Posted by : Kaushik Dasgupta

Author Designation : Operational Head

An overview of Dalarna University

Dalarna University (Högskolan Dalarna) is a public institution of higher learning located in central Sweden, offering internationally recognized education with a strong focus on digital learning, sustainability, and real-world application. Known for its student-centric environment and vibrant cultural setting, Dalarna is often praised for its personalized teaching approach and innovative use of educational technology.

The university is located in two cities: Falun (the administrative capital of Dalarna County) and Borlänge, both nestled in one of Sweden’s most scenic regions—rich in forests, lakes, and cultural heritage.

With over 16,000 students, including a growing number of international enrollers from 60+ countries, Dalarna University is particularly strong in areas such as data science, tourism, energy systems, linguistics, social work, education, and business.

History of Dalarna University

Dalarna University was founded in 1977, part of Sweden’s movement to decentralize higher education and expand access to rural and regional areas. Since its inception, it has played a critical role in developing skilled professionals and promoting innovation in the Dalarna region.

Key Historical Highlights:

1977: Established as a university college.
1990s: Introduced digital distance learning—one of the first in Sweden.
2000s: Rapid growth in applied sciences and teacher training.
2010s: Expansion into global programs, including online master's degrees.
2022: New modern campus opened in Falun, integrating sustainability into architecture and learning spaces.

Today, Dalarna is recognized nationally and internationally for its pioneering role in e-learning, sustainability education, and regional development.

Rankings and Reputation

Dalarna University does not appear in the QS Top 500 or Times Higher Education World University Rankings due to its size and regional focus, but it has strong recognition in key areas.

Reputation and Subject Strength:

Area	Recognition
Digital Learning	Top 3 in Sweden
Tourism & Hospitality	Among top programs in EU
Renewable Energy Systems	National leader
Nordic Languages & Linguistics	Highly rated globally
Study Portals Student Score	4.4/5 (Excellent)

While it may not rank globally in general academic indices, Dalarna is highly regarded in:

Educational innovation
Sustainability
Blended/online learning
Teacher education and linguistics

Courses Offered and Tuition Fees

Dalarna offers a wide range of English-taught Bachelor's and Master’s programs, available on campus and online.

Bachelor’s Programs in English

Bachelor in International Tourism Management
Bachelor in International Social Work

Master’s Programs in English

MSc in Data Science
MSc in Business Intelligence
MSc in Energy-Efficient Built Environment
MSc in Solar Energy Engineering (Online + Campus)
MSc in Tourism Destination Development
MSc in African Studies
MSc in English Studies
MSc in International Social Work

Tuition Fees for Non-EU/EEA Students

Program Level	Annual Tuition Fee (SEK)	Duration
Bachelor’s	85,000 – 95,000 SEK	3 years
Master’s	90,000 – 110,000 SEK	1–2 years

Examples:

MSc in Data Science: SEK 95,000/year
MSc in Tourism: SEK 90,000/year
Bachelor in Tourism: SEK 85,000/year

EU/EEA & Swiss students do not pay tuition fees.

Admission Eligibility

For Bachelor’s Programs

Completed secondary education (equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school).
English proficiency:

IELTS 6.5 (no band <5.5)
TOEFL iBT 90

Program-specific subject requirements (e.g., math, English).

For Master’s Programs

Recognized Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Proof of English proficiency (same as above).
Additional documents: CV, Statement of Purpose, sometimes letters of recommendation or portfolios.

Application Timeline

January 15: Application deadline for Autumn intake
February 1: Document submission deadline

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Dalarna University offers several merit-based scholarships to non-EU/EEA students, making education more accessible and affordable.

???? Types of Scholarships:

Dalarna University Tuition Fee Waivers

Covers 10% to 50% of the tuition fee.
Based on academic excellence, motivation, and future career goals.

Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships

Covers full tuition + living allowance + travel.
Available to citizens of eligible countries (Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America).
Extremely competitive.

Program-Specific Incentives

Some faculties offer limited research assistantships or project funding (e.g., in solar energy or linguistics).

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a fee-paying student (non-EU/EEA).
Program at Dalarna University must be first choice.
Strong academic background and compelling personal statement.

Career Opportunities and Placement Report

Though Swedish universities generally do not publish “placement reports” like in India or the U.S., Dalarna tracks employment outcomes via graduate surveys and alumni networks.

Employment Statistics (Last 3 Years):

Year	Employment within 6 Months	Common Fields
2021	83%	IT, tourism, education, energy
2022	85%	Data science, linguistics, NGO
2023	88% (projected)	Solar energy, public health, tech

Top Employment Sectors:

Energy & Environment (SolarTech, Vattenfall)
Tourism & Hospitality (Visit Sweden, Scandic, TUI)
Software & Analytics (Ericsson, Capgemini, Spotify)
Education & Public Services
International NGOs (UNICEF, Red Cross)

Career Support Services:

Internship placements via Erasmus+
Job fairs and virtual recruitment events
CV/resume workshops and mock interviews
Career portal with part-time and full-time job postings

Notable Alumni

While relatively young, Dalarna has produced graduates who are leaders in:

Renewable energy
International tourism
Education policy
Data analytics

Prominent Alumni:

Dr. Daniel Mugisha – Regional Energy Officer, UNDP East Africa
Elina Nyström – Sustainability Manager, IKEA
Ali Salim – Tourism Entrepreneur and Speaker (Kenya)
Laura Ingeborg – Language policy expert at Swedish National Agency for Education
Emma Falk – Chief Product Designer at Klarna

Many Dalarna alumni go on to PhD studies in Sweden or abroad, or find leadership roles in NGOs, startups, and government agencies.

Conclusion

Dalarna University represents the best of Sweden’s modern academic model: accessible, international, digitally innovative, and deeply focused on sustainability and social responsibility.

Whether you are pursuing data science, solar energy, tourism, or language studies, Dalarna offers an affordable, flexible, and practically relevant education in one of Sweden’s most naturally beautiful and culturally rich regions.

Why Choose Dalarna University?