Costs
Tuition
SEK 80,000–295,000/year (€7,000–26,000). EU/EEA students: free. Engineering and sciences at the higher end.
Living Costs
Stockholm: SEK 10,000–13,000/month (€900–1,150). Other cities: SEK 8,000–10,000/month (€700–880). Student nations (student unions in Lund/Uppsala) offer cheap meals and social events.
Total Annual Cost
€16,000–35,000/year for non-EU students.
Part-Time Work
No limit on working hours for students. Average earnings: SEK 10,000–15,000/month part-time. Tech sector offers many student positions.
Post-Study & Immigration
Post-Study Work Visa
1-year job search visa. Can work full-time. After finding a job → Work permit (employer applies). 4 years on work permit → Permanent residence.
Path to Permanent Residency
4 years on work permit → Permanent residence. Swedish citizenship after 5 years of residence. Sweden allows dual citizenship.
Language Requirements
Most master's programmes in English. Bachelor's mostly in Swedish. 90%+ of Swedes speak English fluently. No Swedish required for daily life. IELTS 6.5 typically required.
Visa Processing
2–6 weeks. Apply through Swedish Migration Agency online portal. Need: admission letter, tuition payment proof, financial proof (SEK 9,450/month), health insurance (if studying less than 1 year).
Top Universities
| University | QS 2025 | Tuition (Int'l) | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | #73 | SEK 155,000–310,000 | Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture |
| Lund University | #75 | SEK 100,000–295,000 | Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law |
| Uppsala University | #95 | SEK 80,000–200,000 | Life Sciences, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences |
| Stockholm University | #117 | SEK 90,000–140,000 | Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law |
| Chalmers University of Technology | #125 | SEK 140,000–295,000 | Engineering, IT, Architecture, Sciences |
Scholarships
Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)
Award: Full tuition + SEK 10,000/month + travel + insurance
Eligibility: 42 eligible countries · Deadline: February
300+ awards. Focus on sustainability and global development. Application through SI portal.
Eligibility: 42 eligible countries · Deadline: February
300+ awards. Focus on sustainability and global development. Application through SI portal.
University-specific tuition waivers
Award: 25–100% tuition reduction
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA · Deadline: Per university
Most Swedish universities offer fee waivers based on merit.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA · Deadline: Per university
Most Swedish universities offer fee waivers based on merit.
KTH Scholarship
Award: Full or partial tuition waiver
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA · Deadline: January
For admitted master's students at KTH. Merit-based.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA · Deadline: January
For admitted master's students at KTH. Merit-based.
Lund University Global Scholarship
Award: 25–100% tuition
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA · Deadline: January
For particularly talented students from outside EU/EEA.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA · Deadline: January
For particularly talented students from outside EU/EEA.
Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
Award: 75% tuition reduction
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA · Deadline: January
For master's students at Chalmers. 50+ awards annually.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA · Deadline: January
For master's students at Chalmers. 50+ awards annually.
2026 Policy Updates
What changed: Student work hours remain unlimited (one of Sweden's best features). Sweden tightening immigration overall but student pathway remains welcoming. Residence permit for job search after studies: 1 year. Strong tech job market in Stockholm (Spotify, Klarna, Ericsson ecosystem).
Best For
Engineering and tech students (KTH, Chalmers are excellent). Sustainability and environment-focused students. Students from SI-eligible countries (free ride). Those who want unlimited work rights while studying. Students comfortable with cold weather and progressive culture.
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