Study In Sweden

  • Home
  • Study In Sweden

Why Sweden is a Popular Destination for International Students

Sweden is a renowned study destination, known for its high-quality education system, innovative research, and international approach. With a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a progressive society, Sweden attracts thousands of international students every year. The country offers a blend of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and work opportunities, making it an ideal choice for students from all over the world.

Academic Calendar and Intakes

Sweden typically offers two main intakes each year:

  1. Autumn Intake (August): The major intake for most students, with courses beginning in late August. The application period generally opens in October and closes in January.
  2. Spring Intake (January): For students who missed the autumn intake, the spring intake begins in January. It is available for a limited number of programs, mostly at the master’s level.

Applications for both intakes are done through the Swedish University Admissions portal.

Popular Courses to Study in Sweden

Sweden offers a wide variety of programs, many of which are available in English. Some popular courses include:

  • Engineering: Sweden is famous for its engineering programs, particularly in fields like electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering.
  • Computer Science and Information Technology: With its advanced tech industry, Sweden offers some of the best programs in computer science, AI, and IT.
  • Business and Management: Sweden has a reputation for strong business programs, especially in entrepreneurship, international business, and management.
  • Environmental Science: Sweden is a global leader in sustainability, and environmental studies are popular among international students.
  • Health Sciences: Medical, nursing, and biomedical sciences programs are highly regarded in Sweden.
  • Social Sciences: Programs in sociology, political science, and economics are popular, offering insights into Swedish society and global issues.
  • Design and Creative Arts: Sweden offers a variety of programs in art, design, architecture, and media studies, reflecting its rich creative industry.

Top Universities in Sweden

Sweden is home to several prestigious universities that consistently rank among the top globally. These universities offer world-class education and research opportunities:

  • Lund University: One of Sweden’s oldest and most prestigious universities, offering a wide range of programs in English at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Known for its high-quality engineering and technology programs, KTH is one of Europe’s leading technical universities.
  • University of Stockholm: Offers excellent programs in social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
  • Chalmers University of Technology: Specializes in engineering, technology, and natural sciences, and is known for its innovative research.
  • Uppsala University: Sweden’s oldest university, offering strong programs in natural sciences, medicine, and social sciences.
  • Stockholm School of Economics: Offers top-tier business and economics programs with a global reputation.
  • Linköping University: Known for its interdisciplinary research, especially in engineering and technology fields.

English Language Requirements

Most universities in Sweden offer programs in English, particularly at the master’s level. English proficiency is typically required for admission. The most common tests and minimum required scores include:

  • IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 5.5.
  • TOEFL: A minimum score of 90 to 100 (internet-based test).
  • PTE Academic: A score of 60 to 65 is typically required.
  • Cambridge English: A C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency score is usually accepted.

Students who have completed a degree or high school education in English may be exempt from providing language test results.

Cost of Study in Sweden

Tuition fees in Sweden depend on the program and university. For non-EU/EEA students, the typical costs are:

  • Undergraduate Programs: Tuition fees range from SEK 80,000 to SEK 150,000 per year (approximately €7,500 to €14,000).
  • Master’s Programs: Tuition fees typically range from SEK 100,000 to SEK 180,000 per year (approximately €9,000 to €16,500).
  • PhD Programs: Generally, PhD programs in Sweden are free for both EU/EEA and non-EU students. Many PhD students also receive a salary or stipend.

Sweden also offers various scholarships, such as the Swedish Institute Scholarships and university-specific scholarships, to help reduce the cost of education for international students.

Cost of Living in Sweden

The cost of living in Sweden is relatively high, but it varies depending on the city and lifestyle. On average, international students should budget:

  • Accommodation: Rent in Sweden can range from SEK 3,000 to SEK 7,000 per month (approximately €300 to €650), with Stockholm and Gothenburg being the more expensive cities.
  • Food: Monthly grocery costs range from SEK 2,000 to SEK 3,500 (approximately €200 to €350).
  • Transportation: A monthly public transport pass costs around SEK 400 to SEK 600 (approximately €40 to €60), depending on the city.
  • Other Expenses: Miscellaneous costs like mobile phone plans, entertainment, and insurance range from SEK 1,000 to SEK 2,000 per month (approximately €100 to €200).

Overall, students should budget SEK 8,000 to SEK 12,000 (approximately €750 to €1,100) per month for living expenses, depending on the city and lifestyle.

Work Opportunities for International Students

Sweden allows international students to work part-time during their studies:

  • Part-Time Work: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the term and full-time during holidays.
  • Types of Jobs: Many students find jobs in retail, hospitality, tutoring, or research assistant positions. Sweden’s strong tech industry also offers opportunities in programming, software development, and data science.
  • Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: After completing their degree, students can apply for a job-seeker visa that allows them to stay in Sweden for up to 6 months to search for work. If they find a job, they can apply for a work permit.