The quality of education at the universities in Sweden is on par with some of the best in the world. There are 8 universities in Sweden that feature in QS World Ranking 2023, and all of them are in the top 350 universities of the world. For a long the country has been known for science and technology courses, however, for a number of courses and specializations, Sweden is more than the apt choice for international students.

The country’s economy is driven by science and technology, and higher education in Sweden is an apt reflection of that. Student cities like Stockholm, Lund, Gothenburg, Uppsala, and Umea are hubs for International students, with some large chunks of the population made of domestic and international students.


ENGLISH-TAUGHT PROGRAMS IN SWEDEN

Swedish and Finnish are the largely spoken languages in Sweden, but there is a large number of courses offered in English. In fact, around 900 English-taught programs in the universities of Sweden for international students. Everyone can understand and communicate in English, therefore, there are no communication barriers for international students coming to Sweden.


STUDENT LIFE IN SWEDEN

Student life in Sweden varies with the city you are in. There are student clubs in every university, and they are the focal point of the activities. They organize various events for the students, be it theatre or sports. Most big cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are full of opportunities for students looking for a happening nightlife. The students in Swedish universities are very active, and the sports scene is very happening in Sweden, both on campus and out in nature.


STUDY IN SWEDEN FOR FREE

For international students, Sweden is not a free country to study abroad. However, for domestic students, students from European Union and Switzerland, the universities in Sweden are absolutely free. Before 2011, universities used to be free for international students, too, however, that is not the case now. The universities in Sweden have partner universities all over the world, If international students are enrolled in one of the partner universities’ programs, under the student exchange, the students can come and study in Sweden for free.

 

STUDY IN SWEDEN REQUIREMENTS
LIST OF UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN SWEDEN
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

University

Established as a university

First establishment

Uppsala Universi
uu.se

 1477 1477

Lund University
https://www.lu.se

 1666

1425

University of Gothenburg

www.gu.se

 1954

1891
Stockholm University

www.su.se/english

 1960

1878

Karolinska Institutet
www.ki.se

 1965 1810

Umeå University
www.umu.se/en

 1965

1965
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
www.kth.se/en		 1970

1827

Linköping University
www.liu.se

 1975

1969

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
http://www.slu.se/

 1977

1775

Luleå University of Technology
www.ltu.se

 1997 1971

Karlstad University
www.kau.se

 1999 1977
Örebro University
https://www.oru.se/english		 1999

1977
Mid Sweden University
www.miun.se/en		 2005

1993

Linnaeus University

lnu.se

 2010 1967 (Växjö University) / 1977 (Kalmar University)

Malmö University
www.mau.se/en

 2018

1998


PUBLIC UNIVERSITY COLLEGES

Högskola

Established (as högskola)
Royal Institute of Art
www.mau.se/en		 1735
Royal College of Music, Stockholm 1771
University of Arts, Crafts and Design
konstfack.se		 1844
University of Borås
konstfack.se		 1977
Dalarna University College
www.du.se		 1977
Mälardalen University College
https://mdu.se		 1977
Kristianstad University
www.kau.se		 1977
University of Skövde
www.his.se		 1977
Gävle University College
www.hig.se		 1977
Halmstad University
www.hh.se		 1983
Blekinge Institute of Technology
http://www.bth.se		 1989
University West 1990
Södertörn University
www.sh.se		 1996
Swedish Defence University
www.fhs.se/en/		 2008
Stockholm University of the Arts 2014

 INTAKES IN SWEDEN

There are two Intakes to Study in Sweden.

1.         Autumn Intake

2.         Spring Intake

Here is all you need to know about Intakes in Sweden.


Intakes in Sweden: When to Apply

As we have mentioned, there are two intakes in Sweden. Here are the important deadlines and dates for them. International students are advised to start the application process and documentation a year before the Intake they are targeting, as there are a lot of stages to the application process in Sweden-


Autumn Intake in Sweden

 The Autumn Intake in Sweden is the primary intake, and almost all the universities offer all the courses for the Autumn Intake. The Autumn Intake starts in August-September. Here is a timeline to follow for the Autumn Intake in Sweden for International students.

The online application process at the “university admission” website from 15 October generally and they are open for admission till mid-January. The students will get to know if they have been accepted into the university or not by early April. As soon as students receive notification of acceptance, they are advised to apply for the student visa as the process takes time.

Deadlines Dates
Master’s Bachelor’s
Applications Open Mid-October Mid-October
Application Deadline Mid-January Mid-January
Notification of Selection Early April Mid April
Semester Starts August-September August-September

Steps to Study in Autumn Intake in Sweden

If you are someone looking forward to studying in September Intake for Sweden, here is the timeline one needs to follow:

Step 1: Start Now. January

  • Begin early and by June, shortlist 6-7 top universities in Sweden that you will apply to. Visit websites of the best universities in Sweden and note application requirements, due dates etc.
  • By that time, be familiar with bank loan options and scholarships in Sweden to support your studies.
  • Start your process by downloading admissions brochures from the university websites.
  • Also, research on different cities as well as different accommodation options.


Step 2: Crack the exams: January to February

  • Start your preparations for the exams as asked by the university.
  • Prepare for entrance exams such as GMAT, GRE, SAT, etc. also get prepared for your English language requirements such as TOEFL or IELTS Many universities offer to study in Sweden without IELTS.
  • Register for the required exams on time.
  • Take the required tests around September.


Step 3: Its application time: March to April

  • Check out the list of universities in Sweden for international students offering study abroad programs in Sweden, and prepare for your application.
  • Think hard about what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-appraisal in the statement of Purpose.
  • Ask your professors or managers for the required letter of recommendation.
  • Start drafting your SOP and essays. Give a month to structure these documents appropriately.
  • Check and Apply before the deadlines.


Step 4: What next: April  to May

  • Do not delay replying to college emails. Also, there will be quite a few!
  • Appear for personal/video interviews. These are scheduled around January – March.
  • Once you get a letter of acceptance, make your decision as soon as possible and inform the universities.
  • Also, pay your application fee on time.


Step 5: Visa and money matters: June to July 

  • Research for and start applying for external scholarships (if required).
  • Apply for a student loan if required, after you get your letter of acceptance.
  • Check visa prerequisites and Collect all your documents for your Sweden student visa.
  • Apply for a student visa in time. Remember the time taken for visa processing!


Step 6: Get ready to fly: July to August

  • Book airline tickets.
  • Organize an International Debit/Credit card.
  • Collect all your documents and their photocopies, to take along.
  • Check out the Pre-departure checklist!
  • If the orientations and Courses start in September, it is advisable to arrive in Sweden by August.
  • Start looking for accommodation on or off the campus depending on your preference.


Spring Semester in Sweden

The Spring Semester in Sweden starts in January and it is considered the secondary intake. Some of the courses might not be available for the Spring Intake in some of the Swedish Universities, therefore the best way to go is to check on the university websites before applying.

Students who miss the Autumn intakes have a chance to apply for the spring intake and not waste the whole year. The Applications start in June and the deadlines are somewhere in Mid-August. The students will be notified about their application in October. Here is a tentative timeline to follow for the Spring Intake for Universities in Sweden:

Deadlines Dates
Master’s Bachelor’s
Applications Open June June
Application Deadline Mid-August Mid-August
Notification of Selection Mid-October Mid-October
Semester Starts January January

Steps to Study in January Intake in Sweden

If you have decided to study in Sweden, and you want to apply for the January intake, here is the timeline you can follow to apply to Universities in Sweden to study in January.

Step 1: Start Now! May – June

  • Start looking for a course in your field of study, bachelor’s and master in Sweden Courses starting in January, and after that, a University.
  • Make a list of the Universities that suits your academic and career goals best. Look for particular cities and tuition fees for the courses you want to study.
  • Once you are ready with your University, check their website and look for the application due dates. You must complete and submit your application before the due date. So Plan and act accordingly.


Step 2 – Take your specialized tests: July to August

  • The chosen university will have some specific admission requirements that you need to fulfil. One of them is the entrance exams.
  • There are many competitive entrance exams one can take to get admission into a Swedish University. The most required exams are IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.
  • The result declaration also takes time and you might need to retake them if the scores are not satisfactory. Read more about language requirements at Study in Sweden without IELTS


Step 3 – Start Applying to Colleges: June to July

  • Once you have decided on the course and University, start preparing for the application.
  • Universities in Sweden might ask for application essays or SOPs and LORs. The idea is to highlight the strengths you possess and present yourself as a unique applicant.
  • Start preparing your statement of purpose.
  • Contact your professors or managers for a Letter of recommendation.
  • You should start documentation at least a month before the application deadline.
  • For applying, you have to visit their respective Universities and follow the steps mentioned there.
  • Apply on time before the due date.


Step 4 – Confirmation letter and Interviews: September to October

  • The University will soon mail you their decision about your application.
  • You should reply to their mail as soon as you are ready with your decision.
  • You may be asked to take a personal interview.
  • Once you confirm your positive reply, you might be asked to pay a confirmation fee by some Universities. Pay them as per the deadlines.


Step 5 – Sweden Visa Application / Manage Fund: October to November

  • Once it is confirmed, you will get a letter of acceptance from the University.
  • As soon as you get the confirmation letter from a Swedish University, start preparing for your Student Visa in Sweden Application. The visa processing will also need time, so keep that in mind while planning.
  • Apply for a student loan. Start applying for your student loan and manage the money you will be required to show.
  • If you want to apply for scholarships in Sweden, start the process for the same. File all the documents you will need for all these applications.


Step 6 – Book your Tickets and fly: November to December

  • You are almost ready. Book the flight tickets
  • If the orientations and Courses start in January, it is advisable to arrive in Sweden by December.
  • Look and decide on accommodation.
  • Collect all the necessary documents and their photocopies required before leaving.
  • Arrange for an international credit/debit card, and a pre-departure checklist to have a hassle-free journey to Sweden.


University Admissions in Sweden

There are two rounds of admission for the Universities in Sweden each semester. The second round normally starts later than the official commencement of the application period.

  • For the Autumn Intake in Sweden, the second round will start in Mid-March and the students will be notified about their acceptance between July to August.
  • For Winter Intake in Sweden, the second admission round will start around Mid-September. The students will be notified in December whether they have been accepted by the universities or not.

In many cases, the English-taught courses are only available to apply in the first round. There may be some courses that might not be available for the second round altogether. That is another reason why it is best to apply for the first round to begin with.

Since the results of the application are declared in July/August for the Autumn Intake which starts in August/September, and the results for Spring Intake will be declared in December, when the semester starts in January, the international students are not advised to apply for the second round. Since there is less than one month of time between the acceptance into the university and the start of the semester, students will not have enough time to apply for a student visa in Sweden.


COST OF STUDY IN SWEDEN

Sweden has been slowly emerging as a popular study-abroad destination among international students. The country has eight of its universities featured among the top universities of the world, ranked by QS. If you are someone who is looking forward to Sweden as a study-abroad destination in the near future, here are all the finance-related details one should know before applying to a university in Sweden:

International students who do not belong to European Union and Switzerland need to pay fees for higher education in Sweden. The tuition fees at the universities in Sweden range from 7530 euros to 12240 euros a year. In local currency, that would be 80000 SEK to 130000 SEK. Students in Sweden need to buy their own books for each semester, which may cost around 75 to 100 SEK. The fees largely depend on the type, of course, one chooses to study in Sweden, and the University offering that course. The best way to check the Cost of Study in Sweden is to check university websites or contact them. The application fees for the universities in Sweden are 900 SEK or 85 euros. Students from Sweden, EU countries, and Switzerland can study in Sweden for Free.


Living Costs in Sweden for International Students

Here is a breakdown of average costs for International students in Sweden, and they are required to present proof of that amount to Swedish Immigration while applying for a Student visa in Sweden.


Study in Sweden Requirements

Accommodation 4000 SEK 380€ / 430$
Food 2000 SEK 190€ / 215$
Phone / Internet 300 SEK 30€ / 34$
Transportation 550 SEK 52€ / 58$
Social Life / Hobbies 1500 SEK 140€ / 158$
Total 8350 SEK 792€ / 895$

These are the official figures that one needs to prove in front of immigration. The costs in bigger cities of Sweden might be higher than that, so let us have a look at top student cities in Sweden and the living costs in them:


Cost of Living in Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital and the largest city in Sweden, The Dining outside would cost you around 100 to 200 SEK. The Public Transport would be around 533 SEK. For unlimited busses and subway. The Accommodation can range from 3500 SEK to 7000 SEK in Stockholm.


Cost of Living in Gothenburg

A meal outside in Gothenburg can cost anywhere from 70 SEK to 150 SEK. Public transport is much more affordable than in Stockholm, being 370 SEK for a month. The accommodation costs are between 3500 SEK to 5000 SEK.


Cost of Living in Lund

Dining out in Lund is as expensive as in Stockholm, between 100-200 SEK. Public transport is slightly on the higher side, with 560 SEK a month for unlimited buses. The housing is affordable in Lund, with rents starting from 2900 SEK and going on the higher side of 4900 SEK.


Study in Sweden Scholarships

Waivers and Study abroad scholarships are a great way to fund your Study in Sweden with fees and other expenses. There are a number of scholarships available from the government and universities to help international students with their finances. One needs to apply for the scholarships before the respective deadlines. The details of scholarships can be found on the official websites, where students can see if they are eligible or not, and start the application process.


Cheap Universities in Sweden for International students

For many universities, doctoral studies are free for international students, too. Therefore, if you are a PhD student, Sweden can be a very affordable option. For bachelor’s and Master’s in Sweden, the options for affordable universities are:

  • Uppsala University
  • Lund University
  • Stockholm University
  • KTH Royal Institute of Technology

 

Cost of Study in Sweden for BANGLADESHI Students

Courses offered in English, affordable education, and the opportunities after the studies are just a few of the reasons for Bangladeshi students to come and study in Sweden. The average cost of studying in Sweden for Bangladeshi students is around 137900 Swedish Krona or 14600 USD per year. These numbers are for tuition fees in Sweden. The cost of living in Sweden will be around 25000 Swedish Krona, which would be 2700 USD.


STUDENT VISA FOR SWEDEN

Sweden is one of the most underrated European Study Abroad destinations. With Quality Education, after studies possibilities and an opportunity to study and live in one of the happiest countries in the world is something unmissable. Eight of the universities in Sweden are ranked among the top universities in the world. If you are looking forward to studying in Sweden, you will require a resident permit to stay in the country. Here is all you need to know about student visas in Sweden and resident permits.

Sweden Visa

Program less than 90 days

If the program one has applied to is for less than three months, and you are a Non-EU student, a study permit is required. The fee for this entry visa would be 60 euros. Students are required to have a full-time acceptance in a university in Sweden, and they should be able to prove that they can support themselves for the duration of their stay.


Sweden Resident Permit Application: (More than 90 Days)

If one is going for a bachelor’s or Masters in Sweden, these would be the course of application. Students pursuing courses for more than 90 days in Sweden require a residence permit to study and live in Sweden. Given below are the requirements and step-by-step process to study in Sweden on Student Visa:

  1. To be eligible for a residence permit in Sweden, one is required to have successfully applied and been accepted at a university in Sweden, and have paid the required fees for the course.

 

  1. The next step is to prepare the supporting documents required alongside the application. Here is the list of supporting documents for the student residence permit in Sweden:
  • A Valid Passport
  • Acceptance Letter
  • Proof of monetary funds, that one can support oneself for the duration of the program (8190 SEK per month, for one year. For more than 12 months of stay, one needs to have 10 months of funds for each year).
  • A Health Insurance that is valid in Sweden

 

  1. If the documents are in another language, they must be translated into English or Swedish.

 

  1. Once you have all the documents and duly filled application with you, submit the application on Sweden Resident Permit Application.

 

  1. The final step is to pay the application fees for the Student Visa/Residence permit in Sweden. The Application Fee for the Residence Permit in Sweden is 1000 SEK / 95 EUR / 106 USD approximately.

 

Sweden Visa Processing Time

The Processing Time for the Visa in Sweden is around three months, and that is why students should be applying for the Sweden Visa as soon as they pay the fees at the university they have been selected.


Sweden Student Visa Interview Questions

Students are required to go through a visa interview for the Swedish residence permit, or students visa. Students are required to book an appointment with the Swedish Embassy for the interview and appear for an interview. The visa questions will include general questions of introduction, and questions about the course and university the student has chosen.


PR In Sweden after Study

Permanent Residence (PR) in Sweden can be achieved after a certain period of stay in the country. The general requirement for the PR in Sweden is to stay in the country continuously, without any break for five consecutive years, on a valid residence permit from Swedish Immigration. International students can extend their residence permit in Sweden once their studies are over, and look for a permanent skilled job in the country. The whole period of studying in Sweden is not counted in the five years, as that is a temporary residence permit.

 

Sweden Student Visa with Spouse

Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18 can be allowed to join the student in Sweden under the residence permit. If the residence permit for the student visa holder is more than six months, the dependent/spouse is allowed to have a work permit. The monetary requirements for a spouse or dependents are 3500 SEK for an adult and 2100 SEK for children. A document proving the relationship with the student visa holder is required along with other general document requirements. They also need to pay a separate application fee for the Sweden Student Visa for dependents/spouses.


Sweden Student Visa IELTS Requirements

There are no separate language requirements for the student visa in Sweden. The Universities in Sweden might ask for test scores like IELTS and TOEFL. The embassy, on the other hand, will also ask only for the acceptance letter from the university. However, during the visa interview, if the officials are not content with the student’s English Language Proficiency, they might ask for a reappearance.

 

Sweden Student Visa Work Hours

International students are allowed to work in Sweden for part-time jobs while their programs at the universities in Sweden are going on. The students can also stay back and find a job after the program is over for up to six months. During the breaks, the students are allowed to work full-time. To work in Sweden, students are required to have a personal identification number or coordination number. Students can obtain that from a Swedish tax office called Skatteverket.

FAQ

Can international students work in Sweden with a study visa?

International students are allowed to work part-time in Sweden while pursuing their studies at Swedish universities. The students can also stay back and find a job after the program is over for up to six months. During the breaks, the students are allowed to work full-time. To work in Sweden, international students must have a personal identification or coordination number, which can be obtained from a Swedish tax office called Skatteverket.

Can I study in Sweden without IELTS?

International students are allowed to work part-time in Sweden while pursuing their studies at Swedish universities. The students can also stay back and find a job after the program is over for up to six months. During the breaks, the students are allowed to work full-time. To work in Sweden, international students must have a personal identification or coordination number, which can be obtained from a Swedish tax office called Skatteverket.

How is the Student Life in Sweden?

Student life in Sweden varies depending on the city. Every university has student clubs that serve as the hub of activity. They organize various events for the students, such as theatre and sports. Most major cities, such as Stockholm and Gothenburg, have plenty of options for students looking for lively nightlife. Students at Swedish universities are very active, and the sports scene in Sweden is very active, both on campus and in nature.

What is the cost of studying in Sweden?

The tuition fees for international students in Sweden will differ for the courses and universities. The average tuition fees range from 7530 euros to 12240 euros a year. Other costs, such as books, will total 80 euros for the semester. There are also student union fees to pay as membership fees, which range between 10 and 30 euros per semester.

Living expenses vary depending on city and neighbourhood, as large metropolitan cities are more expensive than smaller towns. Monthly expenses, excluding semester fees, will be around 755 euros, including Sweden's average monthly rent. There is an additional cost for health insurance in Sweden for non-EU students.

How can I study abroad in Sweden?

There are some basic requirements one needs to fulfil to study in Sweden. One needs to have completed higher secondary school for bachelor's programs. The other essential requirement is English language proficiency. To pursue bachelor's courses, English 6/B level of Swedish secondary level is required.

A bachelor's degree is required for the Master's level, and some Basic English language requirements must be met as well. Other requirements for both bachelor's and master's degrees in Sweden will vary based on the course chosen by the university student.

What are the documents required for a student visa to Sweden?

A Valid Passport,

All Academics documents  

Acceptance Letter

Proof of monetary funds

Health Insurance that is valid in Sweden

National ID

Police Clearance Certificate

 

NOTE: All required documents must be translated into English or Swedish if the documents are in another language.

Are there any scholarships to study in Sweden for international students?

Non-EU students who are required to pay tuition fees can apply for waivers and scholarships from the government, universities, and other providers to study in Sweden. Swedish Scholarship Programs provide excellent opportunities for international students to study in Sweden without breaking the bank. The majority of these scholarships are provided by the Swedish government and universities. They reduce the cost of studying in Sweden for international students by assisting them financially.

Can I study English in Sweden?

Swedish and Finnish are the primarily spoken languages in Sweden, but a large number of English courses are offered. Around 900 English programs were taught in Sweden's universities for international students. Everyone can understand and communicate in English. Therefore, there are no communication barriers for international students coming to Sweden.

What are the best universities in Sweden?

Sweden's universities are on par with the most prestigious universities in Europe. QS universities rank eighth in Swedish universities among the top universities. Not only that, but they are all among the top 350 universities in the world. Science and technology drive the country's economy, and higher education in Sweden reflects this. Student cities such as Stockholm, Lund, Gothenburg, Uppsala, and Umea are international student hubs, with domestic and international students constituting significant portions of the population.