Study in Gothenburg

QS Best Student Cities ranking: =53rd

Sweden’s second-largest city, this port town is renowned for its continental feel and its friendly locals, with a fairly large student population. Universities in Gothenburg include two institutions ranked in the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings® 2023: the Chalmers University of Technology (joint 125th) and the University of Gothenburg (joint 185th).

There’s a great deal of culture to explore here, as the city hosts some of the largest annual events in Scandinavia, including the annual Gothenburg Film Festival and the Gothenburg Book Fair. In summer, a wide variety of music festivals are held in the city, while sports fans can enjoy the annual Gothia Cup, the world's largest football tournament in terms of the number of participants.

Although not cheap, Gothenburg is more affordable than many other Swedish cities, and has plenty of pubs and bars. It’s proved a hit with its students, claiming a position in the top 40 for student view, one of the indicators used to compile the QS Best Student Cities ranking. 

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Internationally ranked universities in Gothenburg

More about Gothenburg

Gothenburg - the second-largest city in Sweden - ranks in the QS Best Cities Ranking, placing particularly well in the student view and desirability indicators. 

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why study in Gothenburg?

Unique study methods

Gothenburg is home to two universities that rank among the top 200 in the world. Unlike other institutions in the Western world, Swedish schools and universities offer students an alternative approach to learning. In classrooms, students can discuss topics with each other in groups, where they're encouraged to think about issues in a creative and holistic way.

A friendly environment

Gothenburg is one of the biggest cities in Scandinavia and a hub for entertainment, thanks to its port, vibrant local culture and neighbourly environment. It's an ideal place for students who want to experience studying in a Nordic country and are looking for a smaller-town feel with a friendly vibe.

Cost of living in Gothenburg

Gothenburg ranked 130th for affordability, gaining three spots from Stockholm. According to Numbeo, rent prices in Gothenburg are almost 28 percent lower than in the Swedish capital, with a single apartment in the city center costing US$1,074. 

Costs of living are also cheaper in Gothenburg than in Stockholm - about 13 percent. 

Life & culture in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a youthful and dynamic city, ideal for students who seek a friendly vibe in a beautiful seaside town.

The city offers students beautiful indoor and outdoor amenities, including Sweden's biggest port, top-ranked museums, the Göta River, a huge botanical garden and the popular hipster nehgbourhood of Haga. 

Unlike Stockholm, Gothenburg has a more laid-down and continental atmosphere, allowing students to make the most out of their experience.

Careers in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a hub for business both in Sweden and Europe. Not only is it the biggest port in the country, it is also home to several top local and international corporations across industries, such as Volvo and AstraZeneca.

The biggest sectors for careers in the city are shipping, manufacturing, tech and hospitality.