Sweden is among the world leaders in higher education and some of the country’s reputation is due to the independent studies system that involves less teacher-led time and more group and independent study. In other words, higher education in Sweden is based on self-development coupled with “freedom and responsibility”.

The number of international students enrolled in the universities of Sweden is constantly growing and the percentage of those who are admitted is above half. So, studying in Sweden could be a really attractive option. But before you head to your application, you should know more about all of the financial aspects of studying and living in Sweden.

1. University tuition fees in Sweden

In Sweden, the students who are citizens of EU/EEA countries do not have to pay tuition. The universities only charge application fees for them, which are around 100 EUR and may vary depending on the institution. This fee can be paid online and are valid for both Bachelor and Master degree courses. In order to benefit from this, you should submit a copy of an official document (ID/passport) that show your citizenship.

Search through 89 Bachelor degrees in Sweden

Students from non-EU/EEA countries pay tuition fees. For instance, humanities, law and social science degree courses cost around 9,700 EUR/year and science programmes are worth around 15,000 EUR/year.

More details about tuition fees in universities from Sweden.

2. Student living costs in Sweden

Monthly living costs for students in Sweden are a bit above other European countries, meaning they would spend on average 860 – 970 EUR/month.

Accommodation costs

One of the most important expenses of students is accommodation. This is why 40% of the monthly students’ expenses is represented by accommodation.

Students living alone: 508 EUR/month

Students living with partner/children: 604 EUR/month

Students living in residence halls: 479 EUR/month

Accommodation in residence halls may be a bit of an issue since only 28% of the students that annually enroll in a Swedish university find a place in the halls provided by universities. According to a recent European study, out of the total number of students who do find a room on-campus, 71% are satisfied with the conditions they find. This aspect also shows the good housing conditions, since the international satisfaction average is 60%.

If you don’t find accommodation on-campus, you will have to check out the private rental apartments market.

Food costs

When in Sweden, you will pay around 215 EUR for food monthly. This number depends on your eating habits, but you also have cheap options such as products from Lidl, Willy’s, or supermarkets from the city suburbs.

Eating in a Swedish restaurant will cost you on average 10 EUR; a three-course meal for two in an average restaurant cost around 65 EUR. A light drink in a bar with your colleagues around the country will cost you 6 EUR.

Transportation costs

In Sweden, public transport in highly appreciated among students as around 40% of them use it to get to their university and to locations in their city. Public transportation fares for students cost around 40-55 EUR/month.

You can also choose a bicycle for transport and pay for it around 110 EUR. Out of all the students in Sweden, 27% ride bicycles.

Extra costs

Books, research magazines, and other supplies: 80 EUR/month

Social activities: minimum of 70 EUR/month

Health insurance: rates start from 30 EUR/month

Ready to study in Sweden? Here’s some more helpful information like the best Scandinavian universities, applying for the Swedish student visa, or enrolling in a Swedish university.