collageMaster’s programs in Sweden offer a unique opportunity for EU/EEA, Swiss citizens, and some residents to pursue higher education for free, while others may be required to pay tuition fees ranging from SEK 80,000 to SEK 140,000 per year. However, the Swedish Institute provides scholarships specifically designed for international students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and additional support to ensure a smooth transition for those studying in Sweden. This initiative aims to make education in Sweden more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
To gain admission to a Master’s program in Sweden, applicants are typically required to hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Some programs may have specific prerequisites or additional requirements, such as work experience or language proficiency exams, depending on the university and program of study. Additionally, international students may be required to provide proof of English proficiency through standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.
The admission process for universities in Sweden usually involves submitting an online application through the university’s website, along with academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any additional required documents. Applicants should also be prepared to pay an application fee of SEK 900 if they are not exempted from tuition fees. Once the deadline has passed, the university will review the applications and notify successful candidates of their acceptance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
Master’s Programs | Free for EU/EEA, Swiss citizens, and some residents |
Tuition Fees | SEK 80,000 to SEK 140,000 per year for non-exempted students |
Application Fee | SEK 900 if tuition fees are not exempted |
Scholarships | Offered by the Swedish Institute for international students |
Scholarship Coverage | Covers tuition fees and living expenses |
Additional Support | Provided to ensure a smooth transition for international students |
is Masters Education in Sweden Free for International Students?
At Swedish public universities, students who are citizens of the EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland do not have to pay any tuition for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. PhD courses are free for all international students, regardless of their country of origin.
How much does a Masters cost in Sweden for international students?
You can expect to pay between 7,500 – 25,500 EUR/year for a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme. Specialised courses, like MBAs, can cost as much as 31,000 EUR/year. These are the tuition fee ranges for popular disciplines at Swedish universities: Social Sciences & Humanities: 7,500 – 10,300 EUR/academic year.
Studying in Sweden can be a fantastic opportunity for international students, offering high-quality education in a vibrant and innovative environment. However, it’s important to be aware of the tuition fees you can expect to pay for different programmes. Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes typically range from 7,500 to 25,500 EUR per year, while specialised courses like MBAs can cost up to 31,000 EUR per year. In particular, for popular disciplines in Social Sciences & Humanities, the tuition fee range is typically between 7,500 and 10,300 EUR per academic year.
To be eligible for admission to a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme in Sweden, international students generally need to have completed their secondary education equivalent to the Swedish high school level. Additionally, most programmes require students to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Some programmes may also have specific academic requirements or prerequisites, so it’s important to carefully review the admission criteria for your chosen programme.
The admission process for universities in Sweden typically requires students to submit an online application through the university’s admissions portal. Along with the application form, students will need to provide supporting documents such as transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. Once the application is submitted, students may also be required to participate in interviews or submit additional materials depending on the programme. It’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided by the university to ensure a smooth application process.
| Discipline | Tuition Fee Range (EUR/year) |
|---|---|
Social Sciences & Humanities | 7,500 – 10,300 |
Bachelor’s Programmes | 7,500 – 25,500 |
Master’s Programmes | 7,500 – 25,500 |
Specialised Courses (e.g. MBA) | Up to 31,000 |
Is Sweden cheap for Masters?
If you are from any other country, tuition fees usually go from USD 8,000 to USD 15,000 per academic year at cheap Swedish universities. The only exception is for programs in the fields of architecture and design, which can cost between USD 19,000 to USD 28,000 per year.
free masters in sweden for international students
Sweden is a great destination for international students. With over 60 Bachelor’s and 900 Master’s degrees on our portals, you can choose from a wide variety of English-taught study programmes and disciplines. Other advantages of studying in Sweden include:
- Free education for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland
- Availability of numerous scholarships and financial aid programmes
- The government’s flexible policies allow students to work during their studies
- Most Swedes have advanced English skills, which means you can communicate and socialise with ease
1. Tuition fees at Swedish universities
Because Sweden is a member of the European Union (EU), the tuition fee rules for nationals also apply to citizens from the EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland. Exchange students are also exempt from fees, as their studies follow agreements between Swedish and foreign universities.
Most universities in Sweden are public and Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are free for EU/EEA & Switzerland citizens. As for PhD programmes, they are free for all students, regardless of their country of origin.
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, tuition costs will vary depending on the university and discipline you choose. You can expect to pay between 7,500 – 25,500 EUR/year for a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme. Specialised courses, like MBAs, can cost as much as 31,000 EUR/year.
These are the tuition fee ranges for popular disciplines at Swedish universities:
- Social Sciences & Humanities: 7,500 – 10,300 EUR/academic year
- Engineering, IT, and Natural Sciences: 11,250 – 13,600 EUR/academic year
- Architecture and Design: 17,800 – 25,300 EUR/academic year
Free-tuition universities in Sweden
Check examples of free-tuition universities in Sweden for EU/EEA students:
Free-tuition universities in Sweden for EU/EEA students:
1. Lund University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
2. Uppsala University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
3. Stockholm University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
4. Karolinska Institute
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test, specific program prerequisites.
5. KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test, specific program prerequisites.
6. Linköping University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
7. University of Gothenburg
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
8. Umeå University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
9. Lund University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
10. Örebro University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
11. Linnaeus University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
12. Malmö University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
13. Stockholm School of Economics
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test, specific program prerequisites.
14. Dalarna University
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
15. Blekinge Institute of Technology
Basic admission requirements: High school diploma, English proficiency test.
Average Tuition Fees for International Students at Top-ranked Swedish Universities
| University | Minimum Tuition Fees (EUR/year) | Maximum Tuition Fees (EUR/year) |
|---|---|---|
Karolinska Institute | 16,000 | 19,400 |
Uppsala University | 9,300 | 13,500 |
Lund University | 9,300 | 25,000 |
Stockholm University | 8,725 | 13,620 |
2. Scholarship and funding options
In Sweden, you can get financial aid from universities and other public or private institutions.
- Scholarships provided by the Swedish Institute – dedicated to international students applying to Master’s degree programmes.
- Scholarships offered through the Visby Programme – the partnership between EU Eastern countries and Russia. Awards are offered to students who apply to programmes focusing on subject areas related to sustainability, innovation and corporate social responsibility.
- Scholarships offered by individual universities – each institution is free to decide the amount, duration, and admission criteria for scholarships.
- Country-specific scholarships – offered to international students from certain countries. Funds come from universities, independent foundations, and other types of organisations.
- Studyportals Scholarship: International Distinction Awards – you’ve read that right. We’re offering our own scholarship to a few lucky international students.
Check out the living costs in Sweden.
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