Marine engineering on the rise – and teacher training sees record interest

Applications for autumn 2025 closed on 15 April, and Chalmers' total number of undergraduate applications rose by 1.5 per cent to 33,256. Among the programmes with the biggest increase in first-choice applicants were Learning and Leadership and Marine Engineering.

Last year saw a sharp rise for marine engineering – and this year’s growth is even greater, up 38 per cent (from 53 to 72 applicants). Head of Programme Peter Hartzell points to several contributing factors:

– Chalmers has an excellent reputation, and people know it’s a high-quality university. It’s also helped that marine engineering has been highlighted as one of the most lucrative career paths after graduation.

He also credits successful marketing efforts and Chalmers’ presence at student fairs. While Linnaeus University has also seen an increase in marine engineering applications, it’s not on the same scale. What’s more, Chalmers is now attracting students from northern and eastern Sweden – areas that traditionally apply to Kalmar.

– In the past, most of our applicants came from the west and south, but this year we’ve seen broader reach, including areas usually drawn to Linnaeus, says Hartzell.

Learning and Leadership, a complementary pedagogical programme, saw first-choice applications nearly triple – from 8 to 22. Though the numbers are small, the growth is significant, especially compared to similar programmes elsewhere. At KTH, for example, the equivalent programme hasn’t seen the same trend.

Head of Programme Linnea Hietala believes increased visibility may be a factor.

– We’ve worked with the Communications Office to create a dedicated webpage for the programme. We’ve also taken part in events like Kunskap & Framtid and Chalmers Day, which may have boosted awareness overall, she says.

Before the application period, six programmes were merged into three – Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering and Chemical Engineering, where Master of Science in Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Engineering programmes were combined.

In the field of mechanical engineering, there has been quite a significant increase in first-choice applicants compared to when there were two separate programmes. The mechanical engineering merger seems to have paid off, according to Head of Programme Dan Paulin.

– Students now have the option to choose their specialisation after they’ve started studying. After 1.5 years, they can either graduate as highly employable BSc engineers or shift towards a broader MSc pathway. We’ve seen similar success in other broad-profile programmes, he says.

He also highlights early and targeted marketing as a success factor.

– Both our study advisors and communications team moved quickly after last year’s admissions closed, giving us a head start in building awareness.

Chalmers runs year-round student recruitment with a clear, consistent message about its high-quality education, creative study environment, vibrant student life, and international outlook.

– We aim to attract a diverse student body with strong potential to succeed. Our communication highlights Chalmers’ academic strengths along with career opportunities, inspiring alumni, and links between education, research and industry – not to mention unique offerings like Tracks and RIU, says Cecilia Hillman, Head of Student and Alumni Relations at the Communications Office.

Programmes with the biggest increase in first-choice applications:

• Learning and Leadership (complementary teacher training): up 175% (from 8 to 22)
• Marine Engineering: up 38% (from 53 to 72)
• Electrical Engineering, BSc level: up 37% (from 59 to 81)

Programmes with the biggest decrease in first-choice applications:

• Information Technology: down 30% (from 184 to 128)
• Architecture: down 29% (from 600 to 425)
• Industrial Engineering and Management: down 25% (from 109 to 82)