Sweden's Student University Funding: Getting Paid To Learn

Sweden has a world-class higher education system that emphasises group and independent study over lectures. The country's universities and colleges are attracting an increasing number of international students, with over half of applicants being admitted. While Swedish citizens and those from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not have to pay tuition fees, students from other countries must pay between 7,500 and 25,500 EUR per year, as well as a 90 EUR application fee.

Swedish citizens are exempt from university fees

Swedish citizens are not required to pay application or tuition fees to study at a Swedish university. This also applies to those who have been granted permanent or temporary Swedish residency for reasons other than education.

The Swedish higher education system is considered one of the best in the world, with a focus on group and independent study rather than lectures. It emphasises freedom and responsibility to support student development.

The number of international students enrolled at Swedish universities is constantly growing, with an admission rate of over 50%. While Swedish citizens and residents are exempt from fees, international students from outside the EU/EEA are required to pay tuition fees. These fees range from 7,500 to 25,500 EUR per year, depending on the programme and university. Additionally, non-EU/EEA citizens must pay a university application fee of around 90 EUR.

Living costs for students in Sweden are above the European average, with monthly expenses ranging from 700 to 1,200 EUR. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, books, and social activities. Swedish universities often provide information and assistance in finding student accommodation, which can range from dormitories to renting or sharing an apartment.

EU/EEA students are exempt from fees

In Sweden, EU/EEA students are exempt from fees for Bachelor's and Master's degrees at public universities. This exemption also applies to citizens of Switzerland and other Nordic countries. However, non-EU/EEA students are subject to tuition fees, which can range from 7,500 to 25,500 EUR annually, depending on the chosen programme and university. Business and Architecture are among the most expensive courses. Additionally, non-EU/EEA citizens must pay a university application fee, typically around 90 EUR, which may vary across institutions.

The criteria for exemption from fees in Sweden include:

• Holding Swedish citizenship
• Holding permanent or temporary Swedish residency, granted for reasons other than studies
• Holding citizenship in an EU or EEA country or Switzerland
• Being a family member of an EU or EEA citizen with temporary or permanent residency in Sweden
• Holding long-term resident status in Sweden or another EU country with a Swedish residence permit for reasons other than studies
• Applying for or registering for Third cycle (doctoral) studies
• Being an exchange student registered at a foreign university, studying temporarily in Sweden as part of an official study abroad programme

It is important to note that Swedish law mandates that students applying for doctoral studies, regardless of their country of origin, are exempt from application and tuition fees. Additionally, exchange students enrolled in official study abroad programmes are exempt from these fees.

Non-EU/EEA students must pay fees

In Sweden, students who are not citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees. These non-EU/EEA students must pay a university application fee of around 90 EUR, which may vary depending on the institution. On top of that, they have to pay tuition fees ranging from 7,500 to 25,500 EUR per year, depending on the study programme and university. Business and Architecture are among the most expensive courses.

There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. Even if you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you are exempt from paying application and tuition fees if you meet certain criteria. For instance, if you have been granted permanent or temporary Swedish residency for reasons other than studies, you are not required to pay any fees. Additionally, if you are a family member of an EU/EEA citizen with the right of residence in Sweden, you are also exempt from these fees.

It is important to note that PhD courses are free for all international students, regardless of their country of origin. So, if you are planning to pursue doctoral studies in Sweden, you won't have to worry about tuition fees.

The cost of living in Sweden is relatively high compared to the European average. As a student, you can expect to spend between 700 and 1,200 EUR per month on living expenses. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, books, and social activities. To save on accommodation costs, you can opt for student residence halls or dormitories, which typically range from 240 to 620 EUR per month. Alternatively, you can rent or share an apartment with other students, which can cost between 350 and 700 EUR per month.

PhD courses are free for all international students

Sweden has a world-class higher education system, which places emphasis on group and independent study rather than lectures. The country is witnessing a constant increase in the number of international students enrolling at its universities and colleges, with an admission rate of over 50%.

While Swedish citizens are not required to pay application or tuition fees to study at a Swedish university, students from non-EU/EEA countries are generally required to pay tuition fees. The costs range between 7,500–25,500 EUR per year, depending on the study programme and university. Non-EU/EEA citizens must also pay a university application fee of around 90 EUR. However, there is an exception for PhD courses.

PhD courses in Sweden are free for all international students, regardless of their country of origin. This means that whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or a non-EU/EEA citizen, you are not required to pay application or tuition fees for doctoral studies. The application process for doctoral studies is managed by individual universities, and interested candidates are advised to contact their universities of choice to enquire about funding for PhD programmes.

It is worth noting that if you are enrolled in a PhD programme and wish to take courses at the bachelor's or master's level, you will be exempt from paying fees for those courses as well.

Average student living costs in Sweden

The average monthly living costs for students in Sweden are above the European average. Students should expect to spend between 700 and 1,200 EUR (or SEK 7,500 to SEK 12,800) per month. This amount varies depending on location, lifestyle, and eating habits.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs for students in Sweden range from SEK 2,500 to SEK 6,500 per month. Student housing in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, Lund, and Uppsala is in high demand and tends to be more expensive. Living in a student residence hall or sharing an apartment with other students can help reduce costs.

Food

Food expenses for students in Sweden can range from SEK 2,700 to SEK 4,700 per month. Eating out in Sweden can be expensive, with a meal in a restaurant costing around EUR 8-10, and a three-course meal for two costing around EUR 45-65. Many students choose to cook their own meals and take leftovers for lunch. Affordable supermarkets such as Lidl and Willy's offer lower prices on groceries.

Transportation

Public transportation is a popular choice among students in Sweden, with around 40% using it to commute to university and around the city. Student fares for public transportation cost around EUR 40-55 per month. Alternatively, students can opt for a bicycle, which costs around EUR 110.

Books and Study Materials

Books and study materials can cost around EUR 80 per month. However, many stores and food outlets offer student discounts, and universities provide access to libraries for borrowing books.

Social Activities and Entertainment

Social activities and entertainment expenses can range from EUR 70 to EUR 100 per month. A light drink in a bar costs around EUR 6.

Health Insurance

Health insurance rates for students start at EUR 30 per month.

Other Expenses

Other expenses to consider include phone/internet costs (around SEK 400 per month) and miscellaneous expenses such as clothing (around SEK 1,500-1,964 per month).

Frequently asked questions