Table of Contents:
- Introduction- Study in Sweden
- Who can study in Sweden for free?
- How expensive is it to live in Sweden?
- University tuition fees in Swedish universities
- List free universities in Sweden
- Scholarship and funding options
- Conclusion
Study in Sweden – Why Study in Sweden?
This is an important step in studying abroad, and the choice is almost limitless. So what makes Sweden stand out? What makes it so different from the other countries you can go to? Why are you going there instead of other countries? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular reasons people are learning in Sweden.
You can learn teamwork in a way that is unique to Sweden.
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Studying in Sweden is unique and no experience like this can be found anywhere else in the world. Swedish educational institutions offer an exciting and open environment with a strong emphasis on cooperation. This will provide you with valuable skills that you can’t find in other universities around the world. The global job market rewards are ambitious, innovative and keenly team-oriented, and because of the education you receive, you can prove yourself to be a team player. You will also learn the skills to work on the team, and if you have learned to encourage personality rather than teamwork elsewhere, you may never have considered it.
Swedish Universities have the best advanced degree program in the world
The Swedish master’s degree program offers a unique opportunity to turn theory into practice. Many courses also work closely with the industry to provide students with the possibility to combine learning and practice. You can take an internship, an apprenticeship or even a part-time job related to an advanced degree program. This means you will gain hands-on experience and the ability to apply what you have learned to what you are doing. When you enter the labor market after completing your studies, knowing how to put theory into practice can give you a distinct advantage over your peers.
You can discover your strengths and maximize your potential
Swedish universities will encourage students to use their strengths and talents instead of frustrating creativity. The knowledge system is student-centered, and your work with the teacher is usually informal, contrary to the more formal “student/master” experience you might encounter in other situations. Most professors use names instead of titles. This is most likely due to the fact that they maintain an equal culture between them, which means they will not put themselves above anyone, but treat everyone as equal. Therefore, they value active and independent thinking. You are the center of education, not just a strict education system that forces you to meet standards. You play an active role in this process.
You will be surrounded by innovation and creativity
Swedish companies and universities have conducted innovative research. Swedes love creativity and institutions to create pride in their own ideas. The results of this research and creativity have produced several successful inventions that are world famous. Look at some innovations that would not have been without the creativity of the Swedes:
- Computer mice.
- Bluetooth technology.
- External computing devices
- Ball bearings and
- Other technologies related to the manufacturing industry.
- Pacemakers
- kidney dialysis devices and
- Other health care devices that save lives every day.
- Spotify
- Skype and other internet technologies.
It is possible that you use at least some of these products every day. If not, you can at least say a few of them. These are just a few examples of Swedes’ ingenuity. When looking for items invented or manufactured by Swedes, you may encounter more products, and this innovation will play a role in encouraging you to expand your mind.
Sweden has many large multinational organizations that are at the forefront of innovation and technology. Don’t know if you have ever purchased items or used services from a Swedish company? Here are some of the best known companies you will find around the world, these companies are established in Sweden or have been established in Sweden:
- Ericsson
- VolvoScania
- Electrolux
- SKF
- Sandvik
- Atlas Copco
- IKEA
- H&M (clothing company)
You may have heard of some of these companies and may even own one or more of them. If you decide to study in Sweden, you will be surrounded by some of the most innovative people and companies in the world. The Swedish environment helps to stimulate people’s imagination, and if you study there, you may become part of Sweden’s changes to the rest of the world.
This is not easy, but it is worth every effort
Some people may be afraid of the difficulty of the course work, but in fact there are many different courses in Sweden that will make you work very hard. As mentioned above, Sweden is very proud of its history as an academic power and you can be a part of this. Academics and education are highly valued; Sweden is home to your prestigious Nobel Prize, which is known worldwide as an academic award. This is not a shortcut to achieving goals and dreams, but you will receive the best education when studying at a Swedish university.
You can find courses you are interested in in Sweden.
Any type of course you want to study, you can find it in Sweden. There are dozens of schools and hundreds of different undergraduate and graduate programs across the country, depending on where you decide to study. The fields are also different; although much of the content we have listed above is related to innovation, there are many different universities that focus on the social sciences (psychology, sociology), the medical field, and other non-technical areas. Some universities offer hundreds of courses in dozens of departments, so you can even personalize your course based on your own goals and interests.
Sweden is diverse and embraces diversity
The Swedes are actually proud of speaking two or more languages. Almost every Swede you will meet speaks English, Swedish, and usually speaks several other languages from other countries in the European Union (German and French are popular). Many companies in Sweden will work in English, many universities offer English courses, and you will hear many Swedes using English in their daily conversations. Due to the large number of innovative companies in Sweden, the country has people from all over the world every day. So, as a free moving individual or exchange student, you feel comfortable, because everyone is different from what you might feel. However, with regard to the diversity of Sweden, the best thing is that no matter how many different people enter and leave the country, Sweden will not change. Sweden has not lost its cultural identity. The longer you stay in the country, the more you will appreciate this trait.
As you can see, you actually have a lot of reasons to consider studying in Sweden. Moreover, these are not even the only questions you should consider! If you think you are ready to start your journey in Sweden, be sure to continue browsing AfterSchoolAfrica. There are a lot of resources here (esp scholarships) that you can use to help make a decision and find the right university for you. So take a look at what Sweden has prepared for you and your future.
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Study in Sweden for free: What you need to know
Studying in Sweden is not necessarily expensive: if you are looking in the right place, you will find it easy to study abroad, and in some cases even free! Unfortunately, not every student can study for free in Sweden, but in this article, you will find out if you can study for free or what the tuition is.
Who can study in Sweden for free?
If you have a passport from the European Union/European Economic Area or Switzerland, you are eligible to study in Sweden for free! If you are a passport holder in any other country, then unfortunately, the cost will be higher: the Swedish government has charged tuition fees for students from outside EU / EEA and Switzerland since the fall semester of 2011. This makes Sweden an expensive destination for international students travelling to the country. Today, tuition fees range from SEK 80,000 (about 8,000 Euros) per year to 190,000 SEK (about 19,000 Euros) per year, depending on the course you are studying and the university you wish to study. The cost of a bachelor’s degree program is usually much lower than the cost of a general master’s degree program. Although for some it may be an expensive option, students who choose to study in Sweden will receive advanced education, which will open the door to universities around the world and bring exciting career opportunities after graduation.
How do I get a scholarship to study in Sweden?
Students can get scholarships to study in Sweden in a variety of ways. Opportunities to study in Sweden may be in front of you, offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. The Swedish Institute (SI) lists a variety of scholarships based on the subject you wish to study and your nationality.
If I am from Africa, Asia or other places outside Europe, can I study in Sweden for free?
Yes, you can! Although you may need to pay tuition for a full-degree program, there is a way to avoid tuition: if your registered school is a partner university of a Swedish university, you can join their study abroad program. For example, Lund University has more than 600 partner universities in 70 countries around the world. If you are already studying at a university and would like to study in Sweden, please consult your university’s international office!
WATCH: How To Study Abroad As An International Exchange Student
How much does it cost to live in Sweden?
The cost of living in Sweden varies depending on where you live. If you are studying at a school in the capital of Stockholm, you should be prepared to pay more than you would in a small city like Borås. The average monthly cost is around 8,000 SEK (800 Euros) across the country. The hardest part of learning in one of the big cities is finding a home. In some of the larger cities, there are not many choices for student residences. However, some websites allow people to open their own homes and apartments to share with other students in the same city. If you want to save money while studying at a university in Sweden, it is important to find these opportunities. When applying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Sweden, you will need to prove to the immigration authorities that you will be able to successfully raise funds during your stay in the country.
How easy is it to communicate with locals?
Swedish children start learning English when they are very young, and some cities are only 7 years old. All foreign films and shows are shown in the original language with Swedish subtitles, which means that Swedes are exposed to English every day. Therefore, almost everyone you meet can speak English. However, if you want to be fully integrated, it is recommended that you study Swedish while studying. If you have the right to reside during your studies, you can study these courses for free.
If you want to study in Sweden, you should first do research, save it, and start looking for an apartment as soon as you get permission!
University tuition fees in Swedish universities
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Tuition fees in Sweden
Since Sweden is a member of the European Union, national tuition rules apply to citizens of other EU or EEA countries as well as Switzerland. Exchange students are also exempt from paying because their studies are based on agreements between Swedish and foreign universities.
Most universities in Sweden are public and tuition fees apply only to students outside the EU/EEA; tuition fees vary between 6,000 and 45,000 Euros per academic year, depending on the chosen subject.
The three private universities in Sweden charge an average of 12,000 to 15,000 euros per year, but for some subjects these costs can be as high as 25,000 euros per year.
Tuition fees for popular disciplines in Swedish universities:
- Computer Science: 25,000 EUR/year
- Environmental Science: between 8,000 and 30,000 EUR/year
- Engineering: 17,000 EUR/year
- Economics: 18,000 EUR/year
List of free universities in Sweden
1. Lund University
Founded in 1666, Lund University, Sweden is one of northern Europe’s oldest, broadest and finest universities and is consistently rank among the top 100 universities in Sweden. For Lund University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
2. Uppsala University
Founded in 1477, it is the oldest university in Sweden and all of the Nordic countries still in operation. It ranks among the world’s 100 best universities in several high-profile international rankings. For Uppsala University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
3. KTH Royal Institute of Technology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, abbreviated KTH, is a public research university in Stockholm, Sweden. For KTH Royal Institute of Technology, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
4. Stockholm University
Stockholm University (Swedish: Stockholmsuniversitet) is a public university in Stockholm, Sweden, founded as a college in 1878! For Stockholm University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
5. University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg meets the challenges of society with diverse knowledge. For University of Gothenburg, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
6. KarolinskaInstitutet
The Karolinska Institute was founded in 1810 on the island of Kungsholmen on the west side of Stockholm; the main campuswas relocated decades later to Solna, just outside Stockholm. For KarolinskaInstitutet, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
7. Umeå University
The university was founded in 1965 and is the fifth oldest within Sweden’s present borders. For Umeå University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
8. Chalmers University of Technology
The university was founded in 1829 following a donation by William Chalmers, a director of the Swedish East India Company. For Chalmers University of Technology, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
9. Linköping University
Linköping University was granted full university status in 1975 and is now one of Sweden’s larger academic institutions. For Linköping University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
10. Linnaeus University
LNU is a state university in the Småland region of Sweden. It has two campuses, one in Växjö and one in Kalmar. For Linnaeus University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
11. Malmö University
This is a Swedish university located in Malmö, Sweden.With more than 24,000 students and about 1,600 employees. For Malmö University , students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
12. Jönköping University
JU is a Swedish university college located in the city Jönköping in Småland, Sweden. To be able to study at the university one must register as a member in Jönköping Student Union , this can be done online or on campus. For Malmö University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
13. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
SLU is a university in Sweden. And has head office located in Ultuna, Uppsala, the university has several campuses in different parts of Sweden. For The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
14. Mälardalen University
This is an innovative and modern university, located the cities of Eskilstuna and Västerås in central Sweden. For Mälardalen University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
15. Örebro University
University-level education in Örebro started in the 1960s, when Uppsala University started to offer some courses in Örebro. For Örebro University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
16. Luleå University of Technology
Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.6 billion per year. We currently have 1700 employees and 15000 students. For Luleå University of Technology, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
17. Karlstad University
This is a state university in Karlstad, Sweden. It was originally established as the Karlstad campus of the University of Gothenburg in 1967. For Karlstad University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
18. Mid Sweden University
This is a Swedish state university located in the region around the geographical center of Sweden, with two campuses in the cities of Östersund and Sundsvall. For Mid Sweden University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
19. Stockholm School of Economics
SSE is a top European business school that combines world class education and research with a unique business-community network. For Stockholm School of Economics, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
20. Södertörn University
SH is a public university college located in Flemingsberg, which is located in Huddinge Municipality, and the larger area called Södertörn, in Stockholm County, Sweden. For Södertörn University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
21. Halmstad University
This is a University in Halmstad, Sweden. For Halmstad University, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
22. The University of Borås
UB is a Swedish university college in the city of Borås. It was founded in 1977 and has around 11 000 students. For University of Borås, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
23. Dalarna University College
DUC is a public university (högskola) located in Falun and Borlänge, in Dalarna County, Sweden. For Dalarna University College, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
24. The University of Skövde
HIS is a state university in Skövde, Sweden. For The University of Skövde, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
25. Gävle University College
This is a university college (högskola) located in Gävle, Sweden. For Gävle University College, students from non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees. The fee is only applicable to bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as courses, while doctoral programs are free of tuition fees. The university sets its own fees, and most subjects cost between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per academic year. The university admission application fee for fee-paying students to universities and colleges in Sweden has been set at 900 SEK.
Scholarship and funding options
In Sweden, you can get funding from a university, public or private institution.
Scholarships offered by the Swedish Academy – for international students pursuing a master’s degree.
See Link Here https://eng.si.se/scholarship/the-swedish-institute-study-scholarships/
Scholarships offered through the Visby Programme – a partnership between the Eastern European countries and Russia. Awards are awarded to students applying for courses in subject areas related to sustainability, innovation and corporate social responsibility.
See Link Here https://eng.si.se/scholarship/visby-programme-scholarships-masters-level-studies/
The University you’re studying in also has a scholarship program designed to cover tuition or living expenses during the degree program.
Conclusion:
You might have wished within yourself if it could be possible for you to study for free in Sweden. The truth is that it not impossible. But it depends on some key factors of which we have explained through the agency of this content. We have also explained the requirement and what it will take for one to study in Sweden and how you can make this possible for yourself, including the top 25 free colleges and universities in Sweden.
