Compared to the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, the cost of studying in Sweden for international students is generally lower.
Tuition fees in Sweden are typically lower than those in the US and UK and are comparable to those in Canada. Sweden is home to around 33,298 international students, mainly from countries like Germany, India, and Finland, to name a few.
What is the Cost of Studying in Sweden for International Students?
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees vary depending on the level of study and the university you choose. On average, the tuition fees for international students in Sweden can range from SEK 80,000 ($7,703) to SEK 295,000 ($28,405) per year.
Tuition fees for international students in specialized fields such as medicine or engineering may be higher than those for other programs.
| University | International Students | Tuition Fees (USD) |
| Social Sciences & Humanities | SEK 80,000 – 110,000 | $7,703 – $10,591 |
| Technical & Natural Sciences | SEK 120,000 – 145,000 | $11, 554 – $13,961 |
| Architecture & Design | SEK 190,000 – 295,000 | $18,294 – $28,405 |
Additional Expenses
International students in Sweden can have additional school-related expenses. Here are some of them and their monthly averages:
- Course materials. Around 500-1,000 SEK (approximately $50-$100) per month.
- Examination fees. Ranging from 500 to 1,000 SEK (approximately $50-$100) per exam.
- Academic-related expenses. Average of 1,000-1,500 SEK (approximately $100-$145) per month.
What is the Cost of Living in Sweden for International Students?
The average cost of living for an international student in Sweden ranges from SEK 8,000 ($765) to SEK 13,500 ($1,292) per month.
- Accommodation. Students can choose to live in dormitories or rent apartments, with prices varying widely between 3,000-9,000 SEK (approximately $290-$865) per month.
- Food/groceries. International students expect to spend around 2,000-3,000 SEK (approximately $190-$290) per month on food and groceries.
- Transportation. International students can expect to spend around 700-1,000 SEK (approximately $70-$100) per month on transportation costs, depending on the location and frequency of travel.
- Other expenses. International students should also budget for personal costs such as clothing, entertainment, and other leisure activities. A reasonable estimate is around 1,500-2,500 SEK (approximately $145-$240) per month.
- Insurance. The insurance cost will depend on the provider and level of coverage, with prices ranging from 1,000-2,000 SEK (approximately $100-$190) per month.
| Living Expenses | Average Monthly Cost |
| Accommodation | 3,000-9,000 SEK ($290-$865) |
| Food/Groceries | 2,000-3,000 SEK ($190-$290) |
| Transportation | 700-1,000 SEK ($70-$100) |
| Other Expenses | 1,500-2,500 SEK ($145-$240) |
| Insurance | 1,000-2,000 SEK ($100-$190) |
Average monthly cost of rent depending on the type of accommodation:
| Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Cost Range |
| Student Dormitories | 2,500-5,000 SEK ($240-$480) |
| Shared Apartment | 3,000-6,000 SEK ($290-$575) |
| Studio Apartment (small) | 5,000-9,000 SEK ($480-$865) |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | 8,000-12,000 SEK ($770-$1,155) |
Cost of Living in Sweden in Different Cities
The cheapest cities to study in Sweden are generally those outside of the major metropolitan areas. These cities include Växjö, Karlstad, Umeå, and Örebro. These cities have a lower cost of living than Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö, making them more affordable for students.
Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö are among the most expensive cities in Sweden to live in. In these cities, the cost of living can be significantly higher than in other areas of the country. However, they also offer a wide range of amenities and cultural experiences that may be worth the higher price for some students.
| City | Average Monthly Cost |
| Växjö | SEK 8,000 – 9,000 ($768 – $864) |
| Örebro | SEK 8,000 – 10,000 ($768 – $960) |
| Karlstad | SEK 8,500 – 10,000 ($816 – $960) |
| Uppsala | SEK 8,500 – 10,500 ($816 – $1,008) |
| Linköping | SEK 9,000 – 11,000 ($864 – $1,056) |
| Lund | SEK 9,000 – 11,000 ($864 – $1,056) |
| Gothenburg | SEK 9,500 – 11,500 ($912 – $1,104) |
| Stockholm | SEK 10,000 – 12,000 ($960 – $1,152) |
| Umeå | SEK 10,000 – 12,000 ($960 – $1,152) |
Scholarships and Funding Opportunities for International Students in Sweden
Sweden provides a range of funding opportunities for international students to help cover the costs of studying and living in the country, such as:
- Scholarships. Swedish universities offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit, need, or a combination of both. Some of the scholarships available include the Swedish Institute Scholarships, the Karolinska Institutet Global Master’s Scholarships, and the Uppsala University Global Scholarships. Here are some scholarships for international students in Sweden:
- Swedish Institute Scholarships.
- Karolinska Institutet Global Master’s Scholarships.
- Uppsala University Global Scholarships.
- Chalmers IPOET Scholarships.
- Lund University Global Scholarship.
- Stockholm School of Economics Scholarship.
- Grants. Several grants are available for international students to cover studying in Sweden. Various organizations or institutions may provide these grants, including the Swedish Institute, the European Union, and the Swedish Research Council.
- Loans. International students may also be eligible to apply for loans to cover their educational expenses in Sweden. The Swedish government offers a loan program for international students called CSN, which provides low-interest loans to cover tuition fees and living costs.
- Work Opportunities. International students in Sweden can work while studying to earn money and cover living expenses. However, it’s essential to remember that there are limits on the number of hours international students are allowed to work. Here are some job options for international students in Sweden:
- Tutoring.
- Cafes and Restaurants.
- Retail.
- Cleaning.
- Event Staffing.
- Internships. Many Swedish companies offer internships to international students, which can be a great way to gain valuable work experience and earn money to cover living expenses.
How Can I Save Money as an International Student in Sweden?
Here are some budgeting tips you can use as an international student in Sweden:
- Research accommodation options.
- Use student discounts.
- Cook at home.
- Work part-time during studies.
- Plan for unexpected expenses.
- Purchase a bike.
- Go for free entertainment options.
- Avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Track your expenses.
- Seek out scholarships and funding opportunities.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, studying in Sweden can be a rewarding experience for international students willing to invest in their education and adapt to a new cultural and academic environment.
To minimize costs, students must apply for scholarships and grants, work part-time, and budget carefully. Planning and researching available options for accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses is essential.