As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, the demand for professionals well-versed in photovoltaic technology and solar energy systems has never been greater. Our program equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience in this rapidly evolving field, positioning you for an array of rewarding job opportunities.
Examples of subjects covered are the design of photovoltaic systems, solar thermal and hybrid systems, energy storage, solar project management, and financing of solar energy.
Connect with Industry – Learning by Doing
Professional connections are just as important to your success as the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you will gain through your studies. With this understanding, we have developed this programme to ensure that you have ample opportunities to cultivate such connections through:
- Site visits to solar installations and research centres, as well as through guest lectures from experts in areas such as solar cell physics and chemical energy storage. These will ensure you are up-to date on the latest developments in this expansive field.
- Internships following your one year of studies, where we can help you with national and international contacts.
- Your thesis project, which will afford you close contact with research facilities and companies both in Sweden and abroad.
A history of expertise in solar energy
Since 1999 the European Solar Engineering School (ESES) at Dalarna University offers a specialised educational experience that will broaden your professional opportunities in the renewable energy industry. For over 20 years, students from nearly 50 countries have come to a small town in central Sweden to gain knowledge and skills that are in high demand within the renewable energy industry.
When you take this programme, you will be taught by industry experts and researchers from 10 countries, while becoming a member of the international ESES community, which comprises your classmates and our many alumni who currently work locally and internationally.
Programme Overview
The programme aims to enhance the skill-set of students in our core solar-engineering subject areas, especially PV and systems design. You will gain international exposure through the faculty and your classmates as well as having the opportunity to partake in an international internship upon completing the program.
Programme Structure and Content
All courses are taught in English by international faculty staff. The programme comprises 60 credits (1 credit = 1 ECTS) and begins at the start of the autumn semester in late August. Note: 1.5 credits = one week of full-time study.
Semester 1 (August-January)
- Applied Solar Engineering
- Solar Radiation and Solar Geometry
- Photovoltaics
- Economics of Solar Energy
- Solar Thermal
Semester 2 (January-June)
- Design of PV and Hybrid Systems
- Design of Solar Thermal Systems
- Thesis Work in Solar Energy Technology
Degree Awarded
Degree of Master of Science (60 Credits) in Solar Energy Engineering
Career opportunities
Our alumni network of more than 400 graduates work as engineers, analysts, managers, and entrepreneurs across the global solar energy industry. Many continue into doctoral research and university teaching; most take up roles in companies and organisations worldwide.
Potential future employers are:
- Solar equipment manufacturers
- Engineering and consulting companies with a renewable energy focus
- Energy utilities
- Government and non-government organisations
Increasing job opportunities
The cost of solar has fallen dramatically and the performance of storage and hybrid systems continues to improve. As deployment scales in both developed and emerging markets, the demand for graduates who can design, model, integrate, and operate PV and hybrid systems is growing—supporting strong long-term career prospects.
Study at the PhD level
You can also pursue your studies at the doctoral level by taking Dalarna University's doctoral programme in Resource Efficient Built Environment or related fields at Swedish or international universities.
Stay in Dalarna and look for a job after graduating
You can apply for a 12-month residence permit to stay in Sweden and look for work after you complete a degree programme of at least 60 credits. International students are encouraged to stay in Dalarna and look for a job after graduating from the Master’s Programme in Solar Energy Engineering.
Major employers include SSAB and Borlänge Energi, while nearby Ludvika—about a 30-minute commute—hosts Hitachi Energy, a global leader currently expanding at record pace, including work on the largest export order in Swedish history. The area is also set to welcome one of Sweden’s largest data centres, further strengthening the region’s role in innovation and technology.
Using your degree overseas
The degree awarded by Dalarna University for this programme is internationally recognised and has been used by previous students to attain employment or pursue further studies outside Sweden.
You can also apply to receive an Erasmus+ grant for an internship, even up to 12 months after completing your studies. This opportunity is available to all students in the programme, regardless of nationality, who pursue an approved internship within an Erasmus+ programme country other than Sweden.
Should you apply?
If you want advanced training in photovoltaic technology and solar energy systems—and you have a background in mechanical or electrical engineering or applied physics—this programme is a strong fit. You’ll develop skills in system design, simulation and measurement, energy storage, and grid integration, preparing you for roles in industry or for research and doctoral studies.
How to apply
You apply to the Master’s Programme in Solar Energy Engineering in two steps:
- Click the green Apply button to add the programme add the programme to your user account at UniversityAdmissions.se.
- Upload the required documents to show that you meet the entry requirements below. (Most applicants can upload documents directly to their account.)
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
To be eligible for the Master’s Programme in Solar Energy Engineering, you need:
- A completed Bachelor’s degree (at least 180 credits ECTS or equivalent) in engineering (e.g., mechanical, electrical, energy) or engineering physics, or another closely related field.
Applicants in the final year of their Bachelor’s programme are welcome to apply; proof of completed degree will be required before programme start. See final-year studies documentation.
English language requirements
You must also demonstrate English language proficiency. You should check the UniversityAdmissions.se information about English language proficiency to see if your previous studies fulfill this requirement. If you need to take an IELTS or TOEFL, the following minimum results are required:
- IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall, with no part below 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 90, with a minimum of 20 in writing
For more details, see the English documentation webpage (UniversityAdmissions.se).
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 2026, 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.
A hybrid learning environment
The Master’s Programme in Solar Energy Engineering is offered both on campus in Borlänge and online. Classes are designed so that campus and online students interact in real time, and recordings are available for flexible study. Even online students are required to attend some mandatory on-campus activities each semester (e.g., hands-on labs or specific exams). These are scheduled well in advance so you can plan travel and accommodation.
A small and diverse community
Typically, around 30 students from across the globe join the programme each year. About half choose to study on campus and about half study online. The small cohort and international mix create a close-knit learning environment where you quickly get to know both classmates and teachers.
You will be taught by industry experts and researchers from 10 countries, while becoming a member of the international ESES community - a network of classmates and alumni who work locally and globally in the solar energy sector.
What your studies will involve
During the programme, you will attend lectures, complete practical exercises and lab work, participate in seminars and group projects, make study visits, and take exams. You can normally expect about 15–30 hours of scheduled teaching per week and 25–40 hours of independent study, depending on the course and period. The knowledge you gain and the connections you build—both inside and outside the classroom—support your professional development in the solar energy field.
If you are studying on campus
Campus Borlänge is located two hours north of Stockholm and 20 km from the historic town of Falun. The town combines established industry with easy access to Sweden’s natural landscapes. You will study in modern facilities in central Borlänge, with convenient access to trains, services, and outdoor activities.
If you are studying online
Dalarna University has been a pioneer in online education in Sweden. Classrooms are equipped so that online students are fully integrated into lectures and discussions. You will also benefit from a range of study tools and support available for online learners.
Tuition Fees
150,000 SEK (total*)
*EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.
Tuition fees are paid in per-semester installments and the first payment (75,000 SEK) should be made as soon as possible after you have received your invoice and no later than the deadline on the invoice. This allows for a reasonable processing time for residence permit application.
Visit our Tuition Fee website for more information about paying tuition fees and what is included in the fee.
If you have any questions about tuition fee payments, please e-mail tuitionfees@du.se.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for successful applicants to the Solar Energy Engineering programme who are not EU/EEA citizens.
