Studying at the University of Gothenburg
The University is large and can feel overwhelming at first. This page gives you an overview of how it works – so you know where you belong and what applies to you.
Your department
The University of Gothenburg is a decentralised organisation. This means your department – not the University centrally – is responsible for your education. Your schedule, administration and certain rules are all handled there.
Your department is where you turn with questions about courses, examinations and study-related decisions.
Find your department: Log in to the Student Portal and go to My page. If you are on a program, different departments may be responsible for different courses – always check who is responsible for the course you are currently taking.
Planning and managing your studies
Course and programme syllabuses
Every course has a course syllabus and every programme has a programme syllabus. They work as a contract between you and the University of Gothenburg: they set out what the University commits to giving you, and what you need to do to pass.
The syllabuses cover learning outcomes, examination, and the reading list – so it's worth familiarising yourself with them early on. If you're on a programme, the programme syllabus also sets out what is required for you to graduate.
Read more: Reading list, course and programme syllabuses
Academic calendar
There are two semesters per year – autumn semester and spring semester. There are no official holidays during the semesters, apart from public holidays.
Teaching is often paused around Christmas and Easter, but this varies – always check your schedule to see what applies to your course.
See current semester dates or read more about schedules
Study administration
Each semester you register for your courses and sign up for examinations – make sure to do this on time, or you may lose your place.
During your studies you may also need to apply for courses within your program, apply for a leave of absence or credit transfer, or obtain a certificate of enrolment.
You will find most of what you need under Your studies.
Studying at the University
At university, you typically study one or two courses at a time rather than many subjects simultaneously. Each course has its own structure, schedule and examination.
Your studies combine taught instruction with independent study and conclude with one or more examinations – the teaching formats you encounter will depend on your course and program.
Teaching formats
Lecture
Normally optional, but often essential for understanding the course literature. Take notes – they will be useful when preparing for your examination.
Seminar
Usually compulsory. You are expected to have prepared and to participate actively with your thoughts and analysis. Projects and essays are often presented in seminar form.
Laboratory session
Usually compulsory. You apply theory in a practical setting, typically in smaller groups. Always follow your teacher's instructions – some laboratory sessions involve chemicals or equipment that require care.
How students and teachers interact
At the University of Gothenburg, and in Sweden generally, the culture between students and teachers is informal and open. Teachers and academic staff are addressed by their first name. You are encouraged to ask questions and challenge ideas – in lectures, seminars and beyond.
Independent study
Independent study is all the time you spend studying outside scheduled teaching – course literature, exam preparation, group work. How you study best is personal, so try different approaches and find what works for you.
Need support along the way? These two guides are a good place to start:
Time commitment
How much time you need to dedicate to your studies depends on your course load, program requirements and your own prior knowledge. As a general guide, full-time studies require roughly the same number of hours per week as a full-time job.
Examinations and grades
Every course includes some form of examination – your results form the basis of your grade. The format varies; check the course syllabus for what applies to your course. The University of Gothenburg uses five different grading systems, with partial grades for individual components and a summary grade for the course as a whole.
Cheating during examinations is a serious offence that the University takes very seriously. It is your responsibility to know the rules before your first examination.
Student life
Financing your studies
How you finance your studies depends on where you are from. If you are a Swedish resident, you may be eligible for student funding through CSN – a grant and loan paid out monthly during term time. To keep your funding, you need to pass a certain number of credits each term.
If you are an international student, CSN funding is generally not available to you. Plan your budget carefully before you arrive – the University of Gothenburg's Welcome Services has a helpful guide to living costs in Gothenburg, including a monthly budget breakdown. You may also be able to work alongside your studies, but this is not something you should rely on from the start.
Student discounts
As a student, you can get discounts on everything from public transport and streaming services to gym memberships and software. Note that your GU-card does not give you student discounts – you need a separate student card for that.
If you are a union member or receive student funding from CSN, you automatically get a Mecenat card, which brings together hundreds of student discounts in one place. Otherwise, you can apply for it directly through Mecenat.
Student unions – your way into student life
Student unions are run by students, for students, and are a natural way into the community at the University. They organise activities, look after your rights, and can help if something goes wrong. Find your union at Student unions and associations.
Health and wellbeing
Student life can be tough at times. The University of Gothenburg's student health service offers support for both physical and mental health – free of charge for students. Find out more at Student healthcare.
Insurance
As a student, you are covered by insurance during your studies, but it is worth knowing what is and is not included. Find out what your student insurance covers at Insurance.