University of Gothenburg

Overview

The University of Gothenburg is one of the largest and oldest universities in Sweden. It is also among the most prominent higher education institutions in the country, known for its exemplary programs in medicine and life sciences and high research activity. This public university is also a member of the Aurora network, which consists of some of Europe’s renowned universities. In addition, Gothenburg’s School of Business, Economics, and Law was recognized by the three foremost business school accreditation groups, earning it a “triple crown.”

Gothenburg is divided into eight faculties and 38 departments centered on disciplines like science, business, education, arts, and social sciences. It offers around 190 programs that carry more than 1,400 courses. The school’s most highly regarded courses include dentistry, nursing, politics, life sciences, medicine, education, sociology, and communication. It also offers four undergraduate programs and several graduate programs that are taught exclusively in English for international students.

Research at Gothenburg is conducted in its seven core facilities and three marine infrastructure units. High priority studies are consolidated in six key areas: health and medicine, sustainability and the environment, society and economics, education and learning, information technology and science, and culture and language. It has amassed over 1,200 projects funded by domestic and international organizations.

The University of Gothenburg has a staggered structure with its schools and colleges located in seven districts of Gothenburg City, apart from its four facilities outside the city. Given the school’s structure, students have immediate access to the city’s special features, including bars, restaurants, expansive commercial centers, and various modes of accommodation. Within these districts, Gothenburg also has nine libraries that house more than 28,000 journals and 2,300 eBooks.

Founded in 1891, the University of Gothenburg’s earliest incarnation is the Gothenburg University College, which was established with the help of donations. It had modest beginnings as its first classes were attended by 21 students and taught by seven teachers. In 1907, the institution was granted university status and became Sweden’s third official university. After a series of mergers, it was renamed the University of Gothenburg in 1954.

As of 2020, Gothenburg admits more than 49,000 students and 6,400 employees, of which 3,000 are members of the teaching staff. The university is associated with a number of medical discoveries, such as Losec capsules (peptic ulcer treatment), Brånemark dental implants, and chemical treatments for Parkinson’s Disease. It is also known for performing the world’s first successful transplanted uterus pregnancy.

Gothenburg’s notable alumni include Jan Eliasson (diplomat), Arvid Carlsson (Nobel laureate), Percy Barnevik (business executive), Jonas Jonasson (journalist), Martin Wallström (actor), and Cecilia Malmström (politician).

Gothenburg has continually strived to achieve its goal of becoming an institution that helps develop domestic and international societies while fostering a global approach to sustainability. It also actively evaluates the quality of its teaching and research to ensure that they are perpetually first-rate.