Study in Sweden

Bachelor's programmes

Applicants normally need:

• A completed upper-secondary qualification that gives access to higher education in the country where it was awarded
• Required subjects for the selected programme, such as mathematics or sciences
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Official academic documents and identification

Master's programmes

Applicants normally need:

• A bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor's degree
• A degree or previous coursework relevant to the selected master's programme
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Any programme-specific documents, such as a statement of purpose, CV, references or portfolio

For studies lasting longer than three months, most non-EU/EEA citizens need a Swedish residence permit for studies rather than a conventional student visa. The permit must normally be issued before travel.

The main requirements include:

• A valid passport
• Final admission to full-time, on-campus study
• Payment of required tuition fees before applying
• Evidence of sufficient financial maintenance
• Comprehensive health insurance when required
• Supporting documents in Swedish or English, with certified translations where necessary

The online application may require the applicant to select an embassy or consulate for passport presentation or interview. Applicants may also need to provide fingerprints and a photograph for the residence-permit card.

The current application fee is SEK 1,500 for an adult and SEK 750 for a child under 18, subject to exemptions. For 2026 applications, the maintenance requirement is SEK 10,656 per month, plus additional amounts when qualifying family members apply. Apply as soon as admission is confirmed and the required tuition payment has been made.

Sweden has a broad network of recognised universities and university colleges. Institutions frequently considered by international applicants include:

• KTH Royal Institute of Technology: engineering, technology, computer science and sustainable development
• Lund University: engineering, science, business, economics, humanities and social sciences
• Uppsala University: sciences, medicine-related research, humanities, law and social sciences
• Chalmers University of Technology: engineering, architecture, technology and sustainability
• Stockholm University: science, business, law, humanities and social sciences
• University of Gothenburg: business, social sciences, arts, health and environmental studies
• Linköping University: engineering, computer science, medicine-related fields and interdisciplinary studies
• Umeå University: life sciences, public health, design, technology and social sciences
• Karolinska Institutet: medicine, health and life-science research
• Stockholm School of Economics: business, economics, finance and management
• Jönköping University: business, engineering, communication and entrepreneurship
• Linnaeus University: business, technology, design, social sciences and sustainability

This is not a ranking. The best university is the one that matches the student's qualifications, specialisation, budget and career plan. Sweden's official university directory provides the complete list.

The Swedish Migration Agency's financial-maintenance requirement for applications made in 2026 is at least SEK 10,656 per month. Actual spending varies by city, accommodation and lifestyle. Stockholm and other major cities can be more expensive, particularly for housing.

A student budget should normally cover:

• Accommodation
• Food and household costs
• Local transport
• Telephone and internet
• Course materials
• Clothing, leisure and personal expenses
• Insurance where required

Students should budget above the official minimum where possible and begin searching for accommodation early.

1. 1Assess eligibility: review academic history, English proficiency, budget and career objectives.
2. 2Select programmes: compare curriculum, entry requirements, location, tuition and scholarship options.
3. 3Create an account: applications to most programmes are submitted through UniversityAdmissions.se.
4. 4Rank programme choices: the order of choices can affect the admission outcome, so ranking requires care.
5. 5Submit the online application: complete all sections before the relevant deadline.
6. 6Pay the application fee or document exemption: fee-paying applicants must meet the payment deadline.
7. 7Submit supporting documents: upload or arrange delivery of qualifications, transcripts, identification and other required evidence according to country-specific instructions.
8. 8Apply separately for scholarships: scholarship deadlines and portals may differ from the admission application.
9. 9Receive the admission decision: follow any instructions from the university and accept or confirm the place where required.
10. 10Pay the required tuition instalment: fee-paying students must normally pay tuition before they are considered finally admitted for residence-permit purposes.

Most international students should apply in the first admissions round. Most bachelor's and master's programmes start in the autumn, while fewer programmes are available for spring entry.