Explore Sweden for its ability to satisfy your aspirations from a world-class education system. There are many reasons that international students choose to study in Sweden. Sweden is known as a land of innovations. The universities of Sweden offer a unique education system that's student-centric. The study programs of Swedish universities are designed to promote independent and group studies among students. The education system follows a student-centric approach. Personalized training, innovation, and teamwork are the main strategies followed by Swedish universities. Sweden student visas are issued for international students to pursue graduate, postgraduate, master's, and Ph.D. courses. Depending on the course duration, the country issues Type C (short-term)/Type D (long-term) visas.
Here are some of the highlights you will benefit from if you have the intention to study in Sweden:
Language of instruction: English, Swedish
Average cost of living: SEK 700 – SEK 1,500 per month
The average price of study: SEK 80,000 per year
Sources of funding: Aids, scholarships, and part-time jobs
Intakes: 2 times a year (Spring and Autumn)
Exams required: IELTS, PTE, GMAT, TOEFL, GRE, TISUS, etc.
Types of Sweden student visa: C, D
Types of degrees: Undergraduate Degree, Doctorate Degree, Graduate Degree
Top courses: Engineering & Technology, Fine Arts, Business & Management, Physical & Life Sciences, etc.
Best student cities: Lund, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala, Umea, Gavle, Linkoping
If you are hailing from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need a Swedish student visa or a residence permit to study in Sweden. Here's how both these permits are different for you:
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen planning to stay and study in Sweden for less than 90 days, you must apply for a Swedish student visa.
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen planning to complete your studies in Sweden and stay for more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit.
Universities | QS Ranking Universities (2024) |
KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 73 |
Lund University | 85 |
Uppsala University | 105 |
Stockholm University | 118 |
Chalmers University of Technology | 129 |
University of Gothenburg | 187 |
Linköping University | 268 |
Umea University | 465 |
Sweden is a highly developed country with great infrastructure. It is a great study destination for international students with various course options. International students can choose from 60 bachelor’s courses and 900 master’s courses. Students can choose from the following fields. Popular majors in Sweden include Technology and Engineering.
Popular courses in Sweden
Other popular majors include:
Best Masters programs in Sweden
Swedish universities accept admissions in 2 intakes: autumn and spring.
Intakes | Study Program | Admission deadlines |
Autumn | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | September |
Spring | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | March |
Admissions in Sweden depend on the degree, whether a graduate or master's, and the university intake pattern. Apply before 6- 8 months of access to avoid the risk of not getting admitted.
Higher Study Options | Duration | Intake Months | Deadline to Apply |
Bachelors | 3 Years | Sep (Major) & Mar (Minor) | 6-8 months before the intake month |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 2 Years | Sep (Major) & Mar (Minor) | 6-8 months before the intake month |
The cost of study includes the tuition fee and living expenses. The average tuition fee ranges from 7,500 – 35,500 EUR/year, depending on your selected university and course. Agriculture and Business are the best courses in high demand in Sweden. The cost of study may differ for each person based on the university, scholarships, and living costs. Sweden is the best and cheapest country for non-EU students to study in.
Higher Study Options | Higher Study Options | Visa Fee | Living Expenses for 1 Year/Proof of funds for 1 year |
Bachelors | 8000 Euros and above | 127 Euros | 9000 Euros (approximately) |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 8000 Euros and above | 127 Euros | 9000 Euros (approximately) |
Educational Requirements to study in Sweden are
Higher Study Options | Minimum Educational Requirement | Minimum Required Percentage | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score |
Bachelors | 12 Years of Education (10+2)/ 10+3 years of diploma | 60% | Overall, 6 with 5.5 in each band |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 3/4 Years of Graduate Degree | 60% | Overall, 6.5 with no band less than 6 |
Step 1: Check if you can apply for the Sweden Visa.
Step 2: Get ready with all the required documents.
Step 3: Apply for a Sweden visa online.
Step 4: Wait for the approval status.
Step 5: Fly to Sweden for your education.
The Sweden Study Visa fee for a Residence Permit costs approximately SEK 1,500 - SEK 2,000. When applying, you can pay online using any debit or Master Card.
The processing time for a Sweden visa is expected to take 3 to 8 months. Submit all the correct documents to avoid delays.
English language proficiency certification is needed to get admission to Swedish universities. IELTS with 6.0 (or at least 5.5 bands) or TOEFL with a score of 72 or any other English language proficiency proof is required for admission.
If you have been issued a PhD-level permit in Sweden, you are considered to get permanent residence. After having the doctoral license for four years, one can gain permanent residency in Sweden.
The country allows non-EU/EEA students to work part-time to support their expenses. International students can earn during their education period.
Non-EU students pursuing in Spain can earn by working part-time to support their daily expenses. They can earn an income of 8000-10,000 SEK per month. They even can get tax reductions of up to 20 to 30 percent. International students can work part-time in companies like IKEA, Spotify, etc.
Most of the applications are processed within 1-2 months.
A family member of someone with a residence permit for higher studies in Sweden can get a residence permit for the same duration.
You must apply to a university full-time study program.
You must get official confirmation of your acceptance from the university.
It is recommended that you pay the first instalment of school fees (only if there is any tuition fees to be paid).
You must have proper health insurance if you are here for less than a year.
The validity of your passport must be at least six months.
If you studied in Sweden on a residence permit to complete higher education. you will be eligible to lodge an application for a residence permit to work. Alternatively, it could be possible for you to start your own business in Sweden. The residency permit issued to you will have a validity of 1 year.