Sweden has a well-developed healthcare system and a strong need for well-trained nurses. In 2023, “assistant nurses, home care and homes for the elderly” was the most common occupation in Sweden and was also the most common occupation among women. Women made up 88% of employees in that occupation. Nursing education in Sweden is usually offered as a three-year, 180-credit program leading to a professional nursing degree and a bachelor’s-level qualification.
To study most nursing programs in Sweden, you will generally need Swedish-language proficiency because the programs below are taught mainly or entirely in Swedish. Applicants must also meet general higher education entry requirements and the program-specific requirements set by each university. Here is a guide to several top nursing schools in Sweden.
Top Schools Offering Nursing Programs in Sweden
1. Karolinska Institute
Karolinska Institute (KI) is one of Sweden’s most prominent medical universities and a leading option for nursing. KI states that it accounts for the single largest share of academic medical research in Sweden and offers the country’s broadest range of education in medicine and health sciences. Founded in 1810, KI is Sweden’s largest medical university, with activities at campuses in Solna and Flemingsberg and at healthcare facilities in the Stockholm region. In the 2026 QS subject ranking, KI placed 16th globally and 5th in Europe for nursing.
The Study Programme in Nursing is taught in Swedish at Flemingsberg. It is a full-time, on-campus, 180-credit program that leads to a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Degree of Bachelor of Medical Science with a major in nursing. The program uses a humanistic and ethical approach and integrates nursing with medicine and social and behavioral sciences. Clinical education is distributed across the semesters and takes place within Region Stockholm.
2. University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg traces its history to Gothenburg University College, founded in 1891, and became the University of Gothenburg in 1954. Its nursing program is offered by the Institute of Health and Care Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy.
The Bachelor Programme in Nursing is a three-year, 180-credit, full-time campus program in Gothenburg and is conducted in Swedish. It combines medical subjects, nursing, leadership, improvement work, practical exercises, and clinical education. The program leads to a bachelor’s degree and provides the basis for licensure as a nurse.
At this top nursing school in Sweden, the nursing program prepares students for a responsible and stimulating profession with a patient-centered approach. Current program information highlights person-centered care, clinical competence, and around 2,300 hours of clinical education in healthcare settings such as hospitals, primary care, and municipal care.
Applicants need general eligibility plus Mathematics 2a, 2b, or 2c; Natural Sciences 2; and Social Sciences 1b or 1a1 plus 1a2. Selection is based on grades (66%) and the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (34%). The program is campus-based and cannot be completed by distance learning.
3. Swedish Red Cross University College
Founded in 1867, the Swedish Red Cross University College is considered the first non-religious nursing educational institution in Sweden. It has around 850 students and 70 employees, and its nursing education is connected to the Fundamental Principles of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
At the Swedish Red Cross University College, students can follow a nursing program with a global profile. The program consists of 180 credits over six full-time semesters, is mainly taught in Swedish, and leads to a registered nurse qualification and a bachelor’s degree in nursing science. About one-third of the program consists of work-integrated learning.
Students can also continue into specialist nursing education. The university offers specialist nurse programs in intensive care, psychiatric care, and infectious disease care. These programs are taught in Swedish and lead to a specialist nursing professional degree and a one-year master’s degree in nursing.
4. Mälardalen University
Mälardalen University, established in 1977, is known for close collaboration with industry and the public sector. In 1999, it became the first university in the world to receive environmental certification according to the international ISO 14001 standard.
The nursing program is offered in Eskilstuna, Västerås, and Nyköping. It is a full-time, three-year, 180-credit program taught in Swedish, with some courses possibly offered in English. The program leads to a nursing professional degree and a bachelor’s degree in care science with a specialization in nursing.
The program supports the development of knowledge about people’s needs for care and support at different stages of life. Students study nursing, medical science, and health sciences through theoretical coursework, simulation and method training, and extensive clinical education. Clinical education is arranged through the university’s agreements in regions, municipalities, and private care providers, mainly in Sörmland and Västmanland depending on the admission location. Students should be prepared to travel or temporarily stay elsewhere for clinical placements, and they cannot arrange these placements independently.
This program is offered predominantly in Swedish, with some courses in English.
5. Karlstad University
Karlstad University is based in the city of Karlstad. Its roots include a branch of the University of Gothenburg, which opened in Karlstad in 1968. The University College of Karlstad was established in 1977, and Karlstad University was founded in 1999.
The nursing program at this nursing school in Sweden is a full-time, 180-credit campus program taught in Swedish. It leads to a professional nursing degree and meets the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program includes theoretical and clinical studies, a 15-credit thesis, and 43 weeks of work-based clinical education. Its curriculum includes nursing, medical science, and social and behavioral science.
Clinical education is an important part of the curriculum and can take place throughout Värmland County in inpatient care, outpatient care, and municipal healthcare settings. Students should expect possible travel for clinical placements.
During the nursing program, students have the opportunity to complete parts of their studies abroad, especially clinical education or thesis work, through the university’s international networks in the Nordic countries, the EU, South Africa, Vietnam, and India.
Karlstad University offers several specialist nursing programs, as well as master’s and doctoral study opportunities for those interested in continuing their studies.
We hope that this article on the best nursing schools in Sweden was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
