Below are some of the most common questions we receive about our education. You will also find useful practical information about studying in Sweden and Umeå in the Umeå University Student Handbook and Study in Sweden web site.
How do I apply to the DC course?
Application is done on-line in two steps. Step 1 through universityadmissions.se and step 2 through UID website where you upload a portfolio of your work. More information is found here.
Can I apply to more than one UID education?
Yes, you can apply to several educations (programmes and courses) that you are interested in at the same time. Should you be accepted to more than one education, you have the opportunity to choose which one to accept your study place on.
Where do I send my application?
All applications are made by February 15. Please note that non-EU students must pay the application fee in order for their application to be processed.
Can I apply after February 15?
All applications must reach UID on February 15 at the latest in order to be considered in the first round of reviews. You may send in an application later, but late applications will only be considered in the second round of reviews. Results from TOEFL test centres should be sent directly to Umeå University and must have reached Umeå University by February 28 at the latest. Exchange students can, in some cases, apply later. Should places be vacant on the course, a second round of applications may be announced.
Can you review my portfolio?
No, we do not review portfolios prior to the application process.
Am I qualified for DC studies?
Entry requirements is a minimum of a BA degree in industrial design, or the equivalent. You must also prove that you have necessary skills in English, and you must fulfil the basic requirements for admission to higher studies. Please see the information on our home page.
Do I need to take a language test?
English proficiency equivalent to English B from Swedish upper secondary education. IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL (Paper-based with a minimum score of 575 and minimum TWE 4.5). TOEFL (Internet-based with a minimum score 90 and a minimum score Written 20).
For further information please check the Umeå University website.
What study backgrounds do most DC students have?
The applicants to the DC course have varied backgrounds. Most have a previous BA or MA education in design, or in a design related area. Some have a BA or MA education from another field, but have additional design education such as Industrial Design Introduction or similar.
Are there any tuition fees?
No, and yes. Students from European countries within the EU/EES do not pay any tuition fees, since they are covered by Swedish government grants. Overseas students (non EU/EES) are required to pay a tuition fee of SEK 270 000 (≈ €28 700 or $ 38 800) per study year. Read more about it here. Please note that the fee can be reduced through grants or scholarships.
Do you have any scholarships that I can apply for?
Umeå Institute of Design can in most cases offer full or substantial fee reduction for non-EU/EES students. Upon acceptance, all non-EU/EES students are offered this possibility of fee reduction, or - if applicable - a scholarship.UID does not take financial status into consideration during the review and admission process, but bases acceptance of students on talent only.
Do you accept exchange students?
Yes, we accept students on exchange programmes. Exchange students apply in the same manner as all other students, and are assessed according to the same critera. An exchange student can in some cases apply at other times than the normal application deadlines. Students interested in exchange should contact the respective programme director or director of single subject courses.
Do I receive a diploma in industrial design after DC studies?
No, but you will receive a course certificate. DC is a one-year specialisation course (not a programme), and does not give a degree in industrial design.
Will I be accepted to other UID educations after DC studies?
You will not be guaranteed a study place on any other programme or course at UID. All students apply for study places in competition with all other applicants.
