If you are looking to pursue your higher education in Europe, then Sweden might be a great fit for you. With an excellent education system, rich culture and incredible university experience for students, this Scandinavian country has become a favourite study-abroad destination for international students. Whether you want to pursue your bachelor’s or master’s degree, Sweden offers you a range of programs at prestigious universities.
Here is a comprehensive guide to studying in Sweden, including top universities and programs, tuition fees, application process, and more.
Overview
| Aspect | Details |
| Scope of study in Sweden | Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, PhD |
| Top universities | Lund University, Uppsala University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology |
| Top programs | Engineering, computer science, environmental studies, business and economics |
| Admission intake | Twice a year: mid-August and mid-January |
| Average tuition fees | 50,000-200,000 SEK per year |
| Cost of living | 8000-13000 SEK |
| Student Visa | For non-EU/EEA international students, a student visa and residence permit are required. |
About Sweden
Sweden is a country located in northern Europe. This country is surrounded by Norway and Finland and is known for its beautiful landscapes and immersive culture. Over the years, Sweden has gained popularity among international students, especially Indian students, compelling them to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Swedish universities. There are 2500+ Indian students studying in Sweden, and the number keeps growing every year. Sweden is home to some of the world’s highest-ranked universities, offering top-quality education to their students.
Why Choose Sweden for Your Higher Education?
High-quality education
Studying in Sweden can be an incredible choice due to the excellent Swedish education system and highly ranked universities. Sweden has many public and private universities, some of which are the oldest in the Scandinavian region, including Uppsala University. These universities have global recognition that further aids a student’s career. You can receive high-quality education at affordable costs.
Ample work opportunities
International students can find ample work opportunities during their studies and after graduation. Sweden offers a wide job opportunity pool for skilled professionals and new graduates. Students can work part-time while studying without any restrictions on the working hours. This allows students to earn an income and build a strong network, which can turn into full-time positions post-graduation. Sweden is home to several start-ups and unicorn companies, which can greatly benefit students looking for a successful career in Sweden.
| Profession | Approx. Base pay |
| Software Engineer | SEK 45T – SEK 59T/mo |
| Medical Doctor | SEK 33T – SEK 59T/mo |
| Data Analyst | SEK 45T – SEK 53T/mo |
| Accountant | SEK 31T – SEK 38T/mo |
| Civil Engineer | SEK 55T – SEK 88T/mo |
Source: Glassdoor
Immersive cultural and social student life
Sweden is a land of thriving culture and rich history. This Scandinavian country has a lot to offer to its international students, allowing them to live a rewarding student life. Students can participate in many extracurricular and cultural activities and social events, as well as network and meet new people.
Top Universities and Programs
Sweden has some of the best and top-ranking universities in the world. Below are some of the top-ranking universities according to the QS World Ranking.
| S.No. | University Name | QS World Ranking | Top Programs for Bachelor’s and Master’s | Average tuition fees |
| 1. | KTH Royal Institute of Technology
|
73 | Engineering, computer science, information & communication technology | 200,000 SEK |
| 2. | Lund University
|
85 | Accounting & finance, data analytics & business economics, engineering | 140,000 SEK |
| 3. | Uppsala University
|
105 | Medicine, linguistics, developmental studies, sociology | 50,000-80,000 SEK |
| 4. | Stockholm University
|
118 | Computer science, environmental science, social policy & administration, psychology | 80,000-100,000 SEK |
| 5. | Chalmers University of Technology
|
129 | Engineering, business economics, mathematics | 200,000-250,000 SEK |
| 6. | University of Gothenburg
|
187 | Finance, marine biology, business & economics, psychology | 180,000-200,000 SEK |
Cost of Living and Tuition Fees
- The cost of living in Sweden can vary depending on the city and the type of accommodation the student is residing in. The average cost of living is between 8000-13000 SEK per month. This would include your rent, transportation, food, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses.
- For EU/EEA and Scandinavian citizens, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees are free of cost at public universities. On the other hand, international students from non-EU/EEA countries have to pay a tuition fee. The average tuition fees for a bachelor’s program and master’s program can cost between 80,000-250,000 SEK per year. This depends on the chosen university and program. Courses like medicine or MBA can have a higher tuition cost.
How to Apply to Swedish Universities?
If you want to study in Sweden, first you need to research and choose a program and a university that is best suited for you. Every university will have different criteria and application processes. Check the university portals or verified platforms such as ApplyBuds.com to learn all the information about the program. Then gather all the documents and fill out the application form.
Here are some of the documents you will need to apply to a Swedish university-
- Application form
- CV/Resume
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate (10th,12th, bachelor’s)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Essays
- Letter of recommendation (2-3)
- Copy of your passport
- Language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
Visa Requirements
To study in Sweden, you will have to apply for a student visa for Sweden. If your course is for more than 3 months, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Once you have been admitted to a university in Sweden, you can start the visa process. You can visit the Swedish embassy or consulate and fill out the visa application, submit the necessary documents, and pay the visa fees which is about 1000 SEK.
Common documents required for visa application
- Your passport
- Visa application form
- Academic transcripts of previous education
- Swedish university acceptance letter
- Proof of finances
- Health insurance
- Receipt of visa fees
Your residence permit in Sweden will be valid for 1 year. You can renew it once it expires.
Work Permit
If you wish to work in Sweden after graduation, you need a valid work permit. Once you secure a job in Sweden, your employer will initiate the work permit application by providing information about your employment. You can apply at the Migration Agency or online, submit the necessary documents, and pay the permit fees. Once your application is evaluated, you will receive your work permit.
Work permit application requirements-
- You must have a valid residence permit
- You must have a valid employment contract in Sweden
- Your employer initiates your work permit application
- You must have a valid passport showcasing your important details.
The validity of a work permit is up to 2 years. Upon expiry, you can apply for a renewal of your work permit.
Conclusion
Sweden is a great choice of destination for higher studies. The incredible combination of quality education, beautiful and rich history, and vast career prospects, makes this Scandinavian country a leading study abroad destination.
For more assistance, check out ApplyBuds, a data-driven intelligent platform that empowers you to find the perfect program tailored to your academic background and career ambitions, and guides you seamlessly through the application process. Our goal is to make sure that you take the steps towards a career that not only benefits you but will make your success fulfilling.
Take Charge of Your Future Now. Contact us to know more.
