Uppsala University
FOUNDED 1477 · SWEDEN'S OLDEST UNIVERSITY
FOUNDED 1477 · SWEDEN'S OLDEST UNIVERSITY
Uppsala University is the oldest university in Scandinavia and one of Europe's most distinguished research institutions. Ranked #105 globally by QS, it blends five centuries of intellectual tradition with cutting-edge research in medicine, life sciences, engineering, law, and the humanities — all set in a compact, vibrant university city just 70 minutes from Stockholm. For ambitious international students seeking rigorous European education with genuine research depth, Uppsala is a compelling destination.
Real, freely-licensed photographs of the campus (via Wikimedia Commons).
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ScanianDragon · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons
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The "Betty Pettersson house" at Campus Gotland. The street is Kaserngatan in Visby at Gotland, Sweden.
Tore Danielsson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
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Arild Vågen · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
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The Formal Garden and Orangerie of the Botanical gardens of Uppsala University — seen from Uppsala Castle, in Uppsala, Sweden.
Per Enström, a friend of en:User:Plrk (User:Plrk) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Uppsala has produced Nobel laureates, pioneered modern biology through Carl Linnaeus, and given the world the Celsius temperature scale through Anders Celsius. This legacy of discovery continues today across nine faculties and more than 120 English-taught Master's specialisations.
Founded in 1477, Uppsala is the oldest university in Sweden and the Nordic countries, and a proud member of the Coimbra Group of leading European universities. Its intellectual heritage is unmatched in Scandinavia — making a degree here a signal of academic seriousness globally.
Uppsala is a comprehensive research university with nine faculties spanning humanities, law, medicine, pharmacy, science and technology, and theology. Research groups here collaborate with CERN, WHO, and leading pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca (headquartered nearby).
Over 120 Master's specialisations are taught entirely in English, covering everything from Bioinformatics and Engineering Physics to Peace and Conflict Studies and Business & Economics — making Uppsala fully accessible to international students without Swedish language proficiency.
Uppsala is a true university city: 50,000+ students in a walkable, cycling-friendly city of around 230,000 people. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is 35 minutes away; central Stockholm is 40 minutes by express train — giving you both a tight-knit student community and a global capital on the doorstep.
Uppsala's legendary student nations — 13 clubs dating back centuries — are the heartbeat of student social life, offering housing, pubs, sporting events, balls, and community. No other Scandinavian university has this tradition at this scale.
The Uppsala–Stockholm corridor is one of Europe's most active life-science and tech clusters. Graduates enter pharmaceutical, IT, international organisations, and public-sector roles with strong employment outcomes — 87% employed rate for graduates.
Uppsala University admits approximately 40% of applicants, making it moderately selective by global standards. Admission is primarily based on academic merit — your grades, qualifications, and (for some programmes) ranked test results — without the holistic extracurricular weighting common in US admissions. For high-demand programmes (Medicine, Law, Computer Science), competition is considerably tighter.
Typical minimum for competitive programmes
Uppsala's application process runs through Sweden's centralised portal, Universityadmissions.se. The process is document-driven and grade-focused — no standardised test scores are required for most programmes.
Online Application (Universityadmissions.se)
All applications are submitted via Sweden's national admissions portal. You select and rank programmes in order of preference, pay the application fee, and track results through the same platform.
Certified copies of all secondary and/or tertiary transcripts are required. International credentials are evaluated against Swedish equivalency standards. IB diplomas, A-Levels, and most national curricula are accepted.
IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores are required for non-native speakers unless your previous education was in English. Uppsala also has a documented list of accepted high school/university qualifications as English proof.
Many Master's programmes require a motivation letter or statement of purpose as part of the supporting documents. This is your key piece of writing — it should explain your academic background, research interests, and why you chose this specific programme.
Some programmes, particularly in research-intensive fields, request one or two academic references. Check your specific programme's requirements on the Uppsala programme catalogue.
Some specialisations (particularly those with a research or creative component) require a CV and/or portfolio of relevant work in addition to the standard documents.
Uppsala's admissions are fundamentally merit-based. Unlike US universities, there is no holistic committee review of your extracurriculars, leadership, or personal narrative. Admission decisions are primarily quantitative — your grades relative to the applicant pool for each programme.
For international students, the key factors are: (1) strong, verifiable academic performance in your national curriculum — IB, A-Level, Advanced Placement, or national leaving exams; (2) meeting the specific prerequisites for your chosen programme (e.g., Mathematics at a certain level for engineering or computer science); (3) English proficiency proof; and (4) a compelling motivation letter where required. For graduate programmes, research experience and alignment with faculty interests can strengthen your application.
Grades are the primary selection criterion. Programmes are ranked and offered based on merit order. Top programmes in Medicine, Computer Science, and Engineering are highly competitive even within the ~40% overall rate.
Many programmes have specific subject prerequisites (e.g., advanced mathematics, chemistry, biology). Verify your programme's entry requirements carefully — missing a prerequisite is grounds for ineligibility regardless of overall GPA.
Where a motivation letter is required, assessors look for clear academic purpose, evidence of relevant preparation, and a convincing rationale for choosing Uppsala specifically. Vague or generic letters are the most common weakness.
For research-intensive Master's and PhD programmes, alignment with a faculty member's research agenda matters. Reviewing faculty publications and mentioning relevant faculty or lab groups in your letter shows seriousness.
Uppsala runs one main intake per year (autumn semester beginning August/September). Applications proceed via Universityadmissions.se. Non-EU/EEA students must pay an application fee.
Submit online application and rank programmes
Transcripts, English proof, motivation letter due
Dates shown reflect the 2025–26 cycle (verify on Universityadmissions.se for your intake year). There is no spring intake for most programmes.
Uppsala is one of the most student-centred cities in Europe. With over 50,000 students in a city of around 230,000, the university and student culture are inseparable from daily life.
The 13 student nations are the defining feature of Uppsala student life. Each nation is an independent student organisation offering housing, social events, pubs, sports, and community — with traditions stretching back to the 17th century. Joining one is one of the first things new students do. Beyond nations, Uppsala has six student unions covering different faculties, as well as hundreds of clubs, sports societies, and cultural groups. The university provides free Student Health Services, access to university museums, and discounted entry to concerts and cultural events. Uppsala city is compact, flat, and extremely cycle-friendly. Sweden's culture of outdoor recreation means skiing (within 2 hours), lake swimming, hiking, and winter festivals are part of student life. Stockholm, with its global restaurant scene, design culture, and international job market, is just 40 minutes away by express train.
Uppsala graduates are well-regarded by employers across Europe and internationally, particularly in life sciences, technology, international organisations, law, and public policy.
The Uppsala–Stockholm corridor is one of Europe's most active pharmaceutical and biotech clusters — AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and numerous biotech startups are located within commuting distance. Uppsala graduates in life sciences and medicine enter this ecosystem with recognised credentials. Engineering and computer science graduates access the broader Stockholm tech market (Spotify, King, Klarna, Ericsson are all Stockholm-headquartered). Law graduates have strong pathways into Swedish and EU institutions. International students who gain post-study work authorisation in Sweden can stay in the country to work following graduation; Sweden offers a job-search permit for graduates from Swedish universities.
Do I need to know Swedish to study at Uppsala?
No — if you apply to an English-taught programme (Uppsala offers over 120 Master's specialisations in English), all teaching, materials, and examinations are in English. However, learning basic Swedish will significantly enhance your social life and employability in Sweden.
Is Uppsala test-optional? Do I need SAT/ACT/GRE?
Yes, standardised tests like SAT, ACT, and GRE are generally not required for admission. Entry is based on your academic qualifications (IB, A-Levels, national grades) and English proficiency scores. Some specialised programmes may request GRE — check the specific programme page.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens are exempt from tuition fees and pay no application fee. Non-EU/EEA students pay both an application fee and programme tuition fees, which range from approximately 49,500 to 90,000 SEK per semester depending on the programme.
Can I apply for scholarships as an international student?
Uppsala offers a limited number of full-tuition scholarships to fee-paying international Master's students. These are competitive and awarded on merit. The Swedish Institute also offers scholarships for non-EU students studying in Sweden. Contact tuitiongrants@uu.se for the most current scholarship list.
The main application deadline is 15 January (midnight CET) through Universityadmissions.se, with supporting documents due 2 February. There is typically one intake per year (autumn semester). Always verify dates on the official portal for your intake year.
Is Uppsala part of any university networks?
Yes — Uppsala is a member of the Coimbra Group (a network of leading European research universities) and the U4 Network (Ghent, Göttingen, Groningen, Uppsala). These memberships facilitate exchange partnerships, joint research, and student mobility.
Uppsala has student housing available through the student nations, private operators, and some university-affiliated housing. Demand is high — apply for accommodation as early as possible after receiving your offer of admission. International students are strongly encouraged to sort housing before arriving.
How does Uppsala compare to Lund or Stockholm in Sweden?
Uppsala is Sweden's oldest and historically most prestigious university, strongest in natural sciences, medicine, and law. Lund is strong in engineering and business. Stockholm University excels in social sciences and humanities. KTH (in Stockholm) is Sweden's premier technical university. Choose based on your specific programme, not just prestige.
Academic Profile for International Applicants
Uppsala University is Sweden's most research-intensive institution. The academic environment is rigorous, independent, and seminar-driven — with an expectation of self-directed learning uncommon in many education systems. Understanding what Uppsala values academically is the foundation of a strong application.
Admission is grade-based. The figures below represent typical benchmarks for competitive programmes — easier programmes may have lower thresholds, while Medicine, Law, and Computer Science are more demanding.
Typical minimum for competitive programmes
Uppsala University does not require SAT, ACT, or GRE scores for undergraduate or master's admission. Entry is based on your academic qualifications and official English proficiency tests. The test policy is optional, meaning scores are neither required nor used as a primary evaluation criterion.
This means your IB diploma total, A-Level grades, national baccalaureate, or university GPA are the core of your academic file. There is no place in the Swedish admissions system for test-score boosting strategies common in US admissions.
SAT and ACT scores are not required and are unlikely to influence Uppsala's merit-based grade ranking. GRE is occasionally listed as a supplemental requirement by specific Master's programmes — verify on the individual programme page.
International students from systems where SAT/ACT are the primary leaving credential (e.g., the US) should provide their transcript showing course-level grades alongside test scores. Uppsala's admissions team is experienced at evaluating international qualifications and converts them to Swedish grade equivalents.
How IB, A-Level & Other International Qualifications Are Read
Uppsala accepts a wide range of international secondary qualifications. IB Diplomas and A-Levels are well-understood and readily evaluated.
Uppsala's typical minimum is around 34 points for competitive programmes. Higher-demand programmes (Medicine, Engineering Physics) may require 36–38 points and specific subject choices at Higher Level (HL). Mathematics and sciences at HL are frequently required for STEM programmes.
A-Level applicants typically need BBB to AAA depending on the programme. Subject prerequisites are important — Medicine requires Chemistry and Biology; Engineering requires Mathematics and Physics. Check the specific programme entry requirements.
AP credits from the US system are accepted as evidence of advanced study. Scores of 4–5 in relevant subjects can satisfy subject prerequisites. AP alone is not a complete qualification — it must accompany a high school transcript.
Most national school-leaving certificates (Indian boards, French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, Brazilian ENEM, etc.) are accepted. Uppsala uses a conversion scale to compare grades across systems. Verify your specific qualification's conversion at universityadmissions.se.
Subject prerequisites at Uppsala are strict. Meeting the general entry benchmark but lacking a specific subject requirement will result in rejection regardless of overall grades.
Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, and Economics programmes require advanced mathematics. For IB students, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) at Higher Level is typically expected. A-Level students should have Mathematics at A-Level.
Medicine, Pharmacy, and Biology programmes require combinations of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics at Higher Level. Uppsala's Medicine programme is one of the most competitive in Sweden.
Law and Social Science programmes require strong analytical writing and reading in English. Some programmes require specific humanities subjects. Essay quality in the motivation letter is especially important for humanities programmes.
Programming experience is valued but not always required at the bachelor's level. For master's programmes, a relevant bachelor's degree is required. Game Design specialisations may require a portfolio of projects.
English proficiency is required for all English-taught programmes. Uppsala accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Duolingo English Test.
No individual band below 5.5 typically accepted
Some programmes may require higher sub-scores
Increasingly accepted; verify with your specific programme
If your prior degree was entirely in English, you may be exempt — check the list of accepted documentation on universityadmissions.se
Building Your Academic Profile for Uppsala
Identify your target field early and ensure you're taking the right subjects. If you're interested in STEM programmes, prioritise advanced mathematics and sciences. For Social Sciences or Humanities, develop strong analytical writing.
Choose your IB, A-Level, or national curriculum subjects with Uppsala's entry requirements in mind. Check specific programme prerequisites — changing subjects at Year 12 is often impossible.
Your Year 12 / final predicted grades are what Uppsala evaluates. Predicted grades on your application should be accurate and strong — competitive programmes in Medicine and CS require near-maximum scores.
Pre-Deadline: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather certified transcripts, obtain your English proficiency test score, draft your motivation letter, and request references (if required by your programme). Swedish consulates can certify documents for non-EU students.
Create your Universityadmissions.se account when the portal opens in mid-October. Submit your ranked programme preferences before 15 January. Upload or mail supporting documents by 2 February.
Review your admission result in late March. Accept your offer through the portal. Arrange housing early — Uppsala housing demand is high among newly admitted students.
Missing a subject prerequisite — this disqualifies you regardless of GPA or IB total
Submitting documents after the 2 February supporting documents deadline
Applying to a Swedish-taught programme when you don't speak Swedish
Underestimating how competitive Medicine, CS, and Law programmes are relative to the 40% overall acceptance rate
Not checking your specific programme's entry requirements — they vary significantly within Uppsala
Assuming your IB Extended Essay or CAS is evaluated — Uppsala admission is grade-based, not holistic
Leaving English proficiency testing to the last minute — IELTS and TOEFL results take 2–13 days to arrive
Not ranking multiple programmes in order of preference — if your first choice is oversubscribed, alternatives can still get you an offer
Understanding the Cost of Uppsala for International Students
Uppsala is a public Swedish university — which means EU/EEA students pay no tuition and non-EU students pay significantly less than comparable private universities in the UK or US. However, Scandinavian living costs are high. Understanding the full financial picture — including scholarships and Sweden's social infrastructure — is essential before you apply.
Cost Breakdown (Annual, Non-EU/EEA Students)
All figures are estimates in USD. Tuition varies by programme. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens pay zero tuition. Figures from the university facts file.
https://www.uu.se/en/study/masters-studies/fees
Approximate annual average; programmes range from ~$11,000 to ~$20,000/year (49,500–90,000 SEK/semester)
Housing, food, transport, personal; Uppsala is cheaper than Stockholm but still a high-cost city
One-time; non-EU/EEA students only; paid at Universityadmissions.se
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens pay NO tuition and NO application fee. This guide focuses on non-EU applicants.
Uppsala does not offer a US-style need-based financial aid system. Aid for international students comes primarily through competitive scholarships — full-tuition awards that cover the fee but not living expenses.
Non-EU students who receive admission should plan for full self-funding of living costs. Sweden has no institution-level loan scheme for international students. However, the cost base is meaningfully lower than comparable universities in the UK or US, and Sweden's student lifestyle infrastructure (subsidised healthcare, cultural events, student discounts) reduces day-to-day spending. Contact tuitiongrants@uu.se for the current scholarship options.
https://www.uu.se/en/study/masters-studies/scholarships
Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
Uppsala offers competitive scholarships covering full tuition for non-EU/EEA Master's students. The Swedish Institute offers additional funding nationally.
Uppsala University awards a limited number of full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving non-EU/EEA Master's students. These are competitive, merit-based awards that cover the full cost of tuition but not living expenses. Students apply alongside their programme application. Contact tuitiongrants@uu.se for the current list of eligible programmes and selection criteria.
https://www.uu.se/en/study/masters-studies/scholarships
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
The Swedish Institute offers highly competitive full scholarships covering tuition, living allowance, travel, and insurance for students from selected countries. Priority is given to applicants with demonstrated leadership and professional experience who intend to contribute to development in their home country. Applications are made through the Swedish Institute, not Uppsala directly.
EU students and students from partner countries may access Erasmus+ mobility grants if participating in an approved exchange. Uppsala is a major Erasmus partner, providing a path for funded mobility at the graduate level.
Many governments and foundations provide scholarships for students going to Swedish universities — including Fulbright (US students), DAAD (German students), and various national scholarship boards. Check your home country's scholarship authority for Sweden-eligible funding.
Uppsala offers a genuinely affordable path to a top-100 global university education compared to UK or US equivalents — especially for EU/EEA students who pay zero tuition.
For non-EU students, the total annual cost of approximately $23,700 is meaningfully lower than UK Russell Group or US peer institutions, while the academic credentials and research environment are comparable. Sweden's publicly subsidised student healthcare, housing support systems, and cultural discounts reduce the real cost of daily life. That said, Scandinavian living costs are real — Uppsala is not cheap relative to many Asian or Eastern European university cities. Budget planning should account for accommodation (Uppsala housing is competitive — secure it early), food, transport, and personal expenses before you arrive.
If you hold EU/EEA or Swiss citizenship, you pay no tuition and no application fee. Confirm this status at universityadmissions.se when creating your account — it determines your entire funding picture.
When you submit your programme application, check whether your programme is eligible for Uppsala's internal tuition scholarships. Contact tuitiongrants@uu.se as early as possible — the scholarship application timeline may overlap with the admissions deadline.
The Swedish Institute scholarship has its own application portal and separate deadlines (typically January/February). Prepare a strong leadership portfolio and professional statement. This scholarship is highly competitive but transformative if awarded.
Contact your home government's scholarship or study abroad authority. Many countries have bilateral agreements with Sweden or fund students at Swedish universities. Fulbright (for US students), DAAD (Germany), and similar programmes offer Uppsala-eligible awards.
Even with a full tuition scholarship, living costs (~$13,000/year) are self-funded. Prepare savings, part-time work authorisation (non-EU students on a Swedish student visa may work part-time), and family support plans before arrival.
No. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are fully exempt from tuition fees and application fees at Uppsala and all Swedish public universities.
What does the Uppsala tuition scholarship cover?
Uppsala's internal scholarships cover the full cost of tuition for the duration of the programme. They do not cover living expenses, travel, or accommodation — you must budget for those separately.
Are there scholarships for bachelor's students?
Uppsala's scholarship programme is primarily aimed at Master's students. Bachelor's students should investigate the Swedish Institute and their home country's scholarship schemes.
Can I work while studying in Sweden as a non-EU student?
Yes. Sweden's student residence permit allows part-time work without a separate work permit. Many students work in retail, hospitality, or on-campus roles to supplement their income. Full-time work is not recommended alongside a full-time programme.
Yes, by global standards — but Uppsala is cheaper than Stockholm. Student discounts, subsidised healthcare, and the student nation system (affordable meals and social events) help manage costs. Budget approximately $13,000 per year for living expenses.
The application fee ($90 USD equivalent) is paid at Universityadmissions.se when you submit your application. It is non-refundable. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens are exempt.
Uppsala does not use Common App, UCAS, or standardised essay prompts. Admission is managed through Sweden's Universityadmissions.se portal and is primarily grade-based. However, many — particularly Master's — programmes require a motivation letter or statement of purpose as a key supporting document. This guide covers what that letter is, how it differs from US essays, and how to write one that works.
Uppsala uses Sweden's centralized admissions portal — Universityadmissions.se — not Common App or UCAS. The process is transparent, merit-ranked, and document-based.
https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start
You submit a ranked list of programmes, upload supporting documents (transcripts, English scores, motivation letter), and are ranked against other applicants based on grade equivalency. There are no holistic review committees, no extracurricular scores, and no short-answer essays about activities or character. The motivation letter — where required — is your primary opportunity to demonstrate intellectual fit, readiness, and genuine interest in the specific programme. Not all programmes require it; check your target programme's specific document requirements on the Uppsala programme catalogue.
The Motivation Letter — What Uppsala Expects
Uppsala's motivation letters are programme-specific and vary in format and length requirements. The university does not publish a single set of essay prompts — instead, each programme specifies what it expects in a motivation letter through the supporting documents section of the programme catalogue. Below are the key themes and questions you should address.
Describe your academic background and how it has prepared you for this programme. (Typical requirement — check your specific programme for exact wording.)
This is the foundation of your letter. Be specific: name the courses, projects, or research experiences that directly prepared you. Avoid generalities like 'I have always been passionate about science.' Instead, explain what you studied, what you discovered, and what gap the Uppsala programme fills.
Explain why you have chosen this specific programme at Uppsala University. (Typical requirement — check your specific programme for exact wording.)
Uppsala evaluates whether you have chosen this programme deliberately, not merely as a backup. Research specific faculty, research groups, or programme features that match your interests. Name them. A letter that could be copy-pasted to any European university is a red flag.
Describe your career goals and how this programme supports them. (Typical requirement — check your specific programme for exact wording.)
Swedish universities value clarity of purpose. State your goals concisely and honestly. You don't need grand ambitions — but you do need to show that your chosen programme is a logical next step toward a coherent professional trajectory.
Describe any relevant professional or research experience. (Some programmes include this; check your specific requirements.)
For Master's applicants, this is often the most differentiating section. Internships, research assistantships, professional roles, or even independent projects all count. Quantify impact where possible. If you lack professional experience, draw on your thesis, coursework, or academic projects instead.
How the Uppsala Motivation Letter Differs from US/UK Essays
Students familiar with US Common App essays or the UK UCAS personal statement sometimes bring the wrong framework to a Scandinavian motivation letter. The differences matter.
The US Common App personal statement is a narrative about who you are — your identity, growth, and character. The UCAS personal statement blends academic motivation and personal story. The Uppsala (Nordic) motivation letter is neither of these. It is a professional academic document that addresses: (1) what you have studied and why it qualifies you, (2) why this specific programme is the right next step, and (3) what you plan to do with the degree. Personal narrative and emotional storytelling are less expected and can feel out of place. Write with clarity, precision, and intellectual confidence. A well-structured, 500–800 word letter that directly answers the three questions above will outperform a beautifully crafted narrative that does not address academic fit.
Reference specific technical skills, methodologies, or research questions. If you have a thesis, describe its central finding. Name Uppsala research groups or faculty whose work intersects yours. Reviewers are specialists — precision impresses them.
Research ethics, clinical exposure, or lab experience should feature prominently. Uppsala's medicine and biology programmes are highly selective — demonstrate that your academic record and experience meet the programme's research culture.
Intellectual argument and clarity of thought matter most. Show you have read widely in the field, identify a tension or question your study will address, and explain why Uppsala's programme is the right intellectual environment to pursue it.
Combine academic rigour with professional context. What specific economic or business question motivates you? What professional experiences have shaped your thinking? Uppsala's Business & Economics programmes attract career changers as well as academic continuers — be honest about your trajectory.
Uppsala is one of the world's leading centres for peace and conflict research (Department of Peace and Conflict Research, PRIO-affiliated). If applying here, demonstrate familiarity with the field's literature, your geographic or thematic area of interest, and your long-term contribution to peacebuilding.
The single most effective motivation letters have one thing in common: they are impossible to send to a different university. Your goal is specificity.
Start by reading the programme syllabus and faculty research pages on uu.se. Identify one or two faculty members whose research overlaps with your interests — and mention them by name and work. Identify the specific module, research methodology, or programme feature that Uppsala offers and others don't. Then build your letter backward from that specificity: here is what I've studied, here is the specific gap or question I have, here is exactly why Uppsala's programme fills it. This structure is honest, targeted, and far more compelling than generic enthusiasm.
Writing a personal narrative about your childhood or family — Uppsala expects academic and professional rationale, not personal storytelling
Using the exact same letter for every programme — reviewers can tell, and it signals low interest
Being vague about why Uppsala specifically — 'Uppsala is a world-class university' is not a reason
Exceeding the specified word or page limit — Swedish academic culture values precision and economy of language
Describing what the programme will teach you without explaining what you bring to it
Failing to address subject prerequisites or gaps in your background proactively — if your transcript has a weakness, address it briefly
Submitting the letter late — the supporting documents deadline is strict and late submissions are typically not accepted
Writing in a language other than the one specified — if the programme is English-taught, submit in English
Frequently Asked Questions — Application Writing
Does every Uppsala programme require a motivation letter?
No — not all programmes require one. Some are grade-based only. Check the 'Supporting Documents' section of your specific programme page on uu.se to confirm whether a motivation letter is required and what format is expected.
How long should the motivation letter be?
Typical programme requirements specify 500–1,000 words or 1–2 pages. Follow the programme's own specification. If no length is given, aim for 700–800 words. Conciseness is valued in Scandinavian academic culture.
Is the motivation letter the same as a US personal essay?
No. The Uppsala motivation letter is an academic-professional document, not a personal narrative. It should address your academic background, motivation for the programme, and career goals — not your character or personal journey.
Do I need to mention specific faculty in my letter?
Not always required, but highly recommended for research-intensive programmes. Mentioning a faculty member by name — with a specific reference to their work — signals genuine interest and preparation.
Can I submit the same letter if I apply to multiple programmes?
You should not. Each programme has a different focus, faculty, and research culture. Submitting identical letters is detectable and undermines your application's credibility.
What language should I write the letter in?
For English-taught programmes, write in English. For Swedish-taught programmes, write in Swedish. If the programme specifies a language, follow it strictly.
Is there an interview process at Uppsala?
Some programmes — particularly in medicine, fine arts, and certain research master's — include interviews or portfolio reviews. This is programme-specific. Check the programme's admissions page for confirmation.