Study in Sweden For International Students 2025-26

To study in Sweden means gaining access to advanced education, strong industry connections, and a supportive student-friendly environment. Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in fields like Engineering, Business, IT, Environmental Studies, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Design. Most universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent, though some accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter. The tuition fees start at €7,500 per year, while medical and specialized programs may reach €15,000–€20,000/year. The average cost of living is €700–€1,000/month, making Sweden affordable compared to other Nordic countries.

For a Swedish student visa, applicants must show proof of funds of around €8,500 per year, along with health insurance and admission documents. International students also enjoy generous scholarships (like the Swedish Institute Scholarships and university-specific awards) and have the right to work 20 hours per week during studies. With a visa success rate of around 95%, Sweden is a safe, innovative, and student-friendly destination for higher education.

Quick Facts About Studying in Sweden 2025 

Language of Instruction	English & Swedish
Popular Universities	Lund UniversityUppsala UniversityStockholm UniversityKTH Royal Institute of TechnologyChalmers University of TechnologyMalmö UniversityÖrebro University
Degree Duration	Bachelor: 3 years  Master: 1–2 years  PhD: 3–5 years
Popular Programs	EngineeringBusinessITMedicineEnvironmental StudiesDesignSocial Sciences
Tuition Fees	€7,500 – €15,000/year (Medicine up to €20,000)
Living Costs	€700 – €1,000/month
Work Rights	20 hrs/week during studies, full-time during holidays
Post-Study Work	12-month residence permit to seek jobs
Visa Type	Residence Permit for Studies
Visa Approval Rate	~95% (with complete documents)
Bank Statement Requirement	~€8,500 per year
English Requirements	IELTS 6.0–6.5 or MOI accepted (in some cases)
Top Scholarships	Swedish Institute ScholarshipsErasmus+University-specific awards

Top Universities in Sweden for International Students 

Sweden is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious and innovative universities, offering English-taught programs across diverse fields from engineering and medicine to business and social sciences. Below are the top universities in Sweden for international students, their leading programs, and tuition fee ranges.

University	Top Programs	Tuition Range (€/year)
Lund University	EngineeringMedicineLawHumanities	€9,000 – €15,000
Uppsala University	Natural SciencesITBusinessMedicine	€8,500 – €15,000
KTH Royal Institute of Technology	EngineeringTechnologyArchitecture	€9,500 – €15,000
Chalmers University of Technology	AutomotiveEngineeringSustainable Energy	€9,000 – €15,000
Stockholm University	Social SciencesLawEnvironmental Studies	€8,500 – €13,000
Malmö University	International RelationsArtsIT	€7,500 – €11,000
Örebro University	MedicinePsychologyBusiness	€8,000 – €12,000

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Sweden 

Studying in Sweden is affordable compared to other Nordic countries. Here’s a breakdown: 

Expense Type	Average Cost (€)
Tuition (Non-Medical)	€7,500 – €12,000 per year
Tuition (Medical/Specialized)	€15,000 – €20,000 per year
Accommodation	€3,600 – €6,000 per year  (€300 – €500 per month)
Food & Utilities	€2,400 – €3,600 per year  (€200 – €300 per month)
Transport & Miscellaneous	€1,200 – €2,400 per year  (€100 – €200 per month)
Health Insurance	~€400 – €600 per year

Estimated Total Living Costs: €700 – €1,000/month (including rent, food, transport, and health). 

 Scholarships for International Students in Sweden 

Sweden offers a wide range of scholarships that make studying in this Nordic country more affordable for international students. These awards are funded by the government, universities, and EU programs, covering tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)	Full tuition + monthly stipend	Students from selected countries (non-EU/EEA)
Erasmus+ Mobility	Tuition + monthly stipend	EU and non-EU exchange students
University-Specific Scholarships	25%–100% tuition waiver	Based on academic merit
Visby Programme Scholarships	Full tuition + living allowance	Students from Eastern Europe & Western Balkans

These scholarships not only reduce the cost of studying in Sweden but also provide prestige and global networking opportunities, giving international students a strong academic and career advantage. 

Admission Process for Studying in Sweden (Step-by-Step)

Applying to study in Sweden is clear and structured, but it requires proper preparation. Below is the step-by-step admission process international students should follow:

Choose a Program & University

Sweden offers over 1,000 English-taught programs across leading universities. Start by selecting a program that matches your academic background, career goals, and budget.

Check Entry Requirements

General requirements include:

• Academic Score: At least 55–60% in previous studies.
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (some universities accept MOI).
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 1 year.

Note: IELTS is strongly recommended as it is often required for the visa application stage.

Prepare Documents

Students must prepare the following:

• Academic transcripts & certificates
• Valid passport copy
• CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation Letters
• Proof of English (IELTS/MOI)

Pro Tip: Make sure all documents are clear, scanned, and translated into English if needed.

Receive Offer Letter

Once your application is reviewed, the university will issue an Offer Letter, usually accompanied by the first-year tuition fee invoice. This letter confirms that your application has been accepted, either conditionally or unconditionally:

• Conditional Offer → Granted if certain requirements are still pending, such as final academic results, IELTS score, or semester fee. You must fulfill these conditions before moving to the next stage.
  
• Unconditional Offer → Issued when all academic and English language requirements are met. This confirms your full admission and allows you to proceed with paying tuition fees and applying for your residence permit.

Pay Tuition Deposit

After receiving your Unconditional Offer Letter, students must pay an initial deposit (usually €1,000–€4,000) to secure their place. This deposit is deducted from the first year’s tuition fee and the payment receipt is required for the residence permit application.

Apply for Residence Permit (Student Visa)

To pursue study in Sweden requires a Residence Permit for Studies. Students need to submit:

• Offer Letter & Tuition Fee Payment proof
• Bank Statement showing ~€8,500/year
• Health Insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Valid passport
• Visa processing usually takes 4–8 weeks. 

To avoid mistakes and delays, our visa guidance service ensures your financial documents, accommodation proof, and health insurance are all handled correctly for a smooth approval.

FAQs