Organisations use data to understand complex problems, identify opportunities and make informed decisions. Business intelligence combines analytical and technical methods with an understanding of how organisations work and make decisions.
This programme gives you the knowledge and practical skills to collect, analyse, visualise and interpret data from business and organisational contexts. You will study areas such as business intelligence, statistical learning, programming, risk analysis and leadership, and learn to communicate insights that can support strategic and operational decisions.
Programme delivery
Teaching mode: Campus-based
Study location: Borlänge, Sweden
Language of instruction: English
Duration: Two semesters, 60 credits
Intakes: Autumn and spring
Is Business Intelligence right for you?
This programme is for you if you want to use data to understand organisational challenges, identify patterns and support decision-making in business, industry or public organisations.
The programme may be particularly relevant if you have a background in:
- Statistics
- Economics
- Business Administration, including marketing, accounting or human resources
- Computer or Information Science
You may also be eligible if you have a degree in a related subject. Admission is competitive, and qualified applicants are ranked based on their motivation letters. Check the entry requirements, selection criteria and motivation-letter instructions below before applying.
The programme combines theory, analytical methods, and practical applications in business intelligence and data analysis. You will study areas such as data visualisation, statistical learning, programming, leadership, and risk analysis while developing the ability to analyse and use data in organisational contexts.
Programme structure
The programme includes mandatory and elective courses that combine technical, analytical, and organisational perspectives on data-driven decision-making.
Mandatory courses:
- Business Intelligence, 7.5 credits (spring)
- Data Analysis and Visualization, 7.5 credits (spring)
- Data-Driven Leadership, 7.5 credits (autumn)
- Risk Analysis, 7.5 credits (autumn)
- Master’s Thesis, 15 credits (autumn/spring)
Elective courses:
- Python and R Programming, 7.5 credits (autumn/spring)
- Data Warehousing, 7.5 credits (autumn)
- Statistical Learning, 7.5 credits (spring)
- Data Collection and Data Quality, 7.5 credits (autumn)
- Logic and Mathematics, 7.5 credits (spring)
Note: 1.5 credits = one week of full-time study.
Degree Awarded
Upon completion of the programme, you will receive a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits), Main Field of Study: Microdata Analysis. If you complete the mandatory courses listed above, the programme name Business Intelligence will also appear on your degree certificate.
The programme prepares you for analytical and decision-support roles in organisations that work with data-driven development and business intelligence.
Graduates may work in roles such as:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Warehouse Developer
- Marketing Database Analyst
- Business Intelligence Manager
- Data Analyst
Our graduates are working in both private and public organisations where data is used to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Further studies
After completing the programme, you may continue to the second year of Dalarna University’s Master's Programme in Data Science
The programme also provides a foundation for further studies at doctoral level in related fields, including Dalarna University’s PhD Programme in Data Analytics.
Working in Sweden after graduation
International students who complete at least 60 credits in Sweden may apply for a residence permit extension of 12 months to look for work or start a business after graduation.
Some graduates from the programme have found relevant employment in Sweden after completing their studies without knowing Swedish, however knowledge of Swedish drastically improves your chances of finding a job.
International opportunities
Students in the programme may also apply for Erasmus+ funding for internships in participating countries, including after graduation.
This opportunity is available to all students in the programme, regardless of nationality.
Study on our state-of-the-art campus in central Borlänge
You will study at Campus Borlänge, which opened in 2024 in the centre of Borlänge. The campus offers modern teaching spaces, facilities for individual and group study, and easy access to shops, services and public transport.
Learn alongside students from different programmes and semesters
Business Intelligence has two intakes each year, in autumn and spring. This means you will take some courses alongside students who started before you or after you.
You will also study alongside students from the Data Science programme, as the two programmes share several courses. Classes typically have between 25 and 60 students, giving you opportunities to exchange ideas, collaborate and build connections with a wider group of classmates.
Group work, labs and lectures
Teaching combines lectures, practical computer labs and group assignments. You will work with programming and data analysis tools, including Python and R, and apply what you learn to analytical problems.
The practical exercises help you develop technical skills alongside your understanding of how data can support organisational decisions.
Learn from AI researchers
At Dalarna University, teaching is connected to research in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and decision support. Our researchers collaborate with industry partners to explore how data can help organisations address real-world challenges.
Academic requirements
Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Science or Informatics, or a related subject. comprising at least 180 credits.
English proficiency requirements
You must meet the English language requirement equivalent to the Swedish upper-secondary course English 6/English level 2.
Common English language tests
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with no section below 5.5
- TOEFL iBT:
- Tests taken from 21 January 2026: 4.5 overall, with no section below 4
- Tests taken up to 20 January 2026: 90 overall, with at least 20 in writing
You may also meet the English language requirement through previous studies or other approved English language tests.
If you have taken an English proficiency test that fulfills the requirements listed on the UniversityAdmissions.se website then you can ignore the information below.
For 2027, Dalarna University has made a temporary local exemption to the English proficiency requirements listed on the UniversityAdmissions.se website.
If you previously studied in India or Sri Lanka
Applicants from India and Sri Lanka should submit your upper-secondary documents to show your English proficiency as explained on the UniversityAdmissions website.
This will fulfill the formal English proficiency requirements for most courses and programmes at Swedish universities.
If you do not have the required proof of English proficiency from your upper-secondary studies and you have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree majoring in a technical or science subject (such as engineering, IT or physics) which is equal to a Swedish bachelor’s degree, then you will not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS result.
If you previously studied in Nepal
If you have not taken a TOELF or IELTS and you have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree majoring in a technical or science subject (such as engineering, IT or physics) which is equal to a Swedish bachelor’s degree, then you will not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS result.
Selection criteria for Business Intelligence
Admission to the programme is competitive, and qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
Qualified applicants are divided into two selection groups:
- Applicants required to pay tuition fees
- Applicants exempt from tuition fees
Places are allocated separately within each group. Applicants are ranked based on their motivation letter.
See “How do I write and submit my motivation letter?” below for the requirements and instructions.
Write a motivation letter explaining why you want to study Business Intelligence, how your background has prepared you and what you hope to achieve. Your letter must be no longer than 3,000 characters, including spaces.
There is no required template. You can use the following questions to guide your writing, but you do not need to answer each one separately:
- Why are you applying to this programme, and how does it fit with your future goals?
- How have your previous studies, work or other experiences prepared you?
- What experiences or projects have shaped your interest in the field?
- What could you contribute to the programme and your fellow students?
When and how should you submit the motivation letter?
The motivation letter must be uploaded to your UniversityAdmissions.se account no later than:
| Intake and application round | Deadline |
| Spring 2027 - first round | 1 September 2026 |
| Spring 2027 - second round | 1 November 2026 |
| Autumn 2027 - first round | 1 February 2027 |
| Autumn 2027 - second round | 1 May 2027 |
You must upload a motivation letter each time you apply to the programme, even if you have applied previously.
Upload your motivation letter separately from your other supporting documents.
Name your file: Motivation Letter DU – (Programme name)
How is your motivation letter assessed?
Motivation letters are reviewed and scored as follows:
- 30 points – Highly competitive
- 20 points – Competitive
- 10 points – Less competitive
- 0 points – No motivation letter submitted (unlikely to be admitted)
Applicants with the highest scores are prioritised for admission. Applicants who score 30 points are generally offered a place if they rank the programme as their first choice on UniversityAdmissions.se.
Applicants with lower scores may also be admitted, depending on the number of places available in each selection group.
Tuition fees
The total tuition fee for the Master's Programme in Business Intelligence is SEK 150,000 (SEK 75,000 per semester).
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you do not pay tuition fees.
If you pay tuition fees, you pay them in two instalments of SEK 75,000. You must pay the first instalment by the deadline on your invoice. If you need a residence permit for studies, paying on time is important so that you can start your residence permit application.
Scholarships
If you pay tuition fees, Dalarna University offers two scholarships that can reduce the cost of your studies.
Choose Dalarna First Scholarship
If you rank this programme as your first choice, apply by the scholarship deadline and are admitted, you are guaranteed a one-time SEK 5,000 reduction in your first-semester tuition fee.
Academic Excellence Scholarship
During your studies, you can receive a scholarship for outstanding academic results. Everyone who meets the academic criteria for the scholarship receives the award. The maximum value of the award is SEK 35,000.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
A limited number of students from select countries may be eligible to apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) or Pioneering Women in STEM award.
These are national scholarship programmes managed by the Swedish Institute. These scholarship is highly competitive and awarded independently of Dalarna University.
