Complete guide to studying in Sweden
Everything you need to know about becoming an international student in Sweden
Top reasons to study in Sweden:
- Vibrant student life and university cities
- Abundance of natural beauty and balanced lifestyle
- High quality of life and excellent public services
- Welcoming, inclusive and safe society
- Progressive, student-centered teaching methods
A quick introduction to Sweden
Sweden is a country that is located in the Scandinavian peninsula alongside Norway, Denmark and Finland, in the north of Europe.
Sweden is an EU country and as such it follows the Bologna process and is part of the European Higher Education area. This means that Sweden adheres to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), so any qualifications completed in Sweden are recognized throughout other EU nations.
In the 2022/23 academic year, 41,700 international students moved to Sweden for their studies. Many of these students were from countries within the EU, including Germany, France and Spain. Many students also arrived from further afield, with India and China being particularly large sources of foreign students.
International students will find Sweden a welcoming country to all, with progressive attitudes and a multicultural population, with 20% of the population of Sweden having been born abroad, or with at least one parent from abroad.
You will find that this welcoming attitude extends to studying at university in Sweden, where openness and tolerance is the norm, no matter who you are or what your interests are.
Sweden’s higher education system
The academic year in Sweden begins in August and ends the following year in June. It is divided into two semesters:
- Autumn semester – The start of the academic year, beginning in August, taking a brief pause during the end of December and then ending in mid-January.
- Spring semester – Begins in mid-January and runs until early June.
As Sweden is a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), it follows the standardized three cycle system of higher education, which works as follows:
- Bachelor’s/Undergraduate – The first cycle of university education in Sweden, the bachelor’s degree takes 3 years of full-time study to complete, and which will equate to 180 ECTS credits, which are recognized institutions throughout Europe.
- Master’s/Graduate – The second cycle of university education in Sweden, the master’s degree can be taken once you have completed a bachelor’s degree in Sweden, or elsewhere in the EHEA (or the equivalent bachelor’s degree outside of Europe). Master’s degrees in Sweden can take either 1 or 2 years of full-time study to complete, resulting in a degree worth either 60 or 120 ECTS credits.
- Doctoral level – The third cycle of university education in Sweden allows students who have completed a master’s degree to study for a doctorate degree, most commonly a PhD research course in the students line of interest.
Teaching methods
The way in which bachelor’s degrees are studied is a little different to the usual teaching methods. Usually in a university degree you will study a selection of courses every semester alongside each other, potentially with examination and/or coursework in each course to the end of the semester.
In Sweden, you study just one course at a time for a shorter period of time. At the end of the teaching period for a course, you have an exam in that course, and then begin a course in the next subject. This means that you can concentrate fully on the subject in front of you.
Universities
Universities in Sweden can be either a university or a university college. The differences between the two are subtle; both types of institution can award bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Whilst universities in Sweden are able to award doctoral degrees, university colleges must be granted that authority by the Swedish Higher Education Authority. University colleges, known as Högskola in Sweden, also tend to be smaller than universities.
There are 39 universities in total in the country, and the majority of these are publicly funded. There are also 7 private universities operating in Sweden, with examples including the Stockholm School of Economics and the University College Stockholm.
You will receive an excellent level of education regardless of whether you study at a private or public university or university college in Sweden.
University rankings
As an international student, you will find that university rankings are a useful tool to compare metrics that you might find meaningful when it comes to choosing a university, including the reputation of the university and the standard of teaching.
Worldwide rankings allow you to compare how universities match up around the world. Swedish universities are often innovative and pride themselves on offering a slightly different experience from the norm, and they also rank very well in world university rankings.
Our table below shows the top 15 universities in Sweden according to 3 well known university ranking systems:
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| Karolinska Institute | 50 | 51 | |
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 97 | 251 | 74 |
| Lund University | 106 | 125 | 75 |
| Uppsala University | 140 | 150 | 103 |
| Stockholm University | 185 | 153 | 128 |
| Chalmers University of Technology | 189 | 341 | 139 |
| University of Gothenburg | 201-250 | 160 | 194 |
| Linköping University | 251-300 | 300 | 304 |
| Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences | 301-350 | 439 | |
| Umeå University | 401-500 | 401 | 456 |
| Jönköping University | 601-800 | 1164 | |
| Örebro University | 601-800 | 865 | |
| Karlstad University | 1001-1200 | 1494 | |
| Halmstad University | 1201-1500 | ||
| Lulea University of Technology | 689 |
Climate in Sweden
If you’re planning to study in Sweden, one of the first things to prepare for is the distinct seasons and the variation in daylight throughout the year. Sweden stretches far north, so the weather, and especially the amount of daylight, can be quite different depending on where in the country you study.
Like much of northern Europe, Sweden’s climate can be unpredictable and layers will be your best friend. It’s not uncommon to experience sunshine, clouds and a short rain shower all in the same day.
You’ll also discover that Swedes don’t let a bit of bad weather ruin their plans. There’s a well-known local saying: “Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder” – “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”
Umbrella, warm jacket and a good pair of boots? You’re ready for Sweden.
Sweden enjoys a temperate to subarctic climate, depending on your location:
- In southern cities like Malmö, Lund or Gothenburg, winters are relatively mild (though still cold by many standards), and summers are pleasantly warm, with highs of around 20–25°C (68–77°F).
- In central areas such as Stockholm or Uppsala, winters can bring snow and colder temperatures, often ranging from -5 to 5°C (23–41°F). Summers are usually sunny and mild.
- In the far north, near towns like Umeå or Luleå, winter is long, snowy, and cold and you may experience weeks with very little daylight (but also the Northern Lights!). Summer days, on the other hand, can stretch nearly 24 hours.
Sweden truly has four distinct seasons, and each comes with its charm:
- Spring is fresh and green, though often chilly until May.
- Summer brings long days, outdoor festivals and lake swims.
- Autumn paints the forests with rich colours and cooler air.
- Winter turns cities and countryside alike into snowy landscapes, perfect for winter sports and fika by candlelight.
Lifestyle and Welfare in Sweden
Healthcare
One of the many reasons Sweden is such an attractive study destination is the high quality of life and excellent public services available to its residents.
Sweden has a publicly funded healthcare system, offering comprehensive care that is accessible and affordable for all residents, including international students under certain conditions.
If you are a student from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will give you access to necessary healthcare at the same cost as locals.
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student and studying in Sweden for more than 12 months, you will be eligible for the Swedish public healthcare system once you’ve registered with the Swedish Population Register and received a personal identity number (“personnummer”). This means most healthcare will be low-cost, and many routine treatments are heavily subsidised.
However, if you’re staying for less than 12 months, you won’t have access to public healthcare, so you must arrange private health insurance before your arrival.
Healthcare fees in Sweden are relatively modest, for example, a doctor’s visit typically costs around SEK 200-300 (roughly €17-€25).
Leisure
Sweden offers a rich lifestyle shaped by nature, wellness and culture. From serene forests and lakes to cutting-edge design and world-class music festivals, there is always something to enjoy.
Swedes deeply value time outdoors, and “allemansrätten” (the right of public access) means you’re free to explore most of Sweden’s natural areas, camp, hike, swim and forage berries, even on private land (as long as you respect the environment).
City life is equally appealing; cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala and Lund all offer lively café cultures, festivals, museums and music scenes. You’ll also find thriving student unions that organise events, parties, sports clubs and trips.
Swedes are often described as reserved but friendly. It may take a little while to get to know people, but once you do, friendships tend to be deep and long-lasting.
Transportation
Sweden boasts a reliable and well-developed public transportation system, including buses, metros, trams and long-distance trains. Students often receive discounted fares, especially with monthly travel passes.
In larger cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg, you can expect an efficient metro and bus network, while in smaller university towns like Umeå or Lund, biking is a very popular and practical option. Sweden is bike-friendly, with safe and extensive cycle lanes.
To travel longer distances, you can use the national rail company SJ, which connects major cities and even neighbouring countries. Booking in advance can help reduce costs.
Food
Swedish cuisine is hearty and seasonal, and it places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Popular student favourites include:
- Meatballs with lingonberry jam, a classic Swedish comfort food.
- Kanelbullar – Sweet cinnamon buns, especially enjoyed during fika (coffee and cake breaks).
- Räksmörgås – Open-faced shrimp sandwiches topped with egg and mayonnaise.
- Pea soup and pancakes – Traditionally eaten on Thursdays.
- Vegetarian and vegan options – Widely available and often labelled clearly in stores and restaurants.
Supermarkets are easy to navigate and international students will find both local and international products readily available. Cooking at home is common among students and shared kitchens in student housing help keep food costs low.
Safety
Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world, regularly ranking high on global peace and safety indexes. Violent crime is rare, and cities are generally very safe to walk around, even at night.
Swedish society is known for its focus on equality, inclusivity and social welfare. LGBTQ+ rights are strongly protected and diversity is widely respected.
International students usually feel very welcomed, especially in student-friendly towns and cities, where English is widely spoken and support services are readily available.
University Cities
Sweden offers a wide variety of student-friendly cities that combine academic excellence with vibrant social life, beautiful surroundings and high quality of life. Whether you’re after a buzzing city vibe or a cosy student town, there’s something to suit every taste.
Here are some of the top cities to consider:
Stockholm
The capital and largest city in Sweden, Stockholm is a dynamic and innovative place to study, offering a mix of modern urban life and stunning natural scenery. Spread across 14 islands, the city is famous for its waterways, clean streets and historic architecture.
Home to top institutions like Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet (one of the world’s leading medical universities), and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm attracts a large number of international students.
You’ll enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle, strong English proficiency and endless cultural activities, from world-class museums to lively cafés and music venues.
Gothenburg
Located on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg is the country’s second-largest city and a major student hub. Known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, it’s home to University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology.
The city has a vibrant arts and food scene and its coastal location means easy access to picturesque groups of islands and seafood markets.
Students often appreciate the more relaxed feel compared to Stockholm, while still enjoying all the benefits of a big city.
Uppsala
Just 40 minutes north of Stockholm, Uppsala is Sweden’s oldest university city, known for its rich academic traditions and youthful energy. Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is one of Scandinavia’s most prestigious universities.
With nearly a third of its population made up of students, the city has a strong student culture, with “nations” (student clubs) playing a central role in social life. Expect lively pubs, enjoyable formal dinners and traditional Swedish festivities throughout the academic year.
Lund
Located in the south of Sweden, Lund is a charming medieval city that’s home to Lund University, consistently ranked among Europe’s top 100 universities.
The city is compact and easy to get around, making it a great choice for students who prefer a smaller, close-knit community. Lund is also part of the dynamic Öresund Region, giving you easy access to nearby Malmö and even Copenhagen in Denmark.
Despite its size, the student life is vibrant and international, with a calendar full of events and academic excellence to match.
Linköping
Situated in the heart of southern Sweden, Linköping is home to Linköping University, known for its innovative approach to education and interdisciplinary programs.
Linköping is a growing student city that blends modern infrastructure with natural beauty and Swedish charm. With a strong emphasis on engineering, business and technology, the city is popular among students pursuing degrees that are future-focused.
You’ll find a warm student community, good public transport and plenty of green spaces to unwind.
Umeå
In northern Sweden, Umeå is a vibrant university city known for its youthful energy and snowy winters. Umeå University has a strong reputation in the arts, sciences and health sciences and is particularly popular among international students.
Although located far north, the city is surprisingly lively, with a buzzing cultural scene, innovative architecture and frequent student events. If you love nature and winter sports, Umeå offers easy access to forests, rivers and skiing.
Student visas
International students who want to study in Sweden will need to obtain a valid student visa or residence permit depending on the length of their stay.
If your degree program lasts more than three months, you will need to apply for a residence permit for studies before you travel to Sweden.
If you are moving to Sweden from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need a student visa or residence permit. However, you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) if you plan to stay for more than 12 months.
Non-EU/EEA students will need to provide:
- A letter of admission from a Swedish university
- Proof of sufficient financial support for the duration of your studies
- A valid passport
- Proof of paid tuition fees (if applicable)
- Health insurance (if your stay is less than a year)
You should apply online via the Swedish Migration Agency and allow plenty of time for processing before your course begins.
Once in Sweden, you may also need to visit the Swedish Migration Agency in person to be fingerprinted and photographed for your residence permit card.
Costs of studying
Course fees
One of the main attractions of studying in Sweden is the strong academic reputation of its universities, combined with a transparent tuition fee structure for international students.
Tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Swedish public universities typically range between SEK 80,000 – 160,000 per academic year (approximately €6,800 – €13,600), depending on the subject and university. Courses in sciences, engineering, or architecture often fall at the higher end of this range.
EU/EEA and Swiss students do not pay any tuition fees at public universities in Sweden and they are treated the same as domestic Swedish students.
Tuition fees are only charged to students from outside the EU/EEA. However, all students, regardless of nationality, pay the same fee for a given course or programme, meaning there is no additional surcharge based on your country of origin.
Living costs
The cost of living in Sweden is generally high, especially in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Lund.
On average, international students should budget around SEK 9,000 – 12,000 per month (roughly €770 – €1,030) to cover accommodation, food, transport, study materials and social activities.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Accommodation: SEK 3,500 – 7,000 per month
- Food: SEK 2,000 – 3,000 per month
- Public transport: SEK 500 – 800 per month
- Other expenses (leisure, phone, clothing): SEK 2,000 per month
Finding a spot in a student dormitory can reduce your rent significantly, but availability is often limited.
Scholarships
Sweden offers a variety of scholarships for non-EU/EEA international students.
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides competitive scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses. Examples include:
- Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Visby Programme Scholarships (for students from certain countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans)
Additionally, many Swedish universities offer their own scholarships for talented international students, such as:
- Uppsala University Global Scholarships
- Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
- Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
These scholarships are usually awarded based on academic merit and application processes vary, so it’s important to check with your chosen university.
How to apply to university in Sweden
Sweden has a centralised application system for international students who wish to apply to universities.
All applications to bachelor’s and master’s programmes at Swedish universities are submitted through Universityadmissions.se, which is the official national portal. This system allows you to apply for up to four programmes (at master’s level) or eight programmes (at bachelor’s level) in a single application.
While deadlines and requirements may vary slightly by institution or programme, the centralised system simplifies the overall process.
Key steps and requirements
When applying through Universityadmissions.se, you will typically need to submit the following documents:
- A completed online application through the portal
- Academic transcripts and diplomas (translated to English, Swedish, French or German if necessary)
- Proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL; some programmes may accept previous education in English as proof)
- A copy of your passport or national ID
- A statement of purpose or motivation letter (required by many master’s programmes)
- Letters of recommendation (usually only required for master’s level applications)
- In some cases, specific programme-related documents such as a CV or portfolio (especially for design or architecture courses)
Language requirements
Most master’s programmes and many bachelor’s programmes for international students in Sweden are taught in English. You will usually need to demonstrate English proficiency through:
- IELTS Academic (usually a minimum score of 6.5 overall, with no section below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT (minimum 90)
- Cambridge English qualifications or equivalent
If your previous education was conducted entirely in English, you may be exempt, but this depends on your country and the institution’s policies.
Deadlines
Sweden has strict application deadlines, and the process begins well in advance:
- Mid-January: Application deadline for programmes starting in the autumn semester (late August)
- Early February: Deadline for submitting all required documents
- April: Notification of selection results
Make sure to start the process early, especially if you are applying for a visa or need time for translation or documentation.
Job prospects for international students
If you are planning to stay and work in Sweden after graduating, your employment opportunities will be strongest if you have relevant qualifications and speak some Swedish, although many international companies operate in English.
Swedish language skills are particularly important for roles in the public sector, healthcare and education, where working in Swedish is often a legal or practical requirement. That said, many global companies and start-ups based in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö operate in English and actively seek international talent.
Sectors with good job prospects for international graduates include:
- Information Technology (IT) and software development
- Engineering (particularly automotive and electrical)
- Life sciences and biotechnology
- Green energy and sustainability
- Finance and business services
- Design and gaming industries
After graduation
If you are a EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you are free to live and work in Sweden without needing a work permit, though you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency.
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you can apply for an extended residence permit for up to 12 months after completing your studies to look for work or start a business. You must apply before your student residence permit expires.
Tips to boost employability
- Learn Swedish – while many Swedes speak fluent English, even basic Swedish skills can give you a major advantage in the job market.
- Internships and part-time jobs – gaining local experience while studying helps build your CV and network.
- Make use of university career services – most universities offer career counselling, CV workshops and job fairs.
- Network – personal connections and LinkedIn play a big role in the Swedish job market.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to study in Sweden?
Not for everyone. If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you are not required to pay tuition fees at public universities in Sweden.
However, if you are a non-EU/EEA student, you will need to pay tuition fees. These typically range from SEK 80,000 to 150,000 per year (around €7,000 – €13,000), depending on the university and programme.
There are a wide range of scholarships available to help cover the cost of tuition for international students.
Am I allowed to work while I study?
Yes. As an international student in Sweden, you are allowed to work during your studies with no formal limit on the number of hours.
However, it is important to balance work with your academic life. Some programmes can be very demanding, so it is best to limit yourself to part-time hours.
While knowledge of Swedish is not required for many student jobs (especially in larger cities), learning the language will significantly increase your job options.