Erasmus guide Chalmers University of Technology
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.
City
GothenburgCountry
SwedenInternational
Strong international engineering and architecture mix at master/exchange level
Enrollment
Approx. 11,000 students
Study abroad at Chalmers University of Technology: overview
Study abroad at Chalmers University of Technology means choosing Sweden's #2 engineering university (QS top 130): 11,000 students, 40+ English-taught masters, founded 1829, deeply integrated with Volvo, Ericsson, AstraZeneca, and the Gothenburg tech ecosystem. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Approx. 11,000 students; international mix: Strong international engineering and architecture mix at master/exchange level; academically it fits best around Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Industrial Ecology. The part to check without romanticising it: you should confirm your home faculty accepts applied, practice-led coursework.
Enrollment
Approx. 11,000 students
International Mix
Strong international engineering and architecture mix at master/exchange level
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Industrial Ecology in Gothenburg, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: you should confirm your home faculty accepts applied, practice-led coursework.
Language of instruction: English (primary for master's and exchange courses); Swedish for some undergraduate programmes
Exchange & application at Chalmers University of Technology
The process normally starts with home-university nomination, then an online application, learning agreement and course selection. Check prerequisites and seat limits before you promise yourself specific courses.
✅Requirements
Check agreement requirements.
📨Nomination Process
Partner nomination required.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Or Full Year | Check partner portal for current deadlines | See exchange office application calendar |
Arrival Checklist
- Collect welcome packet from International Office
- Attend the mandatory orientation week
- Activate university network account
Academics & courses at Chalmers University of Technology
Academic life is independent, reading-heavy and structured around clear assessment periods. Pick courses by level, language and study period, not only by attractive titles.
📝Course Registration
Course registration is completed online via the university student information system (e.g. USOSweb, UNIGRAZonline, SoleMOVE) after official admission.
🎓Credit System
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) standard.
💯Grading System
Local national grading scale with corresponding ECTS grades provided on the final transcript of records.
✍️Exam Culture
Written exams, oral assessments, or continuous course assignments at the end of each semester.
📚Library Access
Libraries, study spaces and digital resources are included for enrolled students.
Tuition & fees at Chalmers University of Technology
For exchange students, tuition is normally SEK 0; the real cost is rent, food, transport and insurance where relevant. For full degrees, always separate EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA and private-school rules such as SSE.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | SEK 0 tuition (completely free) | Tuition is completely free for exchange students at all Swedish public universities. Student union (kår) membership SEK 300–500/year optional — unlocks natio… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | SEK 0 — FREE for EU/EEA | Swedish universities are FREE for EU/EEA students — zero tuition for engineering, architecture, all programmes. Only cost: kår (student union) ~SEK 300–500/y… |
| Full degree – non-EU | SEK 155,000–195,000/year | Chalmers non-EU: Engineering/Architecture SEK 155,000–195,000/year (~€14,000–18,000). EU/EEA: free. Swedish Institute scholarships available (covers full tui… |
SEK 0 tuition (completely free)
Tuition is completely free for exchange students at all Swedish public universities. Student union (kår) membership SEK 300–500/year optional — unlocks natio…
SEK 0 — FREE for EU/EEA
Swedish universities are FREE for EU/EEA students — zero tuition for engineering, architecture, all programmes. Only cost: kår (student union) ~SEK 300–500/y…
SEK 155,000–195,000/year
Chalmers non-EU: Engineering/Architecture SEK 155,000–195,000/year (~€14,000–18,000). EU/EEA: free. Swedish Institute scholarships available (covers full tui…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Chalmers University of Technology
Housing shapes the whole semester. Use the official university route first and keep verified private backups, because late Swedish housing searches get expensive quickly.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Gothenburg
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Chalmers University of Technology
The international office, student union, library services and orientation support are useful from week one. Do not wait for a large problem before asking about courses, health or accommodation.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
🧠Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic coverage
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private student health insurance plans compliant with national visa requirements
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus services
International Relations Office
Chalmers Welcome Reception, ESN Chalmers, free Swedish courses, BankID/personnummer support, integration buddy programme.
Student Union
Advocacy, representation, local discount cards, and university sports coordination.
Student Support (Chalmers)
Chalmers student support: health centre, counseling, disability study support, career services, and study guidance. Broad support network for all enrolled students.
Disability Study Support
Chalmers disability support for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, mobility impairments, visual/hearing impairments, chronic illness, and mental health. Academic adjustments available.
Careers Service (Chalmers)
Chalmers Careers: seminars, workshops, and career advice for job hunting. International student appointments with career guidance counsellors for Swedish job market transition.
Student life at Chalmers University of Technology
Student life mixes Swedish independence with associations, union pubs, sport and city routines. Joining early matters because social life does not always happen spontaneously.
Student Clubs
- Chalmers Student Union
- Student divisions and committees
- Cortege/Valborg activities, tech events, hackathons, and programme groups
Buddy Program
Use Chalmers reception/orientation and student-union channels for early social entry points; check the accepted exchange-student page before arrival.
Sports & Recreation
- University sports institute offering low-cost training, fitness courses, and ski/mountain excursions.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Read the official incoming-exchange or fact-sheet page before booking travel.
- Confirm course registration, campus location, and learning-agreement details with the host office.
- Join the official orientation, mentor, buddy, or student-union channels as soon as they open.
- Set up student account, card, transport pass, and housing follow-ups during the first week.
Key exchange dates at Chalmers University of Technology
Swedish deadlines are strict: nomination, application, courses, housing and arrival steps connect fast. Put first- and second-semester dates in your calendar before booking flights.
-
1
Pre-arrival
May - June for Autumn semester
Nomination validation and visa application processing
-
2
Arrival & Orientation
September / February
Mandatory welcome sessions and first course adjustments
-
3
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
-
4
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
-
5
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.