Study in Sweden 2026

Sweden has become one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations for international students who want innovative, high-quality education, strong links to industry, and a modern, inclusive society. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about the Swedish higher education system, types of institutions, tuition fees and living costs, scholarships, how to apply via the central admission system, residence permits, work opportunities, and student life – plus official links at the end to help you plan your studies.

Why Choose Sweden for Your Studies?

There are several reasons why Sweden stands out as a study destination:

World-class education focused on innovation Swedish universities emphasise critical thinking, group work, and problem-solving rather than rote memorisation. The official portal Study in Sweden presents Sweden as a creative, student-centred learning environment.
Many English-taught programmes There are hundreds of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes taught entirely in English in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, sustainability, social sciences and more.
Modern, open and sustainable society Sweden is known for equality, environmental awareness and a high standard of living, with a strong focus on clean technology and green innovation.
Attractive job market Sweden hosts global companies in telecoms, automotive, fintech, gaming, life sciences and renewable energy – offering good prospects for internships and employment after graduation.
Work and stay opportunities With the right residence permit, non-EU/EEA students can work while studying and may stay after graduation to look for a job.

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Overview of the Higher Education System in Sweden

Sweden follows the Bologna structure of three study cycles:

1. Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)

Typical duration: 3 years (180 ECTS credits).
Provides a solid foundation in the chosen discipline, combining theory, projects and group work.

2. Master’s Degree (Second Cycle)

Duration: 1 year (60 ECTS) or 2 years (120 ECTS).
Offers advanced, specialised training and includes a Master’s thesis.

3. Doctoral Studies (Third Cycle)

Normally around 4 years of full-time research.
Focus on producing original scientific work, publishing papers and participating in conferences.

ECTS credits are used throughout, which makes it easier to transfer or continue studies elsewhere in Europe.

Types of Higher Education Institutions

Sweden offers several types of higher education institutions:

Universities Research-oriented institutions offering a wide range of academic programmes at all levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).
University Colleges / Universities of Applied Sciences More practice-oriented, often with strong links to local industries and employers.
Specialised institutions For example, schools of music, arts, design and theatre.

The official Study in Sweden website lists recognised institutions and their programmes.

Language of Instruction: English vs Swedish

Studying in English

Sweden is one of the leading non-English-speaking countries in terms of English-taught programmes.
You will normally need to provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) to be admitted to an English-taught programme.
Many Master’s programmes, and some Bachelor’s programmes, are offered fully in English.

Studying in Swedish

Most programmes aimed at local students, especially at Bachelor’s level, are taught in Swedish.
To study in Swedish you must demonstrate adequate language skills – usually via recognised Swedish language tests or completed language courses.
Some universities offer preparatory Swedish courses.

Even if your programme is in English, learning at least basic Swedish will help you in your daily life and significantly improve your job prospects.

General Admission Requirements

Requirements vary between universities and programmes, but follow common principles.

Admission to Bachelor’s Studies

You typically need:

A secondary school leaving certificate that makes you eligible for higher education in your home country.
Official transcript of records.
Proof of English (or Swedish) language proficiency.
In some fields (e.g. Engineering, Computer Science), a certain level of mathematics or science is required.
Applications are usually submitted via the central portal Universityadmissions.se, the official website for applying to Swedish universities.

Admission to Master’s Studies

You normally need:

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant or closely related field.
Transcript of records showing your completed courses and grades.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Motivation Letter.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Sometimes letters of recommendation and/or an interview.

Admission to Doctoral Studies

A relevant Master’s degree.
Research proposal.
Academic CV and references.
Often, you apply directly for a PhD position, which may be salaried.

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Tuition Fees for International Students

Tuition fees in Sweden depend heavily on your citizenship.

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens Do not pay tuition fees for degree programmes at Swedish public universities (they may pay small semester fees).
Non-EU/EEA citizens Must pay both tuition fees and an application fee. According to recent data, tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students usually range between:
- €7,500 – €25,500 per academic year, depending on the university and programme, with Business and Architecture among the most expensive options.

The application fee for non-EU/EEA students applying via Universityadmissions.se is around 900 SEK, payable once per application round.

Always check the official website of your chosen university for the exact and updated tuition rates.

Cost of Living in Sweden

Sweden is known for its high standard of living – and relatively high living costs.

The official Study in Sweden website estimates that students need about 10,656 SEK per month to cover living costs (housing, food, transport, personal expenses).
Other recent sources suggest that international students should budget roughly 9,000–12,000 SEK per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.

Housing will usually be your biggest expense, especially in Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Typical Monthly Expenses

Student housing or room in a shared flat
Food and groceries
Local transport (often discounted for students)
Health insurance (if not already covered)
Study materials and personal expenses

Student Accommodation

Common housing options include:

Student dormitories / corridors
- Rooms with shared kitchens and common areas.
- Monthly rent often between 3,500 and 6,500 SEK, depending on city and standard.
Shared apartments (WG-style)
- Renting a room in a flat with other students.
- Often slightly more expensive, but can offer more space or comfort.
Private apartments
- Most expensive option and can be challenging to find in big cities.

Because housing is in high demand, it’s important to apply as early as possible for university or city housing queues.

Scholarships and Funding

Despite the high costs, several funding opportunities exist for international students.

1. Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute (SI) offers a range of scholarships, the most famous being the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP):

For full-time master’s studies in Sweden.
Covers full tuition fees.
Provides a monthly living allowance (recent calls mention around 12,000 SEK per month).
Targeted at applicants from selected countries, including several in the Global South and Arab region.

The Study in Sweden website also maintains a scholarship section listing different options.

2. University Scholarships

Many Swedish universities offer:

Tuition waivers (partial or full) for high-achieving non-EU/EEA students.
Specific scholarships for certain regions or fields.

You should always check the scholarship pages of your chosen institutions.

3. EU and Exchange Programmes

Students may come to Sweden through Erasmus+ or bilateral exchange agreements, often receiving a grant to help cover living costs.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Sweden uses a central application system for most programmes.

Step 1: Choose Your Programme

Decide on your degree level and subject area.
Use the Study in Sweden programme search and the linked studienwahl-style databases to explore options.

Step 2: Apply via Universityadmissions.se

Go to Universityadmissions.se, the official application portal.
Create a user account (only one account per applicant is allowed).
Search for courses and programmes and add them to your application.
Rank your choices in order of preference.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee (if non-EU/EEA)

Non-EU/EEA applicants must pay the application fee (around 900 SEK) for their application to be processed.

Step 4: Upload Your Documents

Educational certificates and transcripts.
Proof of English (or Swedish) language proficiency.
Copy of your passport.
Additional documents required by specific programmes (CV, Motivation Letter, recommendations).

Step 5: Receive the Admission Result

Admission results are published in your Universityadmissions.se account.
If admitted, follow the instructions of the university to confirm your place and pay any required tuition deposit.

Step 6: Apply for a Residence Permit for Studies

For non-EU/EEA citizens:

Apply for a Residence Permit for Higher Education through the Swedish Migration Agency.
You need:
- Letter of admission.
- Proof of paid tuition (or scholarship covering tuition).
- Proof of financial means meeting at least the minimum monthly requirement (around 10,584 SEK per month as of 2025).
- Health insurance and valid passport.

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Working During and After Your Studies

While Studying

Non-EU/EEA students with a residence permit for studies are generally allowed to work alongside their studies, as long as they keep up with their coursework.
Common student jobs:
- Part-time work in cafés, shops, restaurants.
- Internships and junior roles in companies.
- Research or teaching assistant roles at universities.

After Graduation

You can apply to extend your residence permit for a certain period (for example, up to 12 months) to stay in Sweden and look for work or start a business, subject to current regulations by the Swedish Migration Agency.

Student Life in Sweden

Student Cities

Stockholm – capital city, home to several universities and many international companies, but also the most expensive.
Lund and Uppsala – classic student towns with long academic traditions and very active student nations and unions.
Gothenburg, Linköping, Umeå – important university cities with lively student communities.

Lifestyle and Culture

Winters are cold and dark, which can be challenging at first, but student communities organise many social activities.
Summers are bright, with long days and plenty of outdoor activities in Sweden’s forests, lakes and archipelagos.
Swedish culture values privacy, punctuality and equality, but universities are generally very welcoming to international students.

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Tips for Succeeding in Sweden as an International Student

Plan your finances carefully Sweden is expensive, so make a realistic monthly budget and look for scholarships and part-time work opportunities early.
Start your application early Documents, translations, language tests and residence permits all take time – don’t wait until the deadline.
Use official information For admission, fees and residence rules, rely on Study in Sweden, Universityadmissions.se and the Swedish Migration Agency.
Invest in your language skills Strong English is essential for admission, while Swedish will unlock more job opportunities and deeper integration.
Choose in-demand fields Degrees in IT, engineering, renewable energy, data science and business are particularly relevant to Sweden’s job market.

Official Sources and Useful Links (English Article)

Study in Sweden – Official portal for international students (programmes, institutions, fees, living, scholarships) https://studyinsweden.se
Universityadmissions.se – Official central application portal for Bachelor’s and Master’s studies in Sweden https://www.universityadmissions.se
Swedish Migration Agency – Official information on residence permits for higher education https://www.migrationsverket.se

Study in Sweden 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to Universities, Costs, Scholarships and Application Steps for International Students