Swedish Universities: Free Or Fee For International Students?

Sweden is known for its high-quality education and offers a range of scholarships for international students. Generally, individuals who are citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees for Swedish universities. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and various Swedish universities provide scholarships and tuition fee waivers for international students. These scholarships can cover between 10% and 50% of total tuition fees, making it possible for international students to study in Sweden at a reduced cost or even for free.

International students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not pay tuition fees

Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are also exempt from paying application fees. However, students who are already registered for a course or programme at a Swedish university when they submit their application for future semesters are not required to pay an application fee.

International students from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees. There are some exceptions to this rule, including if the student has Swedish citizenship, has been granted permanent Swedish residency, or has been granted temporary Swedish residency for reasons other than studies.

Non-EU students pay tuition fees ranging from US$9,000 to US$17,000

In Sweden, individuals who are citizens of countries outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees. The application fee is 900 SEK (Swedish kronor) and is paid directly to University Admissions in Sweden. Students pay one application fee for each semester they apply for.

Tuition fees vary depending on the type of course or program. For instance, the price per academic year for studies within the Humanities/Social Sciences/Law is SEK 90,000, while for studies within the Sciences, it is SEK 140,000. Some programs have special prices ranging from SEK 90,000-140,000, and a few programs offered in collaboration with other universities have higher tuition fees.

It is important to note that there are some exceptions to the rule that non-EU citizens must pay application and tuition fees. For instance, individuals with Swedish citizenship, permanent Swedish residency, or temporary Swedish residency granted for reasons other than studies are exempt from paying these fees. Additionally, citizens of EU or EEA countries or Switzerland, as well as family members of citizens of these countries who have the right of residence in Sweden, are also not required to pay application and tuition fees.

Tuition fees for Humanities/Social Sciences/Law are SEK 90,000 per academic year

In Sweden, the tuition fee for international students varies depending on the type of course or programme. For studies within the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law, the price per academic year is SEK 90,000, while for studies within the Sciences, the price is SEK 140,000. Some programmes have special prices ranging from SEK 90,000 to SEK 140,000, and a few programmes offered in collaboration with other universities have higher tuition fees. The price for each course or programme can be found on the respective course or programme page in the online course catalogue.

Tuition fee payments are typically made in instalments, with set deadlines before each semester begins. The autumn semester usually starts in August or September, and the spring semester in January. The exact dates and deadlines for tuition fee payments can be found on the website of the specific university or through the University Admissions in Sweden website.

It is important to note that individuals who are citizens of countries outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are generally required to pay application and tuition fees. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you have Swedish citizenship, permanent or temporary residency in Sweden (granted for reasons other than studies), or citizenship in an EU or EEA country, you may be exempt from paying tuition fees. Additionally, students applying for doctoral studies are typically not required to pay application or tuition fees.

Tuition fees for Sciences are SEK 140,000 per academic year

In Sweden, citizens of countries outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are generally required to pay tuition fees for their studies. The tuition fee varies depending on the type of course or programme. For international students, the price per academic year for studies within the Humanities/Social Sciences/Law is SEK 90,000, while for studies within the Sciences, it is SEK 140,000. This means that for international students studying within the Sciences, the tuition fee is set at a higher amount of SEK 140,000 per academic year.

The tuition fee for science programmes at SEK 140,000 per academic year is significantly higher than that of humanities, social sciences, and law programmes. This difference in pricing suggests that the cost of delivering science education is higher, possibly due to more expensive equipment, facilities, or specialised staff. The tuition fee covers the specific programme or course that the student has been admitted to and paid for. For Bachelor's and Master's programmes, the fee typically covers 30 credits per semester.

The tuition fee for science programmes is a substantial amount, and it is important to consider the associated living costs in Sweden. Students should budget for at least SEK 11,214 per month to cover all their living expenses. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. The total cost of studying in Sweden, including tuition and living expenses, can be quite high for international students, especially those from countries with weaker currencies compared to the Swedish krona.

To assist with the financial burden, some universities in Sweden, such as Stockholm University and Dalarna University, offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships can provide full or partial tuition fee waivers, making it more accessible for international students to pursue their studies in Sweden. It is important for prospective students to explore these scholarship opportunities and plan their finances accordingly.

While the tuition fee of SEK 140,000 per academic year for science programmes is substantial, it is important to note that there may be additional costs associated with studying in Sweden. These could include costs for study materials, laboratory equipment, field trips, or other programme-specific expenses. International students should carefully review the programme details and associated costs before applying to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the financial commitment required.

Students can apply for scholarships to cover tuition fees

International students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees for Swedish universities. However, there are several scholarship opportunities that can help cover the costs of studying in Sweden.

Dalarna University Scholarships for New Students

Dalarna University offers tuition fee waivers for on-campus Master's degree programmes for international students. The scholarships cover between 10% and 50% of the total tuition fees. To be eligible, applicants must have applied to a Master's programme at Dalarna University, meet the admission requirements, and select Dalarna University as their first choice. The application process involves submitting an online scholarship application, a CV/resume, and a video explaining why you should receive the scholarship.

Lund University Global Scholarship

Lund University awards approximately SEK 20 million in scholarships each year to high-achieving non-EU/EEA international students, enabling them to study in Sweden with partial or full tuition coverage. It is a merit-based scholarship for top academic students who have completed a Lund University Bachelor's or Master's programme application and are required to pay tuition fees. The application period for this scholarship usually opens in February.

Uppsala University Master's Scholarships

Uppsala University offers scholarships for fee-paying international students applying for an international Master's programme. The scholarship is highly competitive, with only about 2% of applicants being successful. Citizens from non-EU/EEA countries who have applied to a Master's programme at Uppsala University are eligible to apply during the specified application period.

Chalmers IPOET Scholarships

Funded by the Swedish Council for Higher Education, the Chalmers IPOET Scholarships provide a 75% reduction in tuition fees for prospective fee-paying students from non-EU/EEA countries. These scholarships are available for students applying for a Master's programme at Chalmers University of Technology.

Stockholm University Scholarships

Stockholm University and the Swedish Institute offer scholarships for Master's students from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who are required to pay tuition fees.

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers a limited number of scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fees and living costs for students studying a Master's degree at a Swedish university.

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