Erasmus guide University of Gothenburg
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Snapshot
Sweden's third-largest university (QS top 200): 38,000 students, 75 English-taught masters, eight faculties, founded 1891, central west-coast campus.
Why students shortlist it
A broad Gothenburg university with exchange options across social sciences, arts, humanities, natural sciences, health, education, and business-related faculties. Daily logistics depend on faculty location across the city.
Teaching languages: English (primary for most exchange and master's); Swedish for some bachelor-level courses
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Check agreement requirements.
Nomination Process
Partner nomination required.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
Tuition & Fees
| 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 | Sweden free for EU/EEA. Comprehensive university — marine sciences, arts, humanities strong. Gothenburg is Sweden's 2nd city, cheaper than Stockholm. Non-EU … |
| Full degree – non-EU | SEK 90,000–155,000/year | U Gothenburg non-EU: Humanities ~SEK 90,000–110,000, Science/IT ~SEK 130,000–155,000/year (~€8,000–14,000). EU/EEA: free. Comprehensive university — strong i… |
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
Sweden free for EU/EEA. Comprehensive university — marine sciences, arts, humanities strong. Gothenburg is Sweden's 2nd city, cheaper than Stockholm. Non-EU …
SEK 90,000–155,000/year
U Gothenburg non-EU: Humanities ~SEK 90,000–110,000, Science/IT ~SEK 130,000–155,000/year (~€8,000–14,000). EU/EEA: free. Comprehensive university — strong i…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
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
Welcome Week, ESN Gothenburg, GU International Office, free Swedish courses, BankID/personnummer support.
Student Union
Advocacy, representation, local discount cards, and university sports coordination.
Student Services (Gothenburg)
University of Gothenburg student services: libraries, digital services, language support, student unions, student health, and campus life. Comprehensive support network.
Student Portal (GU)
University of Gothenburg student portal: service centre, academic tools, study support, health services, and practical information for enrolled students.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- University of Gothenburg student unions
- ESN Gothenburg and international activities
- Faculty associations, cultural events, and city-wide student life
Buddy Program
Start from the incoming exchange page and faculty welcome information, then use student-union and ESN activities to build a social routine.
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 Dates
Pre-arrival
May - June for Autumn semester
Nomination validation and visa application processing
Arrival & Orientation
September / February
Mandatory welcome sessions and first course adjustments
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.