More students choose programmes that shape the society of tomorrow

Applications for the spring 2026 semester at Jönköping University (JU) show a clear increase. More applicants are choosing programmes that lead to professions in high demand - healthcare, engineering, and education.

When the national application period closed on 15 October, the figures confirmed that JU continues to strengthen its role as an important contributor to Sweden’s future skills supply. The total number of applicants for degree programmes has increased by 19 per cent, while first-choice applicants have risen by an impressive 26 per cent compared to last year.

“It’s fantastic to see such strong interest in our programmes. The fact that so many are choosing studies that address society’s needs within healthcare, technology, and education shows that JU plays a key role in securing future competence,” says Thomas Winman, Vice President for Education at JU.

Record interest in Basic Science Semesters – best results since 2018

Interest in engineering education continues to rise. The Basic Science Semesters (Swe. Teknisk Bastermin), which prepare students for engineering programmes by providing the necessary qualifications in mathematics and natural sciences, have achieved their best results in seven years. The number of first-choice applicants to the twelve tracks has increased by 13 per cent, making JU the third-largest university in Sweden in terms of applications to preparatory engineering programmes.

Particularly encouraging is the strong growth for the Civil Engineering - Building Technology track (Swe. Civilingenjör i Byggnadsteknik), where the number of first-choice applicants has more than doubled. The construction sector remains one of the areas with the greatest need for skilled professionals to support sustainable urban development.

Complementary Teacher Education (KPU) - a vital part of the solution

The Complementary Teacher Education programmes (Swe. Kompletterande Pedagogisk Utbildning) target individuals who already have subject knowledge but lack formal teaching qualifications. These programmes are a crucial part of Sweden’s efforts to address the shortage of qualified teachers. JU offers two variants – KPU60 and KPU90 – depending on the applicant’s prior education. Both are offered online to ensure accessibility regardless of where students live or what stage of life they are in.

In total, the KPU programmes have attracted nearly 1,500 applicants, including more than 300 first-choice applicants.

Nursing and Social Work programmes remain top choices

The Social Work Programme (Swe. Socionomprogrammet) remains JU’s single most popular programme, followed by the Nursing Programme (Swe. Sjuksköterskeprogrammet).

Although both programmes show a slight decrease in first-choice applicants compared to last year, the overall number of applicants – as well as the number of qualified applicants – has increased for both.

Growing interest in freestanding courses

As in previous years, many have applied for freestanding courses for the upcoming spring semester. JU has received 1,309 first-choice applications, a 9 per cent increase compared to last year.

The most popular courses for spring 2026 are Conflicts and Conflict Management, Work and Organisational Psychology, and Special Education – Introductory Course.

The positive trend shows that JU’s focus on education in socially vital sectors is yielding results. With a strong interest in engineering, teacher education, and healthcare, the University is well-positioned to contribute to Sweden’s future skills needs.

“We’re known for our high quality in both education and research, and that attracts both Swedish and international students to JU,” says Thomas Winman.

Contact

Thomas Winman, Vice President for Education, thomas.winman@ju.se, +46-36-10 15 00