16 April 2025

When the application for the autumn semester closed at midnight on April 15, 411,200 people had submitted at least one application. This is an increase of one percent compared to 2024. At LiU, the number of applicants to programs increased by three percent.

Photographer: Anna Nilsen

At Linköping University, the total number of applicants to programs and courses decreased by two percent. The decrease is due to fewer applicants to courses, but for programs, an increase of three percent is noted.

“It is positive that we are strengthening our position by a few percent when it comes to program education. It is primarily our so-called 'flagships' that continue to do well. The number of first-choice applicants to the business administration program increased by 14 percent and to the industrial engineering and management program by seven percent,” says Karin Axelsson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Linköping University responsible for education.

“The increased interest in higher education can largely be explained by the current labor market situation. In times of uncertainty, education becomes a natural choice for many. At the same time, we have large youth cohorts now reaching the age to apply for higher education, which further contributes to the increased application pressure,” comments Robin Johansson, Unit Manager at UHR, on the national figures.

Fewer applicants to courses

The number of first-choice applicants to courses at LiU was 6,800. This can be compared to the high figure of 7,300 last year, a decrease of seven percent.
“Applications to individual courses vary more from year to year, and it is difficult to draw any conclusions from the fact that they are decreasing slightly now. Last year we ended up unusually high, now somewhat lower,” notes Karin Axelsson.

For most single-subject courses, registration is open until the course starts.

Latest news from LiU

Close-up of a hand putting a ballot into a box

How local democracy can be strengthened

At a time when the values of democracy are under threat, municipalities need to resist authoritarian tendencies. Certain reforms can contribute to a more resilient local democracy. The introduction of municipal parliamentarism is an example.

Six people looking at a laptopscreen.

LiU in collaboration with NASA

A collaboration between Linköping University and NASA has led to a new three-day workshop about managing the unexpected. The aim is to provide knowledge, and some experience, of decision-making in tough situations.

Red blood cell.

AI method for determining time of death is awarded prize

Jenny Arpe’s master’s thesis at LiU presents a new method for determining the time of death using AI. For this she has now been awarded a master of science in engineering thesis prize awarded in memory of Christopher Polhem.