University West Study programmes 2026
Creating change together.
Welcome to: Europe, Sweden & Trollhättan.
Linking theory with working life
University West offers programmes in close collaboration with working life in an attractive and modern study environment. The university has about 5 600 students on campus (in total 14 000) and 740 employees. The university campus is centrally located in the town of Trollhättan close to cafés, cinemas, restaurants and sport facilities, but also close to beautiful landscapes. The campus is constructed with the students’ needs in focus. The international atmosphere is informal and dynamic.
WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING - University West is founded on the principle that knowledge is acquired everywhere, not just in universities. Integrating work situations into study programmes – so-called Work Integrated Learning – exemplifies the important relationship between the
university and the outside world. Work Integrated Learning provides students with many opportunities to learn from real working life situations through, for example, project work, field studies, mentorship projects and sometimes even work placements.
Sweden – one of the most innovative countries in the world
You have probably already read or heard a lot about Sweden: the Vikings, Scandinavia, beautiful nature, herring, the Nobel Prize, Volvo, and IKEA. A modern, sustainable country with a high standard of living. But did you know that Sweden is one of the most innovative countries in the world, ranking as the second according to Global Innovation Index?
Swedes are early adopters of new technology and the country’s nonhierarchical society creates a fertile environment for new ideas. The Swedish government invests a higher proportion of GDP in R&D than most other countries. Generations of innovation have led to a long list
of world- changing inventions like the three-point seatbelt, the pacemaker, the adjustable wrench and safety matches. More recent Swedish inventions are Spotify, Minecraft and Bluetooth. Come and study in the country that lives and breathes innovation!
Photo: Simon Paulin
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson
Photo: Simon Paulin
Photo: Simon Paulin
A unique university in the centre of Trollhättan
University West is located near the west coast of southern central Sweden, in Trollhättan. The city, with its 60 000 inhabitants, is a well-known destination, attracting thousands of visitors every year. It is a creative city – a place with room for both development and a vision for the future.
The University campus is situated in the heart of the city centre, close to cafés, cinemas, restaurants and sports facilities, but also near a beautiful natural landscape. You don’t have to waste time in traffic queues or feel stressed in overcrowded subways. As a student in Trollhättan you have all you need close by.
The Göta River and its great waterfalls are within walking distance from campus. The falls have provided the local economy with power for several hundred years, and Sweden’s first hydropower plant was established here.
Today Trollhättan is home to a number of high-tech companies. One of the best known is GKN Aerospace, a company that not only sends its jet engines out into the world but also out into space through its development of rocket engine technology. The Swedish electric car manufacturer Polestar, is currently locating development and testing operations in Trollhättan. An exciting part of Trollhättan’s proud industrial history is the entertainment industry, with entrepreneurs in media and film production.
University West is located near the west coast of southern Sweden in Trollhättan, a 35-minute train ride from Sweden’s second largest city, Gothenburg.
Photo: Joachim Nywall
About University West
5 600 students at campus
14 000 students in total
A commission from the Swedish Government to develop Work Integrated Learning
We offer a free Swedish course for all international programme students
”Teachers are close, and it is really easy to talk to them and ask as many questions as you want.”
Carlos Martinez Armendariz, from Spain
Students and staff from all over the world
We offer accommodation to all students
740 employees researchers, teaching staff and administrative staff
60 professors and approximately half of the research is externally funded
70 of doctoral students of which one third are employed in industry
A library with more than 350 places to study in different sections
More than 50 group rooms for studying
Member of the European University Association (EUA) and a part of the Strategic Alliance for Regional Transition (STARS EU)
ANUPAMA GOVINDARAJ FROM INDIA
From India to Sweden: A Journey in Robotics
Anupama Govindaraj from India chose the Master’s in Robotics and Automation at University West for its unique mix of theory, hands-on learning, and international atmosphere.
“University West stood out to me because of its strong emphasis on work-integrated learning,” Anupama explains. The modern labs, industry connections, and practical approach made it the right fit for her ambitions. Her passion for robotics began during her bachelor’s studies. “Building a robot for my final year project made me realize how much I enjoyed solving real-world challenges,” she says.
The campus atmosphere was vibrant and
diverse, with students from around the world. Group work, cultural events, and everyday interactions helped her grow academically and socially. “The sheer variety of baked goods amazed me,” she recalls, describing how Swedish fika soon became a highlight of her week.
Living in Sweden also gave Anupama a new perspective. She enjoyed the closeness to nature, the welcoming community, and the balance between studies and life. Now, as a
TAICHI MATSUMOTO FROM FROM JAPAN
doctoral student, she aims to contribute to innovations in automation that are both efficient and sustainable.
Her advice to future students is simple: get involved, embrace new experiences, and “never miss a Tuesday fika – it is more than a coffee break, it is a moment to connect, reflect, and recharge.”
This programme Opens New Perspectives
Taichi from Japan chose to return to Sweden for his Master’s studies after experiencing the country’s unique, student-driven learning environment. At University West, he has found engaging classes, meaningful group work, and inspiring new concepts. Beyond academics, life in Trollhättan, with its nature, river, and friendships, has made his study experience both enriching and enjoyable.
Taichi first came to Sweden as an exchange student during his bachelor’s. “I liked the learning environment. It was very student driven, there was much group work and I enjoyed being an active student.” Returning for a Master’s at University West felt natural.
He appreciates that “it’s not like the lecturer is talking for one hour and students just sit and listen.” Instead, discussions and group assignments give students responsibility and deepen learning. Compared to Japan, “the amount of group work here … is very different,” helping him practice time management, planning, and critical thinking.
His Master in Sustainable Development also introduces him to Work Integrated Learning (WIL). “WIL is a very new concept for me. I look forward to understanding the concept better and to learn how to apply it to sustainable development.”
Living in Trollhättan, Taichi enjoys the closeness to nature. “When I go to campus I take my bike through the forest … It’s really good for my mental health.” He also values
fika by the Göta River and cooking with friends, making his study experience both social and enriching.
Alumi Gabriel Bachmann now works as an engineer at Scania
Meet Gabriel Bachmann, a German engineer who found his calling in Sweden’s electric vehicle industry. From studying mechanical engineering, to pursuing a masters degree in Sweden, to becoming a test engineer at Scania.
With a background in mechanical engineering, Gabriel's passion for electric vehicles led him to pursue a master’s programme in Electromechanical Vehicle Engineering at University West, in Sweden.
Gabriel says that one of the reasons for studying in Sweden, in particular, is the good reputation the country has in Germany.
As Gabriel got close to completing his studies, an unexpected opportunity presented itself when he connected with a fellow student working on a thesis at Scania. Intrigued by the exciting developments in the electric vehicle industry, Gabriel decided to take a leap of faith and apply for work at the company.
Now, Gabriel works at Scania as a test engineer. His role revolves around ensuring the seamless functioning of charging systems and electric trucks.
"We test charging systems for heavy electric vehicles. We listen into the vehicle – how is the power distributed, what is the vehicle communicating to the charger and vice versa” Gabriel explains.
Through Gabriel's work he actively participates in the global shift towards sustainable transportation. "The goal is to be a part of the shift towards a sustainable future when it comes to transport systems, to reduce carbon emissions and carbon pollution in the atmosphere. To make the Earth a more sustainable place."
Gabriel's educational journey, equipped him with a strong foundation and a comprehensive understanding of electric vehicles. “When it comes to a general understanding, this programme prepared me very well” he says. “At the end of the day, you learn the basics at your university and then later at work, you learn by doing. But in general, I got a good understanding of how things work.”
Reflecting on his overall experience, Gabriel emphasizes the importance of the practical elements during his studies and encourages others to explore the opportunities in Sweden. "We did a lot of practical things during my master studies. It was not only theoretical” he says.
“It’s a great experience and these skills will be very important in the future. So, there will not be a lack of jobs” Gabriel explains. “And it's a very interesting field. You can contribute to something bigger. The way the programme is built is very good. So, you get a very broad picture about the topic.”
Photo: Dan Boman
Programmes
Please note that changes may be made to the programme offerings after the printing of this material.
The tuition fee is paid per semester.
* EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not pay tuition fees.
** The tution fee for programmes taught on distance is 100 000 SEK/year.
*** Implementation of this prpgramme is conditional upon final administrative approval.
The English language requirement
We follow the documents on www.universityadmissions.se (no other additional specific documents). The bachelor degree needs to be in the field written on the program page for some of the master programmes.
