Why and where to study Biomedicine in Sweden? (in English)

Is your dream to work in the medical field, find ways to help people, and study at one of the many beautiful Swedish universities? Then you are probably like me, a little disappointed to find out that medicine in Sweden is taught only in Swedish.

But this ‘disappointment’ opened up new doors for me. I was searching for a degree related to medicine that I could pursue in Sweden and that is when I ran into biomedicine. So what exactly is the difference between these two?

Medicine vs. Biomedicine

Medicine is 6 years long programme after which the graduates are qualified to treat people and their illnesses. For a biomedical graduate, this is usually not possible. Although you may have a chance to work with patients during clinical trials. Unfortunately for some, medicine is not offered in English in Sweden.

However, Biomedicine is fascinating for the breadth of study. It enables you to look ‘behind the scenes’ of medicine. You can choose a 3 years long programme to obtain a Bachelor’s degree or you can go for a Master’s and PhD. I know many people like me who fell in love with it on the spot. I believe that you might as well.

Career opportunities for Biomedical graduates

Biomedical graduates can pursue a career in research. Finding innovative solutions to life-threatening diseases or developing new drugs and vaccines. The degree also enables you to work in health sector management or pharmaceutical marketing. You can become a medical writer and a forensic scientist.

Or if you choose to, you can pursue further studies and become an expert in certain medical fields such as Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or Neuroscience. The list of opportunities is endless.

Why study Biomedicine in Sweden?

According to the Global Innovation Index, Sweden is ranked as the second most innovative country in the world! The country invests a lot of money in the Research and Development industry.

It’s also one of the most technologically advanced countries in Europe! Sweden offers researchers to work in modern facilities, as well as maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Where in Sweden?

Now that you probably decided that Sweden is the right choice for you, the question is which university to choose. This also depends on whether you are pursuing your Master’s or Bachelor’s degree. All universities in Sweden allow you to choose the courses you want to focus on during your Master’s programme.

For a Master’s degree

Lund University

Sweden’s most popular university and one of the top 100 universities in the world! It is located in a ‘student city’ Lund which is less than 30 mins from Sweden’s third-largest city Malmö.

Lund University is charming for its beautiful historical architecture which will make you feel like a true scholar and for the exciting student life. Learn more about Choosing Lund from Dena.

The Master’s programme in Biomedicine at Lund will teach you the necessary skills in experimental design and analysis. These skills will enable you to do your own research in your future career. You learn in-depth about the area of your choice selecting courses and setting up your own curriculum.

Most of the teaching takes place in a research environment and the teachers are as well active scientists. The course is finished with a 45 credits degree project.

Karolinska Institutet

Karolinska Institutet (KI) is located in the capital city, Stockholm. It has been ranked as one of the top 10 medical universities in the world. It is also the home of the famous Nobel Assembly.

The university focuses purely on the medical field and is itself a medical research centre offering students a lot of opportunities. Learn about Alex’s study experience at KI.

Studying biomedicine at KI will allow you to become actively engaged with research teams. You will spend most of your time conducting research in a modern laboratory.

The degree ends the same with a 45 credits degree project that you work on during the second year of the study.

Uppsala University

Uppsala University is the oldest Scandinavian university founded in 1477. It is attracting students from all around the world for its rich history and location. It’s located about 35 minutes from the capital Stockholm and 20 minutes from the Arlanda Airport!

Uppsala has also won a WWF’s prize in 2018 for being the most climate-friendly and sustainable city in the world. And there are many more Reasons Why to Study in Uppsala.

The Master’s programme at Uppsala University begins with a focus on major diseases such as Homeostasis and Endocrine Disorders. In the second semester, it allows students to choose their focus with elective courses.

It is possible to finish this programme after one year with a Master’s degree or continue to broaden your knowledge in the second year. It finishes with a 30 or 45 credits degree project.

Umeå University

Umeå University is located in the north of Sweden. In Umeå, you can experience unique and breathtaking nature including the Northern lights.

It is also where Emmanuelle Charpentier,’s research took place. She became a 2020 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry.

At Umeå University, you will work with leading scientists and build your network.

The course finishes with 30 or 45 credits degree project after which you can become a research scientist or work in the health care system.

Similar opportunities

Many other Universities offer programmes closely related to Biomedicine such as; Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biosciences, etc. Knowing your options and understanding the differences between them is crucial to making the right decision and pursuing the career that you will truly enjoy. Leave a comment if you have questions regarding the alternatives to Biomedicine.

For a Bachelor’s degree

The choices for Bachelor’s degree are a bit more limited but you can still find Biomedicine in English at:

• Karolinska Institutet
• University of Skövde
• Lund University

No matter which university, you’ll end up at, I believe you won’t be disappointed. In Sweden, education and research have great support from the government. I ended up at the University of Skövde and I have no regrets. If you are interested to learn more about my studies, leave a comment or send me an email.

See you later! 🙂