Public Health - Master's Programme

Everyone deserves the highest standard of health, regardless of where they live or their social status. Unfortunately, poverty and lack of democratic governance prevent many from accessing this right. To eliminate health inequalities and improve global health, partnerships and knowledge sharing are crucial. This programme aims to educate future public health experts with a broad, interdisciplinary perspective and a commitment to global health efforts.

The programme is designed to develop professional-level competencies across these key areas:

• critical thinking and problem-solving
• communication skills
• digital literacy and emerging technologies
• global and cross-cultural understanding
• collaboration, teamwork, and leadership
• project management
• adaptability, self-management, and learning agility

These competencies enable graduates to work effectively in interdisciplinary fields and diverse global contexts, addressing complex public health challenges.

This cross-disciplinary programme maintains a global perspective throughout. It equips students with evidence-based knowledge and essential skills for research, policy-making and health promotion. Teaching and learning are student-active and student-centred, encouraging collaboration, reflection and critical thinking. Our methods are dynamic and continuously adapted to support an engaging and effective learning environment.

Course leaders and guest lecturers bring extensive experience from various disciplines and countries, including Sweden, Ghana, Iran, Uganda, and the UK. The diverse backgrounds of fellow students further enhance the stimulating learning environment. As one student noted: “The class and teaching are a microcosm of the global context we’ll face in work life.”

With this programme, you’re opening doors to a truly global career in public health. You will gain skills that prepare you for impactful roles in government agencies, non-profits and international health institutions, where your work can improve lives on a global scale. And if you’re passionate about academic growth, this degree is an excellent stepping stone to PhD studies and a future in research or teaching.

Our graduates build meaningful careers across the international public health landscape. Many move on to competitive PhD programmes and research roles at leading universities, while others take up influential positions within national public health agencies. A large number also contribute to global health efforts through organisations such as WHO, UNICEF and other UN bodies, as well as internationally active NGOs. Wherever they go, our alumni help shape healthier and more equitable societies around the world.

Prerequisites

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science of at least 180 credits. English course 6 (advanced proficiency).

Selection criteria

Selection will be based on a holistic assessment of the applicant’s academic qualifications, professional experience, and motivation for pursuing the programme. Academic Qualifications: Evaluation of the applicant’s prior education and academic performance. Professional Experience: Relevant work experience, whether in public health or other fields, that reflects an understanding of or interest in public health. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any work that promotes population health, health policy, or related goals. Motivation: A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s interest in public health, career goals, and how this programme aligns with their aspirations. Applicants should demonstrate connections between their experience or future goals and public health. Additional guidance on the statement of purpose may be provided in the application instructions. In cases where applicants present similar qualifications, selection priority may be based on the strength of the statement of purpose. If all qualifications, including the statement of purpose, are equal, drawing of lots will take place.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 410,000
First payment: SEK 102,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website 

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships