The benefits of studying in Sweden for international students is that you get an opportunity to learn at one of the leading institutions in Europe. Studying in Sweden will vastly increase your chance of a career within companies in Scandinavian countries.

More and more international students see Sweden as the place to study.  It is easy to understand why. Sweden impresses with its beautiful scenery, urbanity and nature at one and the same time. It has a few ancient cities worth visit. Some are completely untouched by the industrialization, while others look like they have just stepped out of the Middle Ages. Swedish food culture is also very fascinating and altogether it is the best place for studying abroad.

Take out time to surf through our catalog right here on Collegelearners for ample information on disadvantages of studying in Sweden, undergraduate study in Sweden for international students, Canada vs Sweden for international students, UK vs Sweden for international students, and so much more.

life in sweden for international students

Choosing the right place to study abroad can have a huge impact on your academic plans. You’ll want to find classes that help you reach your goals for graduation and beyond, and you’ll want to feel at home—but still give yourself the freedom to expand your horizons and explore museums, cuisines, and cultures that are new to you.

Enter Sweden, offering up a welcoming environment complete with everything from amazing landscapes to bustling cities. Look forward to multicultural student life in top-tier universities perfect for a semester or shorter term abroad.

So…why study abroad in Sweden? Because whether you’re drawn in by the abundance of English-language courses, the chance to see the Northern Lights, or even the coffee culture, you’re sure to find an engaging setting for your life-changing study abroad experience.

Is education free in Sweden? What are study in Sweden requirements? Read on to find out why Sweden should be on your radar for dream study abroad destinations!

is college free in sweden for international students

Is education free in Sweden?

Sweden values high-quality education, and the country’s policies make that clear. Swedish public universities offer free tuition for Swedish students along with citizens of other Nordic countries, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. (PhDs are free for any international student regardless of country of origin, so if you fall in love with the country while you study abroad in Sweden and want to pursue a doctorate later, keep that perk in mind.)

If your passport is from any other country, the cost of tuition is unfortunately a bit higher. Tuition can range from about 7,500 EUR to 25,500 EUR per year depending on the university you attend and the types of courses you plan to take.

Pro-tip: Check if your home university has an exchange agreement with a university in Sweden. Even if you’re a passport-holder from a country not covered by those free tuition possibilities, you can pay tuition at your usual rate if your school has an exchange in place with a Swedish partner.

why i choose sweden

9 advantages of studying in Sweden

So, what are the best reasons to study abroad in Sweden…that will have you ready to pack your bags?

1. You’ll get a high-quality education

Study in Sweden for international students can open up a world of opportunities. Universities in Sweden consistently make their mark on worldwide ranking lists, coming in as some of the best in the world. It’s easy to study in Sweden in English, too, with countless courses and even full degree programs offered entirely in English.

Taking classes at one of these renowned institutions is a worthwhile challenge—and a great note on your resume post-graduation. At the same time, you’ll get to live alongside cultural gems (think: the Vasa ship in Stockholm or the historic cathedrals in Uppsala and Lund), no matter where you decide to study abroad in Sweden. Many museums also offer free admission or discounted prices for students.

2. You’ll get to experience life in the big city…

If you’re craving a big city feel from your study abroad destination, cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg should top your list. Numerous museums come together with world-class restaurants, bars, and cafes (coffee and kanelbullar? Count us in!).

You’ll find striking architecture, so much history, and chic, friendly locals at every turn, but you’ll also have access to green parks and picturesque waterways that set these Swedish destinations apart from other major cities.

3.…or, enjoy a college-town vibe

Sweden is also home to plenty of smaller cities steeped in student spirit where you can walk or bike to class and just about anywhere else you want to go. Uppsala and Lund boast the oldest student societies (called student nations, or “nationer”) in the country; Uppsala University was the first university built in Sweden while Lund University is the most popular place for study in Sweden for international students. Both rank among the top 100 universities in the world.

4. Indulge in natural wonders, the great outdoors, and exciting winter sports

No matter where you wind up studying, you’ll have access to some of the most striking landscapes on the planet. Sweden is a place rich with natural wonder and inspiring extremes. That’s evident regardless of the season: the midnight sun stretches long into summertime nights, and the aurora borealis ribbons dark winter skies.

If you’re looking to spend time reveling in the outdoors, Sweden is the place to be. You’ll find opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing depending on the time of year you go abroad. Prefer to enjoy your sports from the stands? You can check out Swedish Hockey League games in various cities.

5. It’s easy to travel

… within Sweden, Scandinavia, and the rest of Europe! Sweden provides a great base for eager travelers. If you’re studying in Stockholm or nearby Uppsala, you’ll have Arlanda Airport as an international and national hub.

Regional airports also abound throughout the country, making it easy to take advantage of budget flights in Scandinavia and beyond. You can even hop on a short train ride to Copenhagen’s international airport from cities like Malmö and Lund.

Sweden boasts an extensive train network as well, so make sure you leave some time to check out areas closer to “home.”

6. It’s a great place for LGBTQIA+ students

Sweden is often synonymous with progressive, open-minded values. That makes Sweden an ideal location for LGBTQIA+ students looking for a safe and welcoming environment abroad. Sweden consistently ranks near the top of European and global lists for LGBTQ rights. No matter how you identify, you’ll appreciate the openness Swedish culture offers everyone.

7. Enjoy breakthroughs in sustainability

Sweden is right up there with the most sustainable countries on the planet, frequently vying with its Scandinavian neighbors for spots near the top of those worldwide rankings. You’ll see this “green” dedication in all aspects of daily life (Swedes are known for being avid recyclers). Back in 1996, the Swedish city of Växjö became the first in the world to make becoming fossil-fuel free by 2030 a top goal. And yes, you can study abroad there, too!

8. No foreign language skills required

Think study in Sweden requirements are unattainable? You can actually study in Sweden in English! While English isn’t the official language in Sweden, this country offers one of the best opportunities for English-speakers to study abroad without a language barrier. You’ll find tons of university courses you can take and can certainly get by in daily life only speaking English.

Children start learning English in school from a very young age, so whether you’re ordering a coffee or chatting up a new friend from class, there’s a good chance you’ll interact with someone who’s been exposed to English almost as long as you have.

That said, you’ll deepen your experience abroad if you take a Swedish course or at least learn a few basic phrases to use when you’re out and about.

9. Immerse yourself in the Swedish way of life

If you still need more reasons to study abroad in Sweden, just look to the Swedish way of life. Take fika, a fundamental aspect of Swedish culture. The word can be used as a noun or verb, and it loosely translates to “pause” or “coffee break”—though you’ll find Swedes won’t want to pin down a specific meaning.

Fika is all about taking a moment to relax and connect with friends and family. Swedish culture encourages mindfulness, creativity, and a healthy work-life balance, making it the ideal place to simultaneously focus on your studies and still have time to explore.

Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Sweden—for FREE!

Study in Sweden for international students is a game changer

Back to our original question: Why study abroad in Sweden? Maybe the better question is: Why not? Advantages of studying in Sweden range from the academic to the social and so much more. From the breathtaking wilderness of arctic Lappland to the art galleries, architecture, and cosmopolitan charm of Stockholm, Sweden really has it all.

Known for its egalitarian society and sense of collectivism, Sweden is set to impress with its vibrant student life. The natural beauty, rich history, and position as a travel hub combine with a cultural openness and abundance of educational offerings to make Sweden a unique place for any study abroad adventure.

Why Study in Sweden?

Why study in Sweden as an International Student

Sweden is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe, bordered by Norway and Finland. It is the third largest country in the European Union by area, with a population of about 9.5 million. So what does Sweden have to offer an international student?

High Quality, Unconventional Education

Studying in Sweden is different from studying in other countries because Swedish universities have an open climate with a strong focus on group work. The Swedish education system focuses more on your academic interests than pushing you to achieve a grade. Swedish universities work to prepare you for a successful future; the job market values ambitious, innovative, and perceptive team players, so Swedish universities attempt to instill these qualities in their students. Degree programs in Sweden offer students the opportunity to mix study and practical work, so that they have first-hand experience in their field when they graduate and enter the job market.

The education system in Sweden is student-centric. Relationships between students and teachers are relaxed and informal; as a student in Sweden, you will be expected to address your teachers by their first names. Swedish universities prize personal initiative and independent thinking; if you choose to study in Sweden, you will be expected and required to take an active role and contribute with your opinions and ideas in lectures, seminars, and group discussions. This will give you the opportunity to develop your individual strengths and cultivate you academic abilities.

In the 2010 edition of the Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sweden has three universities in the top 100 and eleven in the top 500.

Almost everyone in Sweden speaks English nowadays; 89 per cent of Swedes are bilingual, so international students from English-speaking countries need not worry about not being able to communicate if they don’t speak Swedish.

Highly Innovative Country

Sweden is one of the world’s most modern countries, and the birthplace of many successful corporations. A number of successful inventions have resulted from research at Swedish universities and companies, including the computer mouse, Bluetooth, the pacemaker, the ball bearing, the dialysis machine, and internet applications such as Spotify and Skype. These recent inventions are built on a long history of excellence in academia and research in Sweden. Sweden is the home of the Nobel prize and several highly acclaimed universities dating back to the 15th century. This innate creativity has established Sweden as a strong nation within design, fashion, and music. It is one of the largest music-exporting countries in the world.

is studying in sweden worth it

Free Tuition for Students from EU Countries

If you are an international student from a European Union country, you have another good reason to study in Sweden: tuition is free. Although the cost of living can be high in Sweden, it more than evens out when you factor in free tuition. With the rising costs of tuition in other countries, more and more students are applying to schools in Sweden. Last year, Lund saw 78 per cent increase in degree applications from the UK.

We offer the following plans to students who are planning to travel, study or visit Sweden:

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