Record-high interest in Master's programmes

Interest in programmes at Jönköping University (JU) remains high ahead of the autumn semester 2026. The number of programme applications has increased significantly compared with last year, and Master’s programmes are reaching record levels – both in terms of the total number of applicants and the number of first‑choice applicants.

When the application period closed on 15 April, JU had received 18,869 programme applications, an increase of 15 per cent compared with the previous year. The number of first-choice applicants to programmes is 5,364, an increase of 12 per cent. The strongest growth is seen at the Master’s level. Here, the number of first‑choice applicants has increased by 35 per cent, reaching a record level.

The figures indicate a stable and broad interest in JU’s programmes, particularly those with a clear connection to working life, societal development and current competence needs.

“The strong demand shows that more people see higher education as a way to meet both changes in the labour market and society’s growing need for advanced skills. Master’s programmes play a particularly important role in this context,” says Thomas Winman, Vice President for Education at Jönköping University.

Several of JU’s largest programmes continue to attract a high number of applicants. The Social Work programme is the most applied‑to programme, followed by the Nursing programme and the Diagnostic Radiography programme. The Business and Economics programme is also among the most sought‑after programmes at JU. This reflects continued strong interest in programmes leading to professions where the demand for qualified professionals remains high.

Interest in engineering programmes remains strong, particularly in programmes with links to industry, production and technological development. Bachelor of Engineering programmes in Mechanical Engineering show a clear increase in the number of first‑choice applicants, and programmes in Industrial Engineering and Management also continue to develop very positively.

Security‑related programmes in focus

Programmes in the field of security are among those showing the strongest growth in this year’s application round. The new programmes Society and Security (Bachelor’s level) and Conflict, Risk and International Security (Master’s level) have attracted very high interest and reflect a growing focus on crisis preparedness, international security, and societal risks. Cybersecurity programmes also continue to attract many applicants. Within higher vocational education, Emergency Preparedness and Security Coordinator is this year’s most applied‑to vocational programme at JU.

“Security issues look very different today compared with just a few years ago. This places new demands on competence, ranging from digital vulnerability to crisis preparedness,” says Thomas Winman.

Overall, this year’s application figures show broad and stable interest in JU’s programmes, with particularly strong development in Master’s programmes and in programmes with a clear connection to society and working life.

The international application period is open until 2 May.

Read the press release from UHR