Study in Sweden: Study in Sweden Requirements, Best Universities, Scholarships

If you’re considering higher education abroad, you should think about how to study in Sweden. With a welcoming environment, scholarships, and plenty of English-taught programs, studying in Sweden is both accessible and rewarding. In 2023, Sweden welcomed approximately 60,000 international students, reflecting its strong commitment to global education. Moreover, Swedish universities focus on creativity, critical thinking, and practical learning, making them a great choice for international students. Curious to learn more? Here is a comprehensive blog on everything you need to know regarding how to study in Sweden for Indian and international students including requirements, best universities, and scholarships for international students. Ready to embrace the Swedish way of life and study? Let’s begin.

Study in Sweden Parameters	Details
Top Universities to Study in Sweden	Lund University Karolinska Institute Uppsala University KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm University
General Requirements Study in Sweden	High school diploma, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree (depending on the course) Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
English-Taught Programs	Over 1,000 degree programs are available
Cost of Living to Study in Sweden	SEK 8,000-12,000 per month (approx for non-EU students)
Work While Studying	International students can work part-time (20 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks)
Visa/Residence Permit	Required for non-EU/EEA students Valid for the duration of the study program (up to 2 years)

Why Study in Sweden?

The opportunity to study abroad in Sweden for Indian or international students can be ideal for many students. It is slowly gaining attraction among international students for its innovative approach to learning and excellent academic opportunities. Here are some points highlighting why you should study in Sweden:

• World-Class Education: Sweden is home to top-ranked universities with strong academic reputations. 5 of its many universities are ranked in the top 150 universities according to the QS WUR 2025.
• English-Taught Programs: Over 1,000 degree programs are available in English across various fields such as engineering, architecture, medicine, business, and law. Students from all academic backgrounds can find a course that aligns with their interests and aspirations.
• High Education Standards: While the Ministry of Higher Education and Research takes care of the governing policies, the Swedish Higher Education Authority maintains the quality of higher education in Sweden. This means you get to study in one of the best education systems in the world at a much affordable price.
• Benefits for Students: Apart from quality education, Swedish universities allow international students to avail themselves of various benefits like free healthcare, affordable education, and better job placements.
• Exciting Student Life: Studying in Sweden means exploring countless opportunities to interact and get involved in cultural activities through the concerts, plays and exhibitions which are characteristic of the country.

Top Universities to Study in Sweden for International Students

The universities in Sweden are known for offering comprehensive and specialized courses. Ranked among the top institutes around the world, they offer a multicultural environment, an abundance of resources and multidisciplinarity in subjects. Besides this, the colleges in the country have a leading class curriculum and cutting-edge technologies to supplement your study experience which makes it the primary reason for international students to study in Sweden. Here is a list of the best universities in Sweden for international students:

Top Universities to Study in Sweden	Location
Karolinska Institute	Stockholm
Lund University	Lund
Uppsala University	Uppsala
Stockholm University	Stockholm
University of Gothenburg	Gothenburg
KTH Royal Institute of Technology	Stockholm
Chalmers University of Technology	Gothenburg
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences	Uppsala
Umeå University	Umeå
Örebro University	Örebro
Linköping University	Linköping
Karlstad University	Karlstad

Intakes to Study in Sweden in 2025

Sweden offers two main intakes for international students—one for the spring semester and another for the autumn semester. Each intake has specific deadlines, giving students ample time to prepare for their studies and residence permits.

1. Spring Semester Intake:

The spring intake in Sweden typically begins in January and is ideal for students who wish to start their studies after the winter. It is a popular option for international students applying to English-taught programs, particularly for master’s courses.

Parameter	Details
Application opens	3 June 2024
Application deadline	15 August 2024
Spring semester starts	January 202

2. Autumn Semester Intake

The autumn intake is Sweden’s main academic session, starting in August or September. It offers a broader range of courses, and it is the best time for students who wish to experience the Swedish academic year in full swing.

Parameter	Details
Application opens	15 October 2024
Application deadline	15 January 2025
Autumn semester starts	August/September 2025

Best Courses to Study in Sweden

Sweden offers a wide variety of high-quality courses, especially in fields like technology, engineering, business, and sustainability. Here are the best courses to study in Sweden for Indian and international students:

• Architecture
• Business
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Studies
• Law
• Medicine
• Social Science
• Natural Sciences

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Sweden

International students wanting to study abroad in Sweden must satisfy course-specific criteria to gain admission. These requirements can vary depending on the country of origin, university, and the level of course or programme. Here are general requirements to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Bachelor’s requirements

• Before enrolling in a degree programme, the student must have finished high school with a 60% average and be at least 18 years old.
• The general English language requirements are similar to Swedish upper secondary English Course 6.
• Students must have completed mathematical courses corresponding to the level of mathematics offered at Swedish universities, which is around 10 years of study.
• Simply put, you must take an internationally recognised English proficiency exam, such as the IELTS or TOEFL, and ensure that it matches the standards for the branch and university to which you are applying.

Master’s requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an internationally recognised university or a degree that is comparable to the Swedish Kandidatexamen is required.
• Obtain a satisfactory IELTS or TOEFL score.

PhD Entry requirements

• The prior degree must be in the same field of study as this one.
• Along with the application, the candidate must submit the thesis from their prior degree.
• Might require proficiency in both English and Swedish language since some seminars could be conducted in Swedish.

Application Process to Study in Sweden

Whether applying for a course from an array of undergraduate courses or a master’s degree program, you must be aware of the application process. Below given is the stepwise process to study in Sweden:

1. Find Your Program: Firstly, shortlist a university and program of your choice.

2. Check Entry Requirements and Deadlines: Next, review entry requirements and deadlines for your desired course.

3. Create a User Account: Go to the official Universityadmissions.se website and create a user profile to start your application. Carefully rank your selected courses and programmes. It is a centralized application portal where you can apply to various universities for different courses

4. Submit Documents: Submit the required documents which may include transcripts, English proficiency scores, and so on.

5. Pay Application Fee: Students from outside the EU/EEA must pay the application fee as directed on the official admission website.

Study Undergraduate Courses in Sweden

While in Sweden, you can choose between two styles of undergraduate education.

1. University degree

A University degree takes 1-2 years and is similar to an “associate’s degree” in other countries. This generally comprises post-secondary vocational education and professional programs that last a year or less. If you want to gain professional abilities without putting in the time and effort necessary for a complete Bachelor’s degree, you should choose a university degree.

2. Bachelor’s level degree

A bachelor’s degree takes 3 years to complete (depending on your enrollment and circumstances). These are more academic degrees, but they give you knowledge that can help you enter the workforce or prepare you for postgraduate study. Bachelor’s degrees are frequently more theory than practice, although, in other situations, you will gain a lot of practical experience while completing your Bachelor’s degree. It all depends on the institution you go to and the programme you choose to pursue.

Study Post Graduate Courses in Sweden

In Sweden, there are two different degrees of postgraduate education available. Let’s take a deeper look at each level so you can decide which one is right for you.

1. Advanced (Master’s) Level

Before being accepted to the advanced level of study, often known as the Master’s level in other countries, you need to complete a 3-year Swedish degree or the equivalent. You have the option of enrolling in one of two advanced degree programs.

• Degree of Magister
• Degree of Master

2. Doctoral level

You must hold a Master’s Degree – 2 Years or the equivalent from another nation to be admitted into a doctorate degree program. This might be a Master’s degree, a Master’s certificate, one year of higher-level work (even if you don’t have a degree), or a Bachelor’s degree with equal knowledge to a Master’s degree (from a job, etc). In Sweden, there are two types of doctorate degrees available. It is up to you to find out whether your university provides one or both.

• Degree of Licentiate (licentiatexamen in Swedish)
• Degree of Doctor (PhD, or doktorsexamen in Swedish)

Study in Sweden: Understanding the Visa & Study Permit Procedure

To begin with, the issue of visas and resident permits in Sweden varies as per the country of citizenship. The rules for those belonging to EU/EEA countries are different from the citizens of non-EU/EEA/Nordic countries. For Indian students wanting to study in Sweden, there are two categories you must know about:

• For stays of less than 3 months: A diploma passport will exempt you from the formality of getting a visa.
• For stays of more than 3 months: In this case, you will require a residence permit to study in Sweden.

Note: For stays of less than 3 months, the rules for citizens belonging to Non-EU/EEA Nordic countries state that requirement of visa is only specified for selected countries while a diplomatic passport allows citizens of other countries (like India, Thailand, Philippines, Bolivia, etc. to travel to Sweden easily for a period of fewer than 3 months.

Getting A Residence Permit in Sweden

If you are opting for a full-fledged degree or any course that will be longer than 3 months, you will be required to get a residence permit to study in Sweden. Further, a student visa is referred to as a residence permit in Sweden and the most important prerequisite you need to fulfil to obtain it is to successfully get admission into full-time recognised and accredited university studies in the country it is also pivotal that you have paid the first instalment of the tuition fee of your chosen program. 

The key requirements you should know while applying for a residence permit to study in Sweden are:

• Payment of the first instalment of your tuition fee.
• Supporting documents like an acceptance letter or letter of admission from the university, proof of sufficient funds and copies of your passport. Also, you will have to show proof of health insurance in case you are planning to stay in Sweden for less than one year.
• Submit your residence permit application online at the Swedish Migration Agency’s portal and pay the required fee (1500 SEK, i.e. around 11,000 INR for Adults and 750 SEK, i.e. around 550 INR for those under 18 years of age).

Subsequently, the Swedish Migration Agency will process your application and once you get the green light, you need to visit the nearest Swedish embassy to get your picture and fingerprints taken and you will be provided with a follow-up email afterwards.

Work While Studying in Sweden for International Students

There are several search engines that you can use to find part-time jobs in Sweden, and many of these sites will offer you jobs from all over the country. Here’s a brief rundown of job-hunting sites you might use when looking for part-time work.

Arbetsförmedlingen – This is the country’s largest employment agency, assisting thousands of Swedes and migrants each year in finding work. Even though the majority of its services are geared for Swedish speakers, you can occasionally find positions that aren’t. Some professions may even need English as a necessity, so look into it.

Academic Work – This Swedish organisation was created specifically to assist students, both those studying abroad and those who are Swedish citizens. It even covers positions where you don’t need to know Swedish. This agency offers an easy-to-use interface and can assist you in finding the job you want.

The Local – The Local is an online newspaper that prides itself on providing easy-to-read Swedish news to the general public. Keep an eye on this website even if you aren’t seeking work; they provide up-to-date information and news that you may need to know while living in Sweden. They, like most newspapers, have a job ads section that you can check out. It is also maintained up to date.

EURES – EURES is a job search engine that covers all of Europe, not just Sweden. However, you may still apply for a variety of Swedish jobs there, even if they are part-time. Make sure to keep an eye out for where the job is located, especially because it includes jobs from all around the continent.

So, if you’re searching for a part-time job to supplement your income while you study, those are some options. There may also be resources local to the area around your university; your university can give you more information on that if it applies to your situation.

How to Study in Sweden for Free?

Here are the procedures you must do to make your education in Sweden fully free:

1. Make a Good Application

• A solid GPA, outstanding exam scores, and a decent conduct past can boost your chances of receiving scholarships when you start applying to universities and colleges in Sweden. These documents demonstrate your scholarship eligibility.
• Also, always work on improving your reputation so that no one has a poor view of you and no one questions your behaviour when applying to Swedish universities. For overseas students who wish to study for free in Sweden, this is the first and most important step.

2. Attend Affordable Universities in Sweden

• If you have a limited budget, begin your search by looking for an economical institution. Public universities in Sweden have lower tuition prices than private universities, making them attractive to overseas students.
• The average annual cost in Sweden is between 8,000 and 15,000 dollars. However, several colleges give subsidies ranging from 25,000 to 39,000 dollars to cover the cost of a bachelor’s degree.

3. Get your Application Prepared in Advance

• Early bird discounts are popular for international students looking to study abroad. Early application discounts are available at several colleges. This will not help you study for free in Sweden, but it will significantly reduce your study costs.
• Because your application will be completed quickly, you may be eligible for tuition fee savings and other perks. Keep in mind that there is too much competition out there, so get there early to grab the best deals.

4. Apply for External Scholarships in Sweden

You can also locate businesses and organisations that will help you pay for your education in exchange for working for them when you graduate. External scholarships, particularly from connected organisations to your study programme of choice, can be a huge assistance in allowing you to study for free in Sweden.

5. Working Part-time and Full-time while Studying

If scholarships aren’t enough to cover your living expenses while studying in Sweden, obtain a job. In Sweden, you can work and study for as many hours as you like. You might also work full-time. The only condition is that you must spend a minimum of 40 hours a week on your studies.

Cost of Living in Sweden for International Students

Although Sweden is considered an expensive place to live and study, it provides a great ROI through its high quality of life, education, and social welfare system. Moreover, is is cheaper than many other countries such as the USA and UK. Here are some more details about the cost of living in Sweden for international students:

Parameters	Cost of Living in Sweden (in KR)
Cappuccino	44.6
One-way Ticket	37.00
Taxi 1km	20
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, and Other Facilities	1,207.39
1 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)	9,365.75
1 Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre)	9,365.75

How to Reduce the Cost of Living in Sweden

Finally, even if you are admitted to any university that covers the majority of your tuition costs, you will still be responsible for living expenses. Here are a few tips to lower your expenses while studying abroad in Sweden:

• Find student rooms that can be shared so that you have to pay only a small part of the rent.
• Get passes for local transport.
• Shop during sales.
• Get student discount cards.
• Buy used books or digital copies.

You may attain your aim of studying in Sweden for free by following the procedures outlined above. The best way is to get a scholarship, whether, from the university, government, or any other organization, to lower your cost of living and working while studying.

Cost of Education in Sweden

The exact cost of education in Sweden depends on your university, course, study level, and other factors. Here are some general details for your convenience:

Types of Expenses	Annual Expenses in SEK
Tuition Fees for one year (Indicative)	145000
Living and Accommodation (Indicative)	102816
Airfare to Sweden (Indicative)	700
Visa Fees	1500
Total Expenses	250016

Scholarships to Study in Sweden for International Students

There are different types of scholarships on offer for those wanting to study in Sweden. These include Swedish Institute Scholarships, University Scholarships as well as other financial schemes available for international students. Here is a list of some of the major scholarships provided in Sweden for Indian students that you can choose from:

• Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme
• Karlstad University Global Scholarship Programme
• Blekinge Institute of Technology Scholarship Programme
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology Tuition Fee Waivers
• Halmstad University Scholarships
• Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
• Umea University Scholarships
• Kristianstad University Scholarships
• Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

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