Recent admissions statistics show that the proportion of female undergraduate students has surpassed 35 percent. Meanwhile, the maritime programmes continue their positive trend.
Earlier this year, several programmes that had struggled with recruitment saw a notable increase in interest: The Chemical Engineering programme had 34 percent more applicants, The nautical science programme increased by 43 percent, and the Marine Engineering programme surged by 56 percent.
With the new students now registered for the autumn term, the maritime programmes continue their positive trend. In 2024, a total of 381 students were admitted compared to 255 in 2023. Now, 189 students have registered compared to 132 last year. The Maritime Studies programme accounts for the largest increase.
Broadened Recruitment Shows Results
Regarding gender distribution among first-year students, the proportion of women has slightly increased – from 34.1 percent in 2023 to 35.6 percent this autumn.
"Technological development needs a broader competence with more girls taking on challenges so that society in the long run will suit us all," says Jörgen Blennow, Vice President for Education.
For many years, Chalmers has worked with so-called broadened recruitment to attract more students from underrepresented groups, such as women and students from non-academic backgrounds. In addition to prioritising these target groups in communication, more parts of the university have also become engaged and intensified efforts with activities aimed at these groups, such as Camp Vera, Girls Code Club, and tutoring support where student ambassadors provide homework help in schools and sports clubs in vulnerable areas.
"Diversity in perspectives and backgrounds among both students and researchers and teachers contributes to the high quality of our education and to creating an inclusive environment that more people can feel at home in," says Jörgen Blennow.
More Students
In total, 3,039 students have registered for undergraduate programmes this year, 88 more than last year. The number of master's students is now about 2,200, 220 more than last year. The number of fee-paying students has increased to 425. The five most common countries of origin for international master's students are China, India, Sweden, Iran, and Germany.