“Of cities I know in the world, you are the one with it all,” Swedish singer-songwriter Lasse Berghagen penned his love letter to Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, (Stockholm in My Heart) “Stockholm i mitt hjärta.”

Studying in Sweden offers international students a blend of cutting-edge research, academic excellence, and a diverse range of programs. Whether you are seeking urban attractions, outdoor adventure, or something in between, Sweden offers fascinating history, unspoiled nature, vibrant traditions, and an evolving culinary scene you can’t resist.

Stretching from the sandy beaches of Skåne to the Arctic tundra of Lappland, nothing prepares you for the magic that awaits you in this Scandinavian country. Do you know Sweden has a total of 39,806 international students enrolled in its universities since the earliest data available?

 

Which Universities Do International Students in Sweden Choose?

 

1.                  Lund University

2.                  Stockholm University

3.                  Uppsala University

4.                  Karolinska Institute

5.                  KTH Royal Institute of Technology

6.                  University of Gothenburg

Why Study in Sweden?

A.      Fusion of cultures:  Sweden has a welcoming and vibrant environment free from crime and anti-social actions or remarks.

B.      Innovation Centre: Sweden is home to innovation and technological advancements, a fascinating character that makes studying in Sweden memorable.

C.      English as the instructional language: In most Swedish universities, you learn English, making communication and collaboration easy for international students.

D.     High standard of living: International students in Sweden enjoy a good quality of living and a balanced work-life standard.

E.      High academic standards:  When you study in Sweden, you have access to a world-class educational system that offers an intellectually engaging atmosphere, as shown by its continual top rankings in international academic assessments.

 

Tuition fees at Swedish universities for international students

The university and field international students select determine their tuition expenses. For instance,  non-EU/EEA students can pay between $ 8,300 and $ 28,000 for their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

What is the cost of living for international students in Sweden?

International students studying in Sweden can spend from $765 to $1,292 on their usual monthly living expenses.

1. Food items and groceries:  $190 to $280 each month.
2. Accommodation:  $290 to $865 each month.
3. Transport: This depends on your destination and the frequency of your travels ( $70-$100 each month).
4. Other costs: $150–250 per month.

Working in Sweden during studies and after graduation

Sweden has main industries like automobiles, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, home goods, precision equipment, iron and steel. International students have no specific work hours, but it is recommended they work 20- 30 hours weekly during the academic period.

After graduation, international students in Sweden have their residence visas extended for 12 months.

Settlement opportunities for international students in Sweden

The Migration Agency considers international student visas as "temporary" and doesn’t lead to permanent residence. Students can apply for residency permits to allow them to work after graduation. However, your stay in Sweden will count toward permanent residency if you pursue doctoral studies (PhD level.

Swedish Culture

A common Swedish saying, "Lagom är bäst," roughly translates to "enough is as good as a feast," is rooted in  Swedish culture and values.

·         Language: Swedish. Many Swedes speak English fluently.

·         Gender-neutral: Swedes make use of the gender-neutral pronoun "hen.”

·         Family: They have close-knit relationships with their immediate family members.

·         Religion: Enjoys religious diversity and is technically affiliated with the Lutheran Church of Sweden.

·         Food: Heavily influenced by the country’s geography and climate. Popular foods include meatballs, gravlax, smörgåstårta, smulpaj, and räkmacka.

·         Clothing: It depends on weather and seasons, and its traditional outfits include the Sverigedräkten and the Folkdräkt.

·         Art: Influenced by various artistic movements worldwide, including Realism, Romanticism and Modernism.

·         Sports: Swedes play football, floorball, ice hockey, and handball.

·         Swedish Fika: A daily ritual of taking a break from work or other activities to enjoy coffee or tea, often accompanied by a cinnamon bun ('kanelbulle').

·         Music: Pop music and traditional music featuring Swedish bagpipes, nyckelharpa, fiddle and accordion.

Swedish Do’s and Don’ts

Dos:

1.      You should respect personal space. Don’t stand too close or touch someone without permission.

2.      You should remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.

3. There's no African time; always be punctual.

4.      Take advantage of fika and relate with colleagues or friends.

5.      You must be environmentally conscious and reduce waste.

Don’ts:

1.      Never skip the queue.

2.      Don’t make loud noises.

3.      Don’t be overly familiar.

4.      Don’t be late.

Traditions, Holidays, and Celebrations

a)      Midsummer/Midsommar: June 19-25. 

b)      Sweden’s National Day/ Swedish Flag Day is June 6th, which honours the election of King Gustav Vasa in 1523.

c)      Lucia Day/Saint Lucy’s Day: December 13th.

d)      Christmas: December 24th

e)      Easter

f)       Valborgsmässoafton/ Walpurgis Night: April 30th marks the arrival of spring. 

g)      Crayfish Party: August. 

How to Apply for Sweden Student Visa

International students from outside the EU/EEA must apply for a student visa and a residence permit card before travelling to Sweden.  

Sweden Student Visa Requirements

·         Letter of acceptance into a Swedish educational institution

·         Proof of financial support in the form of bank statements, scholarship awards, or other financial documents

·         Proof of Health insurance

·         Paid Application fee

·         Proof of English language proficiency

·         A valid passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay in Sweden.

·         Passport-size photographs

·         Completed application form

 

Application Process

You can apply for a student visa and residence permit online on the Swedish Migration Agency website or at the Swedish embassy/consulate.

·         Set an appointment with the Swedish embassy.

·         Fill out the application form.

·         Gather the necessary documents.

·         Pay the application fee.

·         Attend the interview with the Swedish authorities.

·         Wait for a decision.

An application can take two to six months to be processed and a decision to be made.

Sweden Student Visa Fee

The application fee for residence permits for students wishing to study in Sweden is SEK 1,500, EUR 132, or USD 140 (adult).

Sweden Student Visa Extension

You must apply to the Swedish Migration Agency before your current permit expires.

Can I Work in Sweden After Graduation?

Yes, you can. There are restrictions on how long you can stay in Sweden as a non-EU student. You can stay in Sweden for another 12 months to look for work.

Sweden Student Visa Work Hours

There is no limit to the number of hours international students can work in Sweden during their studies.

From Application to Arrival: Step-By-Step Guide to Study in Sweden

a)      Find a Study Program: Check for university websites for programs or consult education consultants like Across the Horizon, and seek support for study abroad.

b)      Apply: You can apply to schools you have found a program and submit your application. Sometimes, this involves submitting your language test scores, academic transcripts, and other relevant documents.

Documents to apply for admission to Sweden universities:

• ·         Academic transcripts
• ·         Proof of language proficiency includes TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English.
• ·         Personal statement
• ·         Letters of recommendation from previous teachers, professors, or employers.
• ·         Application fee payment is done on the Pay4Me App, including your tuition fee.
• ·         A valid passport.

 

Accommodation

·         Check with your university.

·         Use student housing portals like Boplats, Studentboet, and SSSB.

·         Private rentals.

Register with the Swedish Migration Agency

International students must register with the Swedish Migration Agency and get your residence permit.

a.      Visit the Swedish Migration Agency website.

b.      Complete the online form.

c.       Upload the required documents.

d.      Pay the registration fee of SEK 1,500.

e.      Book an appointment.

f.        Attend your Swedish Migration Agency office appointment with all the required original documents.

How to Open a Bank Account in Sweden

A.      Choose a bank like Handelsbanken, Swedbank and Nordea.

B.      Gather the required documents

C.      Your passport.

D.     Your Swedish personal identity number (personnummer).

E.      Proof of enrollment at a Swedish university or college.

F.       Proof of address in Sweden (such as a rental agreement).

G.     Visit the bank.

H.     Fill out the application form.

I.        Wait for approval.

J.        Activate your account.

 

International Students’ Health Insurance

Talk to your university’s international office to learn about your health insurance. International students may be eligible for free or reduced-cost healthcare through the public system.

Is it possible for me to get a job while I study in Sweden?

 

It is recommended to work 20 hours per week.

How long does it take to process a student visa for Sweden?

 

It usually takes 90 days to process the student visa