The Swedish Dental Association is the professional organization for dentists in Sweden. Established in 1908, it has about 7,500 members, including dentists in the Public Dental Service and private practice, teachers at Sweden’s four dental faculties, and about 1,300 dental students.
If you are considering dental school abroad, Sweden can be a strong option if you meet the language and subject requirements. Most dentistry programs at Swedish universities are taught in Swedish, so international applicants should carefully check admission rules, tuition status, and Swedish-language requirements before applying.
Top Schools Offering Dentistry Programs in Sweden
1. Malmö University
Malmö University, located in the vibrant city of Malmö in southern Sweden, is a modern institution with roots in the city’s transition from an industrial center to a knowledge-based city. Malmö University was established in 1998 and became a full university in 2018.
The Faculty of Odontology at Malmö University offers programs and courses in dentistry-related fields, including the 300-credit dentistry program, the 180-credit dental hygiene program, a complementary program for dentists with degrees from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and doctoral studies in dentistry/odontology. Its University Dental Clinic provides clinical training in a supervised setting for students preparing for careers as dentists and dental hygienists.
Admission to Malmö University’s dentistry-related programs is competitive, and applicants should review the university’s official admissions pages for current requirements, deadlines, tuition rules, and language expectations. Graduates may pursue clinical practice, specialist training, or research pathways, depending on their degree and professional licensing status.
2. Karolinska Institute
Founded in 1810, the Karolinska Institute, commonly known as KI, is one of Sweden’s leading medical universities. It is located in Stockholm and is especially well known for medical and health sciences education and research.
KI’s dentistry program is a five-year, 300-credit program taught entirely in Swedish. Applicants need Swedish-language proficiency equivalent to Swedish 3, as well as the required science and mathematics courses. KI states that the dentistry program does not have an English-taught version, so international students should confirm Swedish-language eligibility before applying.
Students in KI’s dentistry program receive training in biomedical, medical, and odontological subjects, along with clinical preparation for dental practice. KI also offers doctoral education through the Department of Dental Medicine, and international applicants with an existing dental degree should check whether the complementary dentistry program or licensing route is more relevant to their situation.
3. Umeå University
Founded in 1965, Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest comprehensive universities and is located in Umeå, northern Sweden. Its dentistry and odontology education has a long history: the dentistry program and research in odontology were established in Umeå in 1956.
The Department of Odontology at Umeå University offers basic education, continuing education courses in Swedish, and postgraduate research studies in odontology. The dentistry program is a 300-credit program, and students begin building clinical skills early in the program, with practical work and patient-related training increasing as the program progresses.
Umeå University can be a strong choice for students interested in both clinical dentistry and research. Applicants should note that official program information is primarily in Swedish and should confirm language requirements, eligibility, and tuition status through the university and University Admissions in Sweden.
4. Gothenburg University
- Study Program | Tuition Fees
- Location: Gothenburg, Sweden | Degree/s Offered: Dental hygiene, Dentistry, dental technology, Ph.D.
The University of Gothenburg, situated on the west coast of Sweden, has roots dating back to 1891 and was formally founded as the University of Gothenburg in 1954. Its Institute of Odontology is part of the Sahlgrenska Academy and offers dental education and research opportunities.
The University of Gothenburg offers a 300-credit Dentistry Program that leads to a Master of Science Degree in Dental Surgery. The program is entirely taught in Swedish, takes five years, and requires proficiency in Swedish equivalent to Swedish 3, along with required science and mathematics courses. The university also offers programs in dental hygiene and dental technology, both taught in Swedish.
Students benefit from a clinical and research-oriented environment connected to the Sahlgrenska Academy. International applicants should check the official program page and tuition-fee page before applying, especially if they are citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
FAQs about Studying Dentistry in Sweden
Which University in Sweden Has the Most Affordable Dentistry Program?
It is difficult to name one university as the most affordable dentistry school in Sweden because tuition depends on the student’s fee status and on the current program fee set by each university. Swedish, EU/EEA, and Swiss citizens are generally exempt from application and tuition fees, while many non-EU/EEA students must pay both application and tuition fees.
For example, Karolinska Institute states that the total tuition fee for its five-year dentistry program is SEK 1,900,000 for non-EU/EEA citizens, while EU/EEA citizens are exempt from tuition fees. KI also states that there are no scholarships for that dentistry program. Applicants should always confirm current program fees directly on each university’s official tuition page before applying.
In addition to tuition, non-EU/EEA applicants should budget for Sweden’s application fee and living costs. University Admissions in Sweden lists the application fee as SEK 900. For residence-permit purposes, the Swedish Migration Agency lists the 2026 maintenance requirement as at least SEK 10,656 per month. Using July 2026 exchange rates, that is about $1,095 per month, although exchange rates change regularly.
Sweden’s dentistry programs are respected, but they are not always easy for international students to access because the main dentistry programs are taught in Swedish. Students who already meet the Swedish-language and academic requirements may find strong options at Malmö University, Karolinska Institute, Umeå University, and the University of Gothenburg. Before choosing a school, check each university’s official admissions page, tuition page, and program language requirements.
We hope that you found this article on the best dental schools in Sweden for international students informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
