KTH Royal Institute of Technology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Swedish: Kungliga Tekniska högskolan, abbreviated KTH) is a leading technical university in Europe, located in Stockholm, Sweden. Established in 1827, KTH is Sweden's largest, oldest, and most internationalized institute of technology and a member of the Nordic Five Tech alliance.
The School of Architecture and the Built Environment emphasizes practical learning through a combination of studio-based teaching, specialized courses, seminars, and an independent final degree project. In the 2019 QS Subject Rankings, KTH's architecture program ranked 23rd globally.
Related Program List
KTH offers a variety of programs within the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, focusing on areas such as architectural design, lighting, sustainability, and urban planning. Below are the commonly applied programs for architecture students:
- Architectural Lighting Design - Duration: 1 year
Focus: Specialized in lighting design for architecture and urban environments. - Architecture - Duration: 2 years
Focus: Comprehensive architectural education covering theory, design, and practice. - Sustainable Urban Planning and Design - Duration: 2 years
Focus: Planning and designing sustainable urban environments, integrating ecological, social, and economic aspects.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree:
Applicants must have been awarded a bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor's degree or hold equivalent academic qualifications from a recognized university.
Students who are in the final year of their undergraduate studies and have completed courses equivalent to a bachelor's degree may be considered on a case-by-case basis. - English Proficiency:
Applicants must meet the required level of English proficiency.
Final-Year Undergraduate Students:
Students who are in their final year of undergraduate studies can apply. If they qualify, they may receive conditional acceptance.
Final-year applicants must submit a written statement as instructed by University Admissions in Sweden.
Swedish university students who are in their final year do not need to submit this written statement but must have completed 150 ECTS credits in their bachelor's program by February 3.
Applicants should ensure they fulfill all academic and language requirements to be considered for admission.
Program-Specific Requirements
- Master’s Programme in Architectural Lighting Design
Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor's degree corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits in Architecture, Design, or Engineering.
The engineering degree must include at least 30 ECTS credits in Architecture and Design subjects.
Exceptions may be made based on professional experience. - Master’s Programme in Architecture
Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in Architecture corresponding to 180 ECTS credits or an equivalent qualification.
Portfolio: Applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating the necessary skills and the ability to:
Handle building complexity.
Develop projects with appropriate sophistication.
Address technical aspects.
Showcase design and aesthetics.
Understand the theoretical, historical, and contemporary context.
Present a well-organized portfolio layout. - Master’s Programme in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design
Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits in one of the following fields:
Architecture or Landscape Architecture
Physical Planning
Civil Engineering in the Built Environment
Energy and Environment
Urban and Regional Planning
Social or Natural Sciences relevant to urban planning.
Previous Studies:
Applicants should have completed at least 30 ECTS credits in the fields of urban design, urban transport, regional planning, national/regional economy, or environmental sciences.
These specific academic and portfolio requirements ensure that applicants have the necessary background and skills to succeed in the respective programs.
Language Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following language proficiency standards:
- TOEFL Paper-based:
Writing: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in the written test
Total score: 575 - TOEFL iBT (Internet-based):
Writing: Score of 20 (scale 0-30)
Total score: 90 - IELTS Academic:
Minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no section score lower than 5.5
Note: TOEFL ITP is not accepted for admission.
These tests ensure applicants have sufficient English proficiency to succeed in KTH’s academic environment.
Application Materials
- General Documents
All applicants must submit the following:
Certificates and diplomas from previous university studies
Transcript of completed courses and grades included in your degree
Proof of English proficiency
A copy of your passport including personal data and photograph, or other identification document - Specific Documents by Program
For Master’s Programme in Architectural Lighting Design
Two letters of recommendation
Short CV
Letter of motivation
Portfolio
Degree project proposal
Summary sheet
For Master’s Programme in Architecture
Portfolio
Motivation letters, recommendation letters, and CV are not required. These documents will not be considered during the application review process.
For Master’s Programme in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design
Curriculum Vitae
Motivation letter
Portfolio (for students with a degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or physical planning)
The portfolio should include three to five projects showing the design process from research, fieldwork, and analysis to the final outcome.
The portfolio should reflect an interest in sustainability, engagement with architecture + urbanism, and demonstrate personality, curiosity, motivation, and design/representation skills.
Students should confirm that the portfolio contains only their own work or their contributions to group work.
For more detailed information about the application requirements for each program, you can visit the following links:
KTH Master’s Programmes Overview
Architectural Lighting Design Admission Requirements
Architecture Admission Requirements
Sustainable Urban Planning and Design Admission Requirements