Architecture Schools and Programs in Sweden

Architecture Studies in Sweden

In Sweden, architects train in a five-year programme of 300 credits that leads to the professional architect's degree (arkitektexamen). The first three years are at bachelor's level and the last two at master's level. The professional programmes are taught in Swedish, but several universities also offer two-year master's programmes in English for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in architecture. SpainExchange lists two Swedish universities that teach architecture: Chalmers University of Technology (Chalmers tekniska högskola) in Gothenburg and Lund University (Lunds universitet) in Lund.

How the architecture degree is organised

Swedish credits follow ECTS, with 30 credits per semester. At Lund University's School of Architecture, part of the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), the programme starts with a three-year foundation block of compulsory courses, followed by a two-year advanced stage with elective projects and courses. Project work is the main form of study, with themes such as architecture, urban planning, interior architecture, furniture design and restoration. According to Lund University, the arkitektexamen meets the EU directive on professional qualifications and is recognised throughout the EU.

Chalmers has taught architecture since 1856. It offers two five-year programmes, Architecture and Architecture and engineering, each leading to a professional architect's degree, structured as six semesters at bachelor's level and four at master's level. Chalmers, founded in 1829, has been a private university owned by a foundation since 1994.

International master's programmes

Students with a bachelor's degree in architecture can apply for two-year international master's programmes, for example:

• Architecture and planning beyond sustainability, at Chalmers
• Architecture and urban design, at Chalmers
• Architecture, at Lund University (120 credits, taught in English)
• Sustainable Urban Design, at Lund University (120 credits, taught in English), with field trips to cities such as Copenhagen, Berlin and Amsterdam

At Lund, both master's programmes ask for a digital portfolio of the applicant's own work and English at the level of Swedish upper secondary English 6. Sustainable Urban Design also accepts graduates in landscape architecture, physical planning or urban design. Applications for the autumn 2027 intake of Lund's Architecture master's open on 16 October.

Admission to the professional programme

The five-year programmes are open to applicants who meet the general entry requirements plus specific subjects; at Lund these are Mathematics 3b or 3c, Natural Science 2 and Social Studies 1b (or equivalents). About one third of first-year places at the four Swedish architecture schools (Chalmers, KTH, Lund University and Umeå University) go to applicants through a joint aptitude test, the Arkitektprovet. It starts with a home assignment; applicants who do well are invited to two test days. At Lund, the other places are allocated 50% on school grades and 50% on the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (högskoleprovet). Information on the 2027 Arkitektprovet will be published in January.

Fees and residence permit

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. For other students, Study in Sweden, the official portal, gives architecture and design fees of SEK 210,000 to 320,000 per year, plus an application fee of SEK 900. Lund University's two-year master's programmes in Architecture and Sustainable Urban Design each cost SEK 540,000 in total, with a first payment of SEK 135,000.

Students from outside the EU/EEA need a residence permit from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). Admission becomes final only once the first tuition fee is paid. Since 11 June 2026, students with a study permit may work up to 15 hours per week during the semester. Study in Sweden estimates living costs at around SEK 10,656 per month.

Careers

According to Lund University, architects work in architecture practices, municipalities and government agencies, or run their own firms. Their work ranges from designing new buildings and urban developments to renovating existing environments, interiors, furniture and exhibition design, and preparing land-use plans for political decisions. The professional degree also gives access to doctoral studies in architecture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become an architect in Sweden?

The professional programme takes five years (300 credits): three years at bachelor's level and two at master's level. It leads to the arkitektexamen, which is recognised throughout the EU.

Can I study architecture in Sweden in English?

The five-year professional programmes are taught in Swedish. Lund University offers two-year master's programmes in English, Architecture and Sustainable Urban Design, for students who already have a relevant bachelor's degree; Chalmers also runs international master's programmes.

What is the Arkitektprovet?

It is a joint aptitude test used by the four Swedish architecture schools. About one third of first-year places go to applicants through this test; the rest are allocated on grades and the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test.

How much does an architecture master's cost for non-EU students?

At Lund University, the Architecture and Sustainable Urban Design master's programmes cost SEK 540,000 in total. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens pay no tuition fees.