Chalmers University of Technology is located in Gothenburg, Sweden, and was founded in 1829 after a donation from William Chalmers, a director of the Swedish East India Company, to establish an industrial school. Since 1994 it has been run as an independent private foundation.
Chalmers is one of Sweden's leading technical universities, with around 11,000 full-time students and roughly 3,235 staff. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education in technology, natural sciences, maritime studies, architecture and management.
- Chalmers ranks 165th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 11th in the Nordic region
- It enrols about 11,000 full-time students and employs around 3,235 staff across its Johanneberg and Lindholmen campuses in Gothenburg
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens study tuition-free, while students from outside these regions pay tuition plus a SEK 900 application fee, with the autumn 2026 master's deadline on 15 January 2026.
What Is Chalmers University of Technology?
Chalmers University of Technology is a leading Swedish technical university in Gothenburg, founded in 1829 through a donation by William Chalmers of the Swedish East India Company. Run as a private foundation since 1994, it educates around 11,000 students in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, maritime studies and management.
The university is named after its benefactor, William Chalmers, and has grown into an internationally recognised institution focused on engineering, science and innovation, with strong links to Swedish industry and a large community of international master's students.
Where Are Chalmers' Campuses Located?
Chalmers has two main campuses in Gothenburg, Sweden: Campus Johanneberg, the historic main campus near the city centre, and Campus Lindholmen on the island of Hisingen. Both are well connected by public transport and sit beside science parks linking students with industry. Chalmers also operates the Onsala Space Observatory.
How Is Chalmers Ranked in 2026?
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Chalmers University of Technology is placed 165th globally, 70th in Europe and 11th among Nordic universities. Times Higher Education ranks it in the 201-250 band worldwide. Chalmers performs strongest in engineering subjects, ranking 57th globally for mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering.
| Ranking 2026 | Chalmers position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 165th globally |
| QS Europe | 70th |
| QS Nordic region | 11th |
| Times Higher Education (World) | 201-250 band |
What Master's Programmes Does Chalmers Offer?
Chalmers offers a wide range of two-year international master's programmes taught entirely in English, spanning engineering, architecture, data science, computer science and management. Popular MSc programmes include Software Engineering and Technology, Data Science and AI, Automotive Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Sustainable Energy Systems, and Architecture and Urban Design, each combining strong theory with practical, industry-linked projects.
- MSc Software Engineering and Technology
- MSc Data Science and AI
- MSc Automotive Engineering
- MSc Applied Mechanics
- MSc Sustainable Energy Systems
- MSc Architecture and Urban Design
What Are the Tuition Fees at Chalmers?
Higher education at Chalmers is free for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland. Students from outside these regions pay tuition fees, currently around SEK 70,000 per semester for most programmes, plus a non-refundable SEK 900 application fee submitted through universityadmissions.se. Architecture programmes carry a higher per-semester fee.
How Hard Is It to Get Into Chalmers?
Chalmers does not publish an official acceptance rate. Admission to its international master's programmes is competitive and merit-based, assessed mainly on your bachelor's degree, relevant subject background, grades and English proficiency. Applicants typically need a recognised bachelor's in a related field plus IELTS or TOEFL scores meeting Sweden's standard entry requirements.
When Is the Application Deadline?
For autumn 2026 entry, the international master's application round at Chalmers opens on 16 October 2025 and closes on 15 January 2026 through universityadmissions.se. Applicants from outside the EU/EEA should apply early, pay the SEK 900 application fee, and submit supporting documents before the deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships.
What Scholarships Are Available at Chalmers?
Fee-paying master's students at Chalmers can apply for scholarships that reduce tuition costs, including the Avancez Scholarships and the IPOET Scholarships, which cover part of the tuition fee. The separate Swedish Institute Scholarships fund some students fully. You apply only after submitting your programme application and receiving an application number from universityadmissions.se.
Who Are Chalmers' Notable Alumni?
Chalmers has produced many influential graduates. They include Gustaf Dalen, the 1912 Nobel laureate in Physics, Spotify co-founder Martin Lorentzon, and former Volvo and Ericsson chief executive Leif Johansson. Felix Kjellberg, known online as PewDiePie, studied industrial economics and technology management at Chalmers but left before completing his degree.
- Gustaf Dalen - 1912 Nobel laureate in Physics
- Martin Lorentzon - Spotify co-founder
- Leif Johansson - former CEO of Volvo and Ericsson
- Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) - attended, no degree
How Can You Contact Chalmers?
You can reach Chalmers University of Technology at its main campus, Campus Johanneberg, Chalmersplatsen 4, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden. For admissions and programme enquiries, contact the admissions office on +46 31 772 25 90 or by email at antagning@chalmers.se. Detailed course, fee and scholarship information is available on the official Chalmers website.