 3,663 |
| Other Personal Expenses | 1,964 | 18,000 |
| Total | 595,584 | 55 Lakhs |
Note: This cost is calculated taking into account the tuition fee of MS Computing Science only. You should calculate the cost of attendance as per the tuition fee of the program you are applying to. The other costs remain the same.
Umea University Scholarships
Umea University offers scholarships to academically talented and high-achieving students in the Autumn semester every year. Scholarships offered are in the form of tuition waivers. Selected candidates receive a full or partial waiver of the tuition fee. Some of the scholarships are mentioned in the table below.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award Details |
|---|---|---|
| Erling-Persson Scholarship for International Students in Public Health |
Submitted application for MS Public Health before deadline (January 15, 2026) Paid the application fee by February 3, 2026 |
SEK 12,000 (INR 1.1 Lakhs) per month to 5 new students |
| Design by Umea Scholarships for International Students |
Submitted application for Master's in Design before the deadline (January 15, 2026) Paid the application fee by February 3, 2026 |
Varies |
You can also check out external aid here: Scholarships in Sweden
Umea University Career Outcomes
Umea University has strong career outcomes for its graduates. Below are the key points mentioned by the university.
- 90% of its graduates are employed within 9 months of graduation
- 6% continue their studies
- 22% find their first job in 1-3 months
- 38% job satisfaction among graduates
- Initial average salary per month is 28,381 SEK (INR 2.6 Lakhs)
- Top job titles include Account Manager, Advisor Bank, Auditor, and Business Developer
- Top recruiters include ABB, Deloitte, PwC, and Adidas International
Umea University Campus
Umea University campus is inspired by North American campuses, and it is the university’s main and largest campus, hosting most teaching and research activities within walking distance.
- Umea University Arts Campus, located by the Ume River, includes the Umeå Institute of Design, Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture, the Bildmuseet contemporary art museum, and the Sliperiet creative hub.
- Several regional campuses exist in Skellefteå and Örnsköldsvik, offering select programmes locally.
- Central hub “Universum” on the main campus includes study spaces, an info centre, cafés, and a restaurant.
- The Aula Nordica is used for academic ceremonies and concerts.
- International Student Barometer survey highlights:
- #1 worldwide in 3 key categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction.
- #1 globally for Overall Happiness.
- University Library (support): #1 in Sweden, #4 Globally
- Student Health Care Service: #1 in Sweden, #2 Globally
Umea University Ranking
Umea University has consistently ranked in the 350-500 band by top ranking agencies like the QS, Times Higher Education, and the US News & World Report. Umea University rankings for the past 4 years are given in the table below.
| Ranking Agency | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS | #401 | #456 | 401-500 | #369 |
| Times Higher Education | - | 351-400 | 401-500 | 401-500 |
| US News & World Report | - | #411 | 401-500 | #411 |
Umea University stands out as a top choice for international students, ranking #1 globally in student satisfaction and support (ISB 2023). With a solid 41% acceptance rate, strong career outcomes (90% employment within 9 months), and world-class research in areas like design and life sciences, it offers a comprehensive, globally-relevant education. Affordable living, accessible faculty, and scholarship opportunities make it especially attractive for Indian students seeking quality education in Europe.
FAQs
Ques. Is Umea University good for international students from India?
Ans. Yes, Umea University is highly rated by international students, especially for its student support, campus facilities, and affordable living costs. In the International Student Barometer 2023, it ranked #1 globally for Overall Satisfaction and Happiness.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time during studies in Sweden?
Ans. Yes, Indian students can legally work unlimited hours during their studies in Sweden, but part-time jobs can be competitive. Students usually work 10–20 hours a week and may find jobs in hospitality, research labs, or at the university itself.
Ques. Are there any Indian student communities at Umea University?
Ans. Yes, there is an active Indian student community in Umea, with cultural events, food meetups, and festivals like Diwali celebrated on campus. Many Indian students also join the Umea Indian Students Association (UISA).
Ques. What are the housing options for international students at Umea University?
Ans. International students are offered guaranteed student housing if they apply before the deadline through Bostaden or the International Housing Office. Rent ranges between SEK 3,000–5,000 (INR 27,471 - 45,786) per month.
Ques. Are there post-study work opportunities in Sweden after graduation from Umea University?
Ans. Yes, after graduation, Indian students can extend their residence permit for 12 months to look for work or start a business in Sweden. Many Umea graduates find jobs in tech, design, healthcare, and research.
Ques. Do I need health insurance as an international student at Umea University?
Ans. Yes. Students staying less than 1 year need private health insurance. If your program is 1 year or longer, you are covered by Swedish public healthcare, and Umea University provides FAS+ insurance for extra protection.
Ques. How cold is Umea, and is it hard to live there as a student?
Ans. Umea has a subarctic climate, with winters between -5°C to -15°C, but student housing and university buildings are well-heated. Many students enjoy winter sports, northern lights, and outdoor activities.
Ques. Are scholarships full or partial for Indian students?
Ans. Umea University scholarships are tuition waivers (full or partial). Umea also offers programme-specific scholarships like the Design by Umea and the Erling-Persson Scholarship.
Ques. Can I transfer credits or change programs at Umea University?
Ans. Yes, Umea University allows credit transfers upon evaluation by academic coordinators. However, changing programs may require reapplication through universityadmissions.se, depending on availability and eligibility.
Ques. How early should I apply for a Swedish student visa after getting an offer?
Ans. You should apply immediately after receiving your admission and paying the first tuition installment, ideally by mid-February for the Autumn intake. The Swedish Migration Agency recommends applying at least 3 months in advance.
Umea University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline For Autumn 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) | USD 16,753 /Yr SEK 152,300 /Yr | 900 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 90 | ||
Master Interaction Design 2 years | Application Deadline For Autumn 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) | USD 35,343 /Yr SEK 321,300 /Yr | 900 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 90 | |
| USD 30,690 /Yr SEK 279,000 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
| USD 64,350 /Yr SEK 585,000 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
| USD 64,350 /Yr SEK 585,000 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
| USD 64,350 /Yr SEK 585,000 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
M.S Management 2 years | USD 64,350 /Yr SEK 585,000 /Yr | - | - | - | |
| USD 64,350 /Yr SEK 585,000 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
M.S Accounting 2 years | USD 64,350 /Yr SEK 585,000 /Yr | - | - | - | |
M.S Cognitive Science 2 years | USD 64,350 /Yr SEK 585,000 /Yr | - | - | - |
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Umea University Student Profiles
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Umea University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Carl Gustaf Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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Umea University Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | ||||
| GRE | 311 | - | - | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Umea University Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Book Store
- Restaurant
- Hospital
- Airport
- Shopping Mall
- Pharmacy
Book Store
Hospital
Shopping Mall
Restaurant
Airport
Pharmacy
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
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