Sweden is home to 39 universities, 8 of which are considered among the top 100 universities worldwide. Many degree programs at Swedish universities have strong links with the industry, which is an excellent quality when it comes to your career prospects and work experience opportunities.
Higher education in Sweden is one of the best in the world, which is why a number of international students have decided to enroll in the country. Its education system puts emphasis on practical studies and research rather than lectures, making Swedish graduates more efficient as they begin to work in the actual industries. If you want to be a part of this student population, you must first be knowledgeable about your potential tuition and living costs when living in Sweden.
Cost of Studying in Sweden
The majority of Swedish people can speak English fluently, so it is not hard for an international student like you to enroll at universities.
Although public universities in Sweden are free for EU/EEA citizens, international students are required to pay. Studying in Sweden costs really high, with business and architecture degrees being some of the most expensive courses. However, you are still eligible to apply for your chosen university’s scholarship programs.
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the largest technical university in Sweden, offers Bachelor’s programs for international students for SEK 366,000 a year.
Tuition fees at Linnaeus University, a public university in Sweden, can cost between SEK 110,000 to SEK 285,000 annually, with music being the most expensive.
Popular for its IT courses, the University of West offers an average of SEK 130,000 tuition fee per year for its undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The same goes for Jönköping University, where tuition fees range from SEK 100,000 to SEK 160,000 annually.
If you are looking for cheap university rates, you can check out Stockholm University. The cost per academic year of their programs is between SEK 90,000 to SEK 140,000 only. That is already lower than most universities in Sweden.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Cost of Living in Sweden
1. Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is considered the largest in terms of population.
Since there is a housing shortage in Stockholm, expect that rental prices here are expensive when living in this city. A one-bedroom apartment near commercial establishments can cost SEK 14,324 a month. That is still exclusive of your monthly utility bills, which can reach up to SEK 1,200.
Public transportation in Stockholm, although very efficient, comes at a great price. It is better if you purchase monthly passes worth SEK 960 to help lessen the burden.
Restaurant prices in the area can also be high, which is why most international students choose to cook rather than eat out. On average, you can spend around SEK 4,900 per month on your groceries.
2. Gothenburg
Although Gothenburg is less expensive than Stockholm, living in this city might be quite expensive, especially for students. The average cost of living in Gothenburg is SEK 15,430, which is among the top 23% of the most expensive cities worldwide.
It can help if you prefer grocery shopping more than restaurant hopping because you can save money if you purchase at huge supermarkets that frequently offer discounts. The average food cost in Gothenburg for a single person is SEK 4,500.
Purchasing your own car in Gothenburg is not advisable since the vehicle maintenance and gasoline prices in the area are high. If you commute, the regular one-way ticket costs around SEK 34.
Accommodation will truly be your biggest expense here. An apartment in the city center has an average price of SEK 9,800 per month. However, you will be able to save at least SEK 2,800 if you live outside downtown.
3. Lund
Lund is located in the southern part of Sweden and is popular among international students. As a matter of fact, nearly half of the 90,000 Lund citizens are students.
Off-campus accommodation in Lund can cost anywhere from SEK 2,500 to SEK 6,500 a month. Lund is also a small city, so you can save a ton from public transport if you get yourself a bike. In case you prefer commuting, an average person in Lund can spend around SEK 700 monthly for transportation.
What’s even more fascinating about Lund is that if you sign up for a Studentlund membership, you will get discounts at cafés, travel tickets, and restaurants. So if you are someone who loves to eat out, this student discount will surely be your ultimate buddy.
4. Uppsala
Uppsala is the home of Sweden’s oldest university. It has been a leader in providing quality education throughout the years, which is why it is a popular destination for students.
For international students who wish to live in Uppsala, the average all-in expenses in Uppsala fall between SEK 7,700 to SEK 12,500 monthly.
For a cheap apartment, you can find around SEK 3,500 outside the city center. But if you choose to live in central Uppsala, you can expect a monthly rent of SEK 7,200 for a one-bedroom apartment. Your utility bills depend mainly on your usage and the size of your apartment, but the estimated monthly cost for a single person is SEK 875.
Food expenses may reach up to SEK 3,800 a month, while a regular one-way transportation ticket costs SEK 27.
5. Linköping
Linköping is a medium-sized city and is known for having one of the most prominent universities in the world. The city has been focusing on the areas of green energy and sustainability, so students interested in these fields consider Linköping as their priority choice.
The average cost of living for a single person living in Linköping is SEK 13,236. This is relatively cheap compared to big cities in other countries.
Rent prices in the area highly depend on the location. A one-bedroom flat in downtown can cost SEK 2,300 more than those outside the city center. In addition, a grocery budget of SEK 3,000 can already sustain your monthly needs for fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and more.
We hope that this article on the Cost of Studying and Living in Sweden for International Students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!