Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Summary
LTU is neither a universal metropolitan university like Stockholm University nor a classical broad university like Uppsala University. Its strength is based on technical depth, applied research and strategic subject areas related to the economy of northern Sweden. The university is highly relevant for students interested in: mining technology; geosciences; space science; cybersecurity; information security; data science; computer graphics; game development; sustainable energy; electrification; maintenance engineering; composite materials; mechanical engineering; industrial management; music performance; business and Arctic-region innovation.
At the undergraduate level, LTU offers English-taught bachelor’s programs in specialized technical and creative fields. These include Mineral Resource Engineering, Computer Graphics for Game and Film and Computer Game Programming. These programs are particularly suitable for international students who want to study at the bachelor level in the areas of digital production, game development, film graphics and technology-based creative industries, mining, resource engineering. Many other bachelor’s and professional programs are offered in Swedish and require Swedish language proficiency.
Luleå University of Technology offers Master’s programs taught in English in the fields of engineering, technology, science, business, music and applied research. Program areas include International Business, Exploration and Environmental Geosciences, Information Security, Cyber Security, Composite Materials, Maintenance Engineering, Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering, Space Science and Technology, Civil Engineering with Mining and Geotechnical Engineering, Data Science, Electrification, Sustainable Energy, Music Performance and other technology focused areas. Many of the programmes have direct links to industries important to Sweden’s green transition, the mining sector, digital infrastructure and Arctic development.
LTU has a strong applied research environment at doctoral level. Doctoral candidates may be employed in mining and rock engineering, geosciences, computer science, cyber-physical systems, energy engineering, materials science, space technology, mechanical engineering, operation and maintenance, signal processing, industrial management, music, education, health sciences and interdisciplinary technology research. Doctoral education in Sweden is mostly associated with paid positions, employment and research projects, not regular tuition-based studies.
Tuition varies by program and citizenship. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are usually exempt from tuition fees. Students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland usually pay Sweden’s national application fee of SEK 900 through UniversityAdmissions.se, as well as program-specific tuition fees if admitted. Examples of bachelor tuition from LTU include SEK 70,000 per semester for Mineral Resource Engineering, Computer Graphics for Game and Film and Computer Game Programming. Master's fees are different depending on the program, e.g. SEK 40,000 per semester for International Business and Information Security and SEK 70,000 per semester for programs such as Exploration and Environmental Geosciences, Cyber Security, Composite Materials and Maintenance Engineering.
In summary, Luleå University of Technology is the right university for students looking for a technical university with a specialisation, strong ties to industry, northern Sweden’s innovation economy, research in the Arctic, mining, energy, cybersecurity, game technology, engineering, sustainability and applied doctoral research.
About Luleå University of Technology (LTU)
LTU is a practical, technical and research driven academic environment. Students can engage with laboratories, simulations, fieldwork, mines, industrial projects, energy systems, digital platforms, game engines, music studios, design projects and business cases or thesis-based research. The university is particularly well suited for students wishing to pursue education related to real industrial problems.
The university's location gives it a unique advantage. Northern Sweden is the heart of mining, hydropower, renewable energy, green steel, space activity, forestry, Arctic research and large-scale industrial development. This makes LTU a good option for students who want to study technology in an area where engineering and sustainability are directly tied to society.
Students interested in fields that are not always strongly represented at larger traditional universities, such as mineral resource engineering, space science, mining, game programming, computer graphics, maintenance engineering and Arctic-related research, will find LTU particularly attractive.
Well suited to students who are looking for technical education, applied research, strong industry exposure and study pathways in engineering, science, natural resources, digital technology, music, business and sustainability.
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) History
- Luleå University of Technology traces its origin to Luleå University College in 1971.
- It was created to strengthen technical higher education in northern Sweden.
- The university developed in a region strongly connected with mining, energy, forestry and industry.
- LTU expanded from engineering education into broader technical and applied research fields.
- It developed strong expertise in mining, metallurgy, geosciences and resource engineering.
- The university later expanded into computer science, space technology, materials and energy research.
- LTU became a key academic partner for northern Sweden’s industrial development.
- It built campus activity in Luleå and other northern Swedish locations.
- The university developed strong links with companies, municipalities and public organizations.
- LTU received full university status in 1997.
- It expanded English-taught education for international students.
- The university strengthened research in Arctic technology, space, sustainability and digital systems.
- LTU became known for applied research and industry collaboration.
- It developed programs in music, media, game technology and creative fields alongside engineering.
- Today, LTU is one of Sweden’s most important technical universities outside the largest metropolitan regions.
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Highlights
- Public technical university in Sweden
- Located in Luleå, northern Sweden
- Origin in Luleå University College from 1971
- University status granted in 1997
- 21,600 students
- 1,800 employees
- Annual turnover listed at SEK 2.3 billion
- Strong for engineering, mining, geosciences, computer science, cybersecurity, energy, materials and space technology
- English-taught bachelor’s programs available in mineral resources, game programming and computer graphics
- English-taught master’s programs available in technology, engineering, business, security, geosciences and music
- Non-EU/EEA applicants generally pay SEK 900 application fee
- Bachelor tuition examples include SEK 70,000 per semester for selected English-taught programs
- Master tuition examples range from SEK 40,000 to SEK 70,000 per semester depending on program
- Scholarship options include Swedish Institute scholarships, LKAB scholarships and current master student scholarships
- Strong applied doctoral research environment
- Strong fit for students targeting mining, space, cybersecurity, game technology, energy and industrial transformation careers
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Courses Offered
UG Courses
- Bachelor Programme in Mineral Resource Engineering
- Bachelor Programme in Computer Graphics for Game and Film
- Bachelor Programme in Computer Game Programming
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Civil Engineering
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Mechanical Engineering
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Electrical Engineering
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Computer Science
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Industrial Engineering and Management
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Natural Resources Engineering
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Space Engineering-related Fields
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Energy Engineering
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Materials Engineering
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Health Sciences
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Nursing-related Fields
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Education and Teacher Training
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Business Administration
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Music
- Swedish-taught Bachelor’s Programmes in Media and Design-related Fields
- Exchange Courses at Bachelor Level
- Freestanding Bachelor-level Courses
PG Courses
- Master Programme in International Business
- Master Programme in Exploration and Environmental Geosciences
- Master Programme in Information Security
- Master Programme in Cyber Security
- Master Programme in Composite Materials
- Master Programme in Maintenance Engineering
- Master Programme in Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering
- Master Programme in Space Science and Technology
- Master Programme in Civil Engineering with specialization in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering
- Master Programme in Data Science
- Master Programme in Electrification
- Master Programme in Sustainable Energy Engineering-related Study
- Master Programme in Mechanical Engineering-related Study
- Master Programme in Materials Science-related Study
- Master Programme in Industrial Management-related Study
- Master Programme in Operation and Maintenance-related Study
- Master Programme in Computer Science-related Study
- Master Programme in Music Performance
- Master Programme in Music Performance, 60 Credits
- Master Programme in Engineering-related Research Preparation
- Master Programme in Technology and Sustainability-related Study
- Master Programme in Space and Arctic Technology-related Study
- Master Programme in Business and Innovation-related Study
- Master Programme in Geotechnical and Mining-related Study
- Research Preparation Route in Engineering, Technology and Natural Sciences
PhD Courses
- PhD in Mining and Rock Engineering
- PhD in Mineral Processing
- PhD in Ore Geology
- PhD in Applied Geochemistry
- PhD in Exploration Geosciences
- PhD in Environmental Engineering
- PhD in Civil Engineering
- PhD in Geotechnical Engineering
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- PhD in Materials Science
- PhD in Composite Materials
- PhD in Energy Engineering
- PhD in Electric Power Engineering-related Research
- PhD in Computer Science
- PhD in Cyber Security-related Research
- PhD in Information Systems
- PhD in Data Science-related Research
- PhD in Space Technology
- PhD in Robotics and AI-related Research
- PhD in Operation and Maintenance Engineering
- PhD in Industrial Management
- PhD in Business Administration
- PhD in Music Performance
- PhD in Education
- PhD in Health Sciences
- PhD in Signal Processing
- PhD in Machine Elements
- PhD in Sustainable Process Engineering
- PhD in Arctic Technology-related Research
- PhD in Interdisciplinary Technology Research
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Specializations Offered
UG Specializations
- Mineral Resource Engineering
- Mining Engineering Foundations
- Geosciences
- Mineral Exploration
- Sustainable Mining
- Rock Engineering Foundations
- Computer Graphics
- Game Art
- Film Graphics
- 3D Modeling
- Visual Effects Foundations
- Animation Foundations
- Game Programming
- Software Development
- Game Engines
- Interactive Systems
- Programming Foundations
- Computer Science Foundations
- Engineering Mathematics
- Resource Technology
- Digital Media Production
- Technical Project Work
- Industry-based Learning
- Scientific Methods
- Bachelor Thesis
PG Specializations
- International Business
- Business Strategy
- Exploration Geosciences
- Environmental Geosciences
- Information Security
- Cyber Security
- Composite Materials
- Maintenance Engineering
- Minerals Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Space Science
- Space Technology
- Mining Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Data Science
- Electrification
- Sustainable Energy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Industrial Management
- Operation and Maintenance
- Computer Science
- Music Performance
- Arctic Technology
- Resource Engineering
- Digital Infrastructure
- Applied Research
- Master’s Thesis Research
PhD Specializations
- Mining Research
- Rock Engineering Research
- Mineral Processing Research
- Ore Geology Research
- Geochemistry Research
- Exploration Research
- Environmental Research
- Civil Engineering Research
- Geotechnical Research
- Mechanical Engineering Research
- Materials Research
- Composite Materials Research
- Energy Research
- Electrification Research
- Computer Science Research
- Cybersecurity Research
- Information Systems Research
- Data Science Research
- Space Technology Research
- AI Research
- Robotics Research
- Operation and Maintenance Research
- Industrial Management Research
- Business Research
- Music Research
- Education Research
- Health Science Research
- Signal Processing Research
- Arctic Research
- Doctoral Thesis Research
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Admission Process
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Eligibility Criteria
PG Eligibility • Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. • Each master’s program has specific academic entry requirements. • Cyber Security and Information Security programs require computing, IT, information systems or related preparation. • Geoscience and mining-related programs require geology, geosciences, mining, civil engineering, environmental science or related academic background. • Composite Materials and Maintenance Engineering require engineering, materials, mechanical, industrial or technical preparation. • Music Performance programs require audition, artistic qualifications and previous music education. • English language requirements must be met. • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants must pay application and tuition fees unless exempted.
PhD Eligibility • Applicants normally need an advanced-level qualification equivalent to master’s-level study. • The research topic must match an LTU department, research group and supervisor environment. • Many doctoral opportunities are advertised as paid doctoral positions. • A strong academic record and research potential are required. • Some doctoral areas may require fieldwork, laboratory experience, programming, mathematical methods, mining knowledge, industrial experience, artistic background or thesis experience. • Funding, supervisor fit and department-level admission approval are essential. • PhD admission is competitive and research-focused. • Applicants should monitor official LTU doctoral vacancies and research subject pages.
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Courses Fees
PG Fees Master Program in International Business Tuition Fee for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students: SEK 40,000 per semester Duration: Program-specific master’s route Eligibility: Relevant bachelor’s degree, English requirement and business-related academic background Admission Mode: UniversityAdmissions.se and LTU master admission process Master Programme in Information Security Tuition Fee for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students: SEK 40,000 per semester Duration: Program-specific master’s route Eligibility: Relevant bachelor’s degree, English requirement and academic background in information systems, computer science, IT, business systems or related field Admission Mode: UniversityAdmissions.se Master Programme in Exploration and Environmental Geosciences Tuition Fee for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students: SEK 70,000 per semester Duration: Usually 2 Years / 120 ECTS Eligibility: Relevant bachelor’s degree in geology, geoscience, environmental science, natural sciences or related field, plus English requirement Admission Mode: UniversityAdmissions.se Master Programme in Cyber Security Tuition Fee for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students: SEK 70,000 per semester Duration: Usually 2 Years / 120 ECTS Eligibility: Relevant bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or related field, plus English requirement Admission Mode: UniversityAdmissions.se Master Programme in Composite Materials Tuition Fee for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students: SEK 70,000 per semester Duration: Usually 2 Years / 120 ECTS Eligibility: Relevant bachelor’s degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, engineering physics, chemistry or related field, plus English requirement Admission Mode: UniversityAdmissions.se Master Programme in Maintenance Engineering Tuition Fee for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students: SEK 70,000 per semester Duration: Usually 2 Years / 120 ECTS Eligibility: Relevant bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial technology, mechanical engineering, production, reliability, maintenance or related field, plus English requirement Admission Mode: UniversityAdmissions.se Music Performance Master’s Programmes Application Fee: SEK 900 for fee-paying applicants Example First Tuition Fee Installment: SEK 119,000 Example Total Tuition Fee for One-year Master Program: SEK 238,000 Example Total Tuition Fee for Two-year Master Program: SEK 476,000 Eligibility: Relevant music education, audition, artistic assessment, English requirement and program-specific music performance criteria Admission Mode: LTU music admission process and UniversityAdmissions.se where applicable
PhD Fees Doctoral Education at LTU Fee: Doctoral education is normally connected with doctoral employment, funded research projects or university research positions rather than standard taught-program tuition Duration: Usually 4 Years full-time in the Swedish doctoral structure Eligibility: Relevant advanced-level qualification, research topic fit, supervisor match, funding or doctoral position and department-level admission approval Admission Mode: Advertised doctoral position, department selection and LTU doctoral admission process
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Scholarships
- Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals may be available for eligible master’s applicants from selected countries.
- LTU lists LKAB Scholarships among scholarship opportunities for international students.
- LTU also lists scholarship opportunities for current master students.
- Program-specific scholarships may exist for selected fields and years.
- Scholarship availability can change, so applicants must check the official LTU scholarship page before applying.
- Scholarships may be merit-based, country-based or linked with specific programs.
- Living costs, travel and housing should not be assumed unless the scholarship terms clearly include them.
- Exchange students should check mobility funding through their home university or Erasmus+ where applicable.
- PhD funding usually depends on doctoral employment, advertised positions or research project funding.
- Students should apply early and follow official deadlines carefully.
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) Career Outcomes
- Mineral Resource Engineering graduates can work in mining companies, mineral exploration, resource planning, geotechnical projects and sustainable mining operations.
- Computer Graphics graduates can work in game studios, film production, animation, 3D visualization, VFX, simulation and digital media companies.
- Game Programming graduates can work as game developers, gameplay programmers, engine programmers, software developers and interactive systems specialists.
- Cyber Security graduates can work in cybersecurity analysis, digital forensics, security engineering, risk management and secure systems development.
- Information Security graduates can work in security governance, information systems security, compliance, IT risk and organizational security management.
- Geoscience graduates can work in exploration, environmental consulting, mining, geotechnical analysis, resource companies and environmental monitoring.
- Composite Materials graduates can work in aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, materials research, lightweight structures and advanced production.
- Maintenance Engineering graduates can work in reliability engineering, industrial maintenance, asset management, mining, energy and manufacturing sectors.
- Space Science and Technology graduates can work in space research, satellite systems, instrumentation, Arctic technology and aerospace-related industries.
- PhD graduates can pursue academic research, postdoctoral roles, industry R&D, university teaching and specialist technical research careers.
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) FAQs
Q1. Is Luleå University of Technology a public university?
Yes, Luleå University of Technology is a public technical research university in Sweden.
Q2. Where is Luleå University of Technology located?
LTU is located in Luleå, northern Sweden, with activity connected to multiple northern Swedish locations.
Q3. What is LTU best known for?
LTU is best known for engineering, mining, geosciences, computer science, cybersecurity, space technology, materials, energy, music and applied research.
Q4. Does LTU offer English-taught bachelor’s programs?
Yes, LTU offers English-taught bachelor’s programs such as Mineral Resource Engineering, Computer Graphics for Game and Film, and Computer Game Programming.
Q5. What is the application fee for non-EU/EEA applicants?
Non-EU/EEA applicants generally pay the Swedish application fee of SEK 900 through UniversityAdmissions.se.
Q6. What are LTU tuition fees for international students?
Fees vary by program. Selected bachelor’s programs are listed at SEK 70,000 per semester, while master’s examples range from SEK 40,000 to SEK 70,000 per semester depending on program.
Q7. Does LTU offer scholarships?
Yes, LTU lists scholarship opportunities including Swedish Institute scholarships, LKAB scholarships and scholarship options for current master students.
Q8. Does LTU offer PhD study?
Yes, LTU offers doctoral education through research subjects, departments and funded doctoral positions in engineering, technology, science, music, health and related fields.
















