Bachelor's degree in Sweden: tuition fees for foreign students

Sweden's undergraduate programs attract international students due to their high academic quality, relatively low tuition fees, and the benefits of living and studying in Sweden. The country's leading universities offer more and more undergraduate programs in English, making Swedish education accessible to people from all over the world.

Advantages of studying in Sweden

• Swedish educational institutions are an interesting, open environment, where special attention is paid to cooperation, teamwork skills.
• The country's universities offer some of the best advanced programs in the world. Many programs work closely with the industry, offering students to combine study and practice. You can do an internship, work part-time, get practical experience, the ability to apply the knowledge gained. Practical skills will provide advantages over peers in employment.
• Educational institutions encourage students to work on strengths and talents, promote creativity. The system of knowledge is focused on students, work with teachers is usually informal, most professors call their names, not titles, which is associated with a general democratic attitude. Teachers appreciate initiative, independent thinking, the student here is the center of the educational system.
• Swedish companies and universities conduct innovative research, welcome creativity, and are proud of the results. Research has led to several successful inventions known all over the world: computer mice, Bluetooth technology, ball bearings, pacemakers, kidney dialysis devices, Spotify, Skype, Internet technology.
• There are many large multinational organizations in the country that are at the forefront of technological innovation: Ericsson, Volvo, Scania, Electrolux, IKEA, H&M.

How much does it cost to study in Sweden?

• The cost of higher education ranges from 80,000SEC (≈8,300€) to 130,000 SEC (≈13,000€) per year.
• Students should buy their own textbooks, the cost is about 750SEC/month.

Other expenses for students in Sweden

• Students usually join the local student union for a small membership fee: this gives access to many events, discounts. Membership fee – from 50 to 350SEC per semester.
• The cost of living depends on the place of study and is approximately 8000 SEC / month, including rent, or 830 euros.
• The cost of medical insurance is from 180 €/year.

Specifics of undergraduate programs in Sweden

Public, private universities in Sweden offer hundreds of undergraduate programs. Undergraduate programs usually last 3 years: these are academic degrees that allow you to start working after completing your studies or continue your studies at the master's level. Bachelor's degrees contain a large theoretical block, offer the opportunity to gain practical experience.

Best universities for bachelors in Sweden

• Karolinska Institute prides itself on world-class medical research. It is regularly ranked among the best, most prestigious universities in the world for the study of medicine. Founded in Solna, near Stockholm, in 1810 the university was focused on the preparation of army surgeons. Today it includes two campuses – the second is located in Flemingsberg, south of Stockholm. Tuition fee – from 17 690€/year.
• Lund University is a swedish public institution of higher education located in Lund, Malmö and Helsingborg. More than 27,000 students study here. The library of the university was founded in 1668, simultaneously with the educational institution, and is one of the first and largest libraries in Sweden. Lund University consists of more than 20 research centers and institutes. Undergraduate fee – from 11 400€/year.
• Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is Sweden's oldest university. He began his activity as a theological, the first set was 50 students. The historical backdrop is combined with the modern campuses located in the city of Uppsala. The university works in three areas: art + social sciences, medicine + pharmacy, science + technology, in addition it offers about 70 bachelor's courses. Law, medicine and psychology are the most popular courses among foreign students. The University has entered into an exchange agreement with more than 400 universities around the world. Here is one of the oldest botanical gardens, in which there are more than 9,000 species of plants - the gardens were part of the Royal Castle, donated to the educational institution by King Gustav III. The price of the course is from 15,000 € / year.
• Stockholm University was founded as a college in 1878, and today more than 27,000 people study here. The university is located in the center of the national city park, surrounded by extensive forests, the Bay of the Baltic Sea in Brunnsviken, the beaches to the north of it: there are about 800 species of flowering plants, more than 100 species of birds. Tuition fee – from 27 000€/year.
• University of Gothenburg is the second largest university in Sweden, the third oldest. Eight faculties and 38 departments make it one of the largest universities in Sweden. Among the famous graduates are Arvid Karlsson (who received the Nobel Prize in Medicine), Jan Eliasson (diplomat and politician), Jonas Jonasson (world-famous writer). Price – from 5500€/semester.
• Royal Institute of Technology is the largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. One-third of technical research, engineering graduates are provided by KTH! A strong research and educational institution covers many areas: natural sciences, engineering, architecture, industrial management, urban planning. KTH closely cooperates with industry, creates a natural arena for the practical application of research results. Interdisciplinary research is carried out in parallel with the work of research groups in specific disciplines, and basic research with applied research. KTH is the main partner of two of the three European Knowledge and Innovation Communities formed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) of the EU: InnoEnergy (sustainable energy, EIT ICT Labs (research on information, communication). Tuition fees – from 23 000 €/year.
• Chalmers University Of Technology was founded in 1829 and named after William Chalmers, director of the Swedish East India Company. He allocated funds for the construction of an "industrial school for poor children" who were taught to read and write. His private house is part of the university, used as a place for meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars. In addition to the two main campuses, the university conducts research at the Lundberg Laboratory, Gothenburg, a well-known center for cellular and molecular research, at the Onsala Space Observatory, which is equipped with mareometers and radiometers. The University concentrates on the study of nanoscientry, nanotechnology, artificial environment, life science, information and communication technologies, materials science. Among the famous graduates of Chalmers are nobel prize winner in physics Gustav Dahlen, jazz musician Jan Johansson. Price – from 6870€/year.
• Karlstad University is one of the newest universities in Sweden. The university began to work as an offshoot of the University of Gothenburg in 1967, 10 years later it became an autonomous university college. On the basis of the educational institution there are three faculties - humanities, social sciences; medical sciences, technologies; Teacher Education + Auxiliary Campus – Ingesund Music School in Arvik, which has 400 students. The Center for Informatics implements about 15 important projects together with academic and commercial partners. Scientists at Karlstad University are involved in a project aimed at developing forms of food packaging on a biological basis. Price – from 900€/year.
• Linköping University was founded in 1975 and quickly became one of Sweden's largest universities. The government established a branch of Stockholm University to provide education in technology and medicine. As other schools and faculties were added, linkoping University was formed. Today it consists of four campuses located in three cities, has an innovative structure consisting of four very broad faculties: medicine + health sciences, arts + sciences, pedagogical sciences, Institute of Technology. 14 departments combine the skills and knowledge of different faculties, facilitating interdisciplinary research, academic work. Tuition fee – from 8000€/year.
• Örebro University was founded in 1999 and offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate courses with approximately 600 options, a wide range of research programs. The university explores more than 35 different subjects in the field of art, humanities, natural sciences, technology. Four campuses accommodate different divisions: the main campus, the medical campus of Campus USÖ in the immediate vicinity of the university hospital, the science park, the culinary school are located on two sites outside Örebro. Price – from 900€/year.

How to get Bachelor's degree in Sweden for international students

Requirements for foreign applicants

Documents that entering the bachelor's program must submit to the admission committee of the university:

• High school diploma or high school diploma
• Official transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency
• A copy of your passport or other identity documents.

Language requirements for international students

The general English language requirements of Sweden's leading universities (e.g. Lund, Stockholm, Karolinska) are IELTS 6.5, TOEFL, iBT 90 or equivalent.

To prove proficiency in Swedish, students must meet the requirements equivalent to Svenska 3 at a Swedish grammar school. To be eligible for studies that require knowledge of Swedish, foreign applicants must pass the Tisus (Swedish Language Test for University Studies) or pass Level 8 of the Swedish Language Study Abroad Program.

Confirm the availability of money for studying

The average tuition fee for an international student is 129,000SEC (≈12559.50€) per year, and the average cost of living is around 8,500SEC (≈827€) per month. This monthly budget will cover accommodation, meals, transportation, and other expenses.

Applying for a Bachelor's degree in Sweden

The academic year at Swedish universities is divided into two academic semesters (autumn and spring), each semester is held two rounds of applications.

• International candidates apply in the first round – from mid-October to mid-January (autumn semester), from early June to mid-August (spring semester).
• The second round of applications – from mid-March to mid-April (autumn semester), mid-September to mid-October (spring semester) – is for EU/EEA applicants. International students from outside the EU who apply during this round will not have enough time to apply and obtain a residence permit before the start of the semester.

Algorithm of actions when submitting applications:

1. Create an account on the University Admissions Board website
2. Fill in the online application, check the documents required for submission.
3. Some universities may also require letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, so be sure to check the entry requirements.

Student visa in Sweden

Applicants apply for a residence permit as early as possible, as the process can take up to several months. When you have all the required documents, you can apply online on the Swedish Migration Agency website, apply in person at the Swedish Embassy/Consulate.

Documents for applying for a residence permit:

• Passport copy
• Letter of enrollment
• Proof of tuition fees
• Bank statements confirming sufficient funds to pay for tuition and accommodation
• Health insurance policy valid in Sweden.

Students who apply online will receive an invitation for an interview at the embassy or consulate.

Once your residence permit application is approved in Sweden, it will be generated and sent to your country's embassy or consulate.

The fee for applying for a student residence permit is 1500SEC (≈146€) if you apply on the Swedish Migration Agency website. Fees and payment terms may vary.

Study in Sweden in English/Swedish

The best universities in Sweden offer courses in Swedish or English. Residents of Sweden learn Swedish and English during schooling.

If you want to get to know Swedish culture, get to know people, make friends, Swedish language courses are the best option for you: they will greatly simplify the process of adaptation. If you live in a host family or with neighbors who speak Swedish, immersion in the language environment will help you learn the language better.

Scholarships for foreign students in Sweden

• The Blekinge Tekniska Högskola Scholarship Programme is available to non-EU/EEA nationals who are required to pay tuition fees. The program offers partial tuition coverage (50%).
• Kristianstad University scholarships are awarded to citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA, including full or partial reduction of tuition fees.
• The Karlstad University Global Fellowship Programme aims to attract the best students from countries outside the EU/EEA (+ Switzerland). Payments cover 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the tuition fee.
• Linnaeus University scholarships usually cover 75% of tuition fees, some scholarships of the Linnaeus Academy of Sciences and Business cover 100%.
• Linköping University International Scholarships are aimed at supporting foreign applicants with significant academic potential. Thanks to LiU international scholarships, tuition fees are reduced by 25%, 50% or 75%.
• Lund University's Global Scholarship Program is designed for academically strong students. Payments are available for studying at the bachelor's or master's level, cover 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the tuition fee.
• Every year, Mälardalen University offers a limited number of scholarships covering up to 100% of the tuition fees of the programme (does not cover living expenses).