Master's degree in Sweden

Some 500 master’s degree programs at Swedish universities are taught entirely in English. You can search for master’s degree programs in our program database.

A prerequisite for applying to a master’s level program is the completion of at least three years at first level at a Swedish higher education institution, or the international equivalent – such as a three-year bachelor’s degree (180 higher education credits). Specialized knowledge may also suffice. You can read more about the application process here.

Starting with the 2007 academic year, Swedish higher education institutions have switched to a new degree structure that conforms to the Bologna Process, a Europe-wide standardization drive for higher education.

At the second level of study, there are two degree options:

There is a new two-year master’s degree – Degree of Master (Two Years), called “masterexamen” in Swedish (120 ECTS). Authorization to award “masterexamen” is given to state universities and other higher education institutions that are approved for research in one or more disciplinary domains, and to private education providers that are authorized to award doctorates and licentiates in a disciplinary domain. Other higher education institutions have to apply to the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education (state education providers) or the Government (private education providers) for authorization to award the degree.
The Degree of Master (One Year), “magisterexamen” in Swedish, is limited to one-year study programs only (60 ECTS).
With a few exceptions, all courses and programs are financed by the government and are thus free of charge for those Swedish and foreign students who are accepted.

Accomodation in Sweden for foreign students

For many people, studying abroad will be their first experience of living away from home for a longer period. This can be a daunting prospect for anyone, especially in view of the demands associated with being a full-time student while trying to gain a foothold in a new culture.

It is therefore important that your living environment is comfortable and affordable; you should give yourself plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements before leaving for Sweden.

Exchange students
If you are an exchange student in the Socrates/Erasmus programs you will receive assistance with accommodation arrangements from the host academic institution. Be sure to confirm this with your contact person before you leave for Sweden.

Free movers
If you are a free mover, i.e. a person applying on an individual basis, or if you need to arrange your own accommodation for any other reason, you should keep a few things in mind:

There is no national system which handles requests for student accommodation. The local student union at your university fulfills this function, though it is not required to guarantee you accommodation, and may not in fact be able to help you.

The availability of accommodation varies considerably from place to place. Usually, there is plenty of accommodation available at schools located in smaller and middle-sized cities or towns. Unfortunately, the situation is more difficult in the larger cities, especially in Stockholm and Göteborg, and in the traditional student cities of Lund and Uppsala. Often, the number of students exceeds the number of rooms that universities and university colleges have on offer and waiting times are long. However, there are alternatives.

In addition to contacting your student union, you can also try contacting student housing providers directly. Associations and companies that provide student housing have set up a website for locating local housing providers.

If you are a student or guest researcher at Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, KTH (the Royal Institute of Technology) or Stockholm School of Economics, The University Accommodation Center offers furnished apartments and rooms.

To sign a lease for student accommodation, you must be able to prove that you are already studying or that you have been admitted to an academic institution. When you want to move out you must give at least one month's written notice. Other rules may also apply.

You can rent a flat in the private market. Though usually more expensive, it is a viable option for some students. It is not uncommon for students to share a bigger flat with several rooms. You may also be able to rent a single room privately. Other sources of information are local newspapers and message boards at your university.

Whether provided by student unions or by third parties, accommodation catering expressly for students is often the preferred option, however. Student flats or rooms tend to be less expensive than private alternatives; they give you a chance to meet fellow students and participate in social activities, and they are often close to lecture halls, libraries and other facilities.

Depending on availability, you can choose to live by yourself or in a shared student flat where you will have your own room but share a bathroom/toilet. Flats can be furnished or unfurnished.
Student dormitories
Many students prefer to live in a student dormitory. This can be an enjoyable experience as it gives students from around the world an opportunity to get to know each other and make friends.

But it can also be demanding. Students living in the same corridor may have very different cultural backgrounds, different habits and ideas about how to do things. Most dormitories have 10-15 single rooms in each corridor. A kitchen is shared by 4-15 students. Female and male students live in the same corridor. Often there is also a communal television room.

A single room must not be occupied by more than one person – a rule which is strictly enforced. Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and the communal kitchen. Although rooms are let with basic furniture, there are no blankets, pillows, sheets, towels or light bulbs.

Some utensils may be available in the communal kitchen but you will usually have to bring your own plates, cutlery, pots and pans, etc. Some student unions rent these. Most student housing areas have launderettes. There is a booking list and a small fee is payable for the use of a washing machine. Rent for accommodation must be paid in advance.

How much do I have to pay?
Below are some examples of the average monthly rate for student accommodation (Prices in SEK at 2007 levels. 1 Euro = approx. SEK 10). Please note: due to the shortage of student housing in the older university towns/cities (Uppsala, Lund, Stockholm and Göteborg) prices in the private market are likely to be higher there.

For universities located in smaller towns, accommodation prices range from SEK 2,000 to SEK 3,500 for a room.

For universities located in medium-sized towns, accommodation prices range from SEK 2,300 to SEK 4,300 for a room.

For universities located in cities, accommodation prices range from SEK 2,500 to SEK 4,500 for a room.

To find out the precise availability and prices for student accommodation, contact the student union at your university or university college.

A few tips regarding accommodation
The situation with regard to accommodation for students is problematic in many parts of the country, sometimes very much so. There are simply not enough rooms and flats to go round. Fortunately, there are still towns and cities where conditions are better and where all or most students do get accommodation in time.

If you are not guaranteed accommodation as part of your exchange program or through some other agreement, it is vital that you approach your local student union as soon as possible. Remember that the situation will vary according to where you choose to study. Some universities or university colleges have more rooms than others.

At some schools, the student union will guarantee you accommodation if you apply in time; others have special queues for newly arrived students. A good tip is to check for special offers for foreign students with the international desk at your educational institute.

Undergraduate free studies in Sweden

Most undergraduate students come to Sweden as exchange students; their home university has an exchange agreement with a Swedish institution – either as part of an EU exchange program or through a bilateral scheme.

Opportunities for students to come to Sweden to study at an undergraduate level as free movers – students who apply on an individual basis – are limited. Careful planning, good academic credentials, personal funds and strong motivation are needed. If you are a free mover, make sure to plan ahead and set aside plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements.

Although a growing number of undergraduate courses have been made available in English in order to make them more accessible, embarking on a full undergraduate program is not an option for most foreign students. This is because for the most part these programs require a very good command of written and spoken Swedish.

There are exceptions, however: Blekinge Institute of Technology, Dalarna University, IT University of Göteborg, Jönköping International Business School, Luleå University of Technology, Malmö University College, Mälardalen University College, Stockholm School of Economics, Umeå University, University of Borås and Växjö University offer undergraduate programs taught in English.

Most other courses at the undergraduate level offered in English are intended for exchange students. If free movers are admitted, they must meet all the normal requirements with regard to previous university studies and knowledge of English. Universities and university colleges will normally require verification in the form of an international proficiency test certificate.

Living expences in sweden

Food, transport and leisure
Though most students live on a tight budget, there are ways of making your money go further. You can use your student card for discounts and on-campus restaurants are good value. You can also cook your own food; most student accommodations have some form of kitchen facility open to residents.

In most restaurants and bars, a beer will cost you SEK 40-50 (EUR 4-5 ), a glass of wine perhaps a little more. Dinner starts at around SEK 100-150 (EUR 10-15) drinks not included. Eating out at lunchtime is cheaper; expect to pay somewhere around SEK 55-85 for a meal including a soft drink, salad and tea/coffee. An average monthly budget is set out below to give you some idea of the cost of living in Sweden.

Food: SEK 2,000. Accommodation: SEK 3,200. Local travel: SEK 500. Telephone/internet: SEK 300. Insurance, medical care and hygiene: SEK 250. Student union fee: SEK 60-70. Clothing, hobby/leisure, other: SEK 750.
Total: SEK 7,070, or about EUR 750.

Remember however, that prices can vary considerably depending on where you live. Stockholm, for example, is more expensive than smaller towns.

Living in Sweden

Sweden is an open, multicultural society with a long tradition of welcoming students from abroad.

Currently, some 28,000 foreign students are studying in Sweden, making for a vibrant, international study environment. Swedes have some peculiar cultural traits, but they are deeply proud of having built a society that promotes equality between the sexes, tolerance and inclusiveness.

As a student in Sweden, you will have ample opportunity to make new friends. A good part of your social life will revolve around your student union. The union can often help you with finding accommodation and other practical matters. Do make sure you are covered by adequate health insurance while in Sweden.

You will probably need to get a residence permit or visa, maybe even before you arrive in Sweden. To get a residence permit, you need to show you have sufficient funds to pay for living expenses in Sweden. But there are ways in which you can mitigate the financial strain: Sweden allows students to work for the duration of their studies.

Studying in india for overseas students

In India, higher education includes the education imparted after schooling for 10 + 2 years i.e. ten years of primary and secondary schooling followed by two years of higher / senior secondary schooling which is equivalent to STPM in Malaysia. The annual academic session starts in July to August. College admissions start in May to June or even much earlier, on the basis of written examination or interview. Some universities / institutes reserve a limited number of seats for foreign / NRI students, which are given on the basis of the applicant’s academic records.

Undergraduate courses:

Courses
Duration
Subjects required

Medicine
4 ½ years + 1 year internship
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English

Dentistry
4 years + 1 year internship
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English

Pharmacy
4 years
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English

Engineering
4 years
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English

Architecture
5 years
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English

Agriculture
4 years
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English

Veterinary Science
5 years including 6 months internship
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English

Hotel management, Arts, Commerce, Economics, etc.
3 years
Any stream


Minimum qualification: 60% marks in STPM or any other qualification which is equivalent to India’s 10 + 2 CBSE level.

Postgraduate courses:

Courses
Duration

Arts, Humanities, Social sciences , Commerce, Economics, Management, Agriculture, Veterinary
2 years

MD / MS courses related to medicine
2 to 3years

Hotel management, Engineering, Architecture
1 ½ years


Minimum qualification: graduate degree in the appropriate field with 50% marks.

Doctorate (PhD):

Students are admitted to PhD courses if they are able to fulfil the eligibility criteria regarding their research competence and genuine interest in the subject of study. The admission is approved by the Board of Studies and in some cases on the recommendation of a Research Degree Committee of the university concerned. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conduct a joint selection test twice a year and a good number of fellowships are available for those who have qualified the test for higher research.

Education in india

From time immemorial, India has been a centre for learning. Thousands of years ago, great scholars used to teach through the scriptures. A variety of subjects such as philosophy, religion, medicine, literature, drama and arts, astrology, mathematics and sociology were taught and masterpieces on these subjects have been written. Under the Buddhist influence, education was available to virtually everyone who wanted it and some world famous institutions arouse out of the monasteries, such as, Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila (now in Pakistan). Nalanda is especially noteworthy, flourishing from 5th to 13th century AD. It had at one time about ten thousand resident students and teachers on its roll, which included Chinese, Sri Lankan, Korean and other international scholars.

Indian universities and institutes of higher education and research today have made significant contribution to transmission of knowledge and enquiry into frontiers of science and technology. In the field of traditional subjects of arts and humanities as well as in pure sciences, applied physics and chemistry, mathematics and in areas of engineering, information technology, bio-technology, agriculture, management, medicine and pharmacy, the universities and higher education institutes have been playing a leading role to transform the country into a modern industrialised, technologically advanced state. The ushering of green revolution and tremendous progress in dairy development have made India a major food-producing country on one hand; on the other hand, its development of space technology, production and launching of indigenous satellites, development of peaceful nuclear energy have brought it into the forefront of technologically advanced nations to which a large number of developing countries look for training and guidance.

The Indian universities and institutes of higher learning have been playing their role to promote the needs and aspirations of higher education and research to Indian students and scholars. These centres have been extending their cooperation and friendship towards students of other developing countries also, where facilities for higher studies and research are not adequate.

Study options in Sweden

Trying to understand Sweden's higher education system can seem daunting at first. Our primer should help - it contains some basic information about studying at Swedish universities that foreign students don't automatically know.

As a foreign student, different options are open to you depending on the degree level you would like to study at: undergraduate (as an exchange student or free mover); as a master's candidate, or at the doctoral level. Application procedures are explained for each level.

Another decision is what language you would like to study in. Most likely you will study one of the 500 English-language degree programs, but if your Swedish is fluent, Swedish courses are open to you as well, giving you even greater choice.

You will need to choose a school that teaches your area of interest. Make sure your academic credentials are recognized and start applying.

Other options
You may just have finished with your studies, in which case you may be looking for a traineeship position. Or else you may be in a position to buy contract training (commissioned education) for your company or organization.

Finally, instead of pursuing an academic degree, you may be interested in advanced vocational education (AVE), which focuses more on workplace learning. There is one such program in English: Globalverkstan.

FAQ about Sweden free education

What is the difference between a university and a university college (in Sweden)?

Unless you are pursuing a doctorate, there is very little difference. See the detailed explanation here.

What kinds of degrees can I study for in Sweden?

After three years of successful full-time study, a student at a Swedish university or university colleges can receive a kandidatexamen, the nearest equivalent to an American bachelor’s degree. After one or two additional years of specialized studies, the student can receive a Degree of Master (One Year) or a Degree of Master (Two Years), the nearest equivalent to an American master’s degree. If a student opts to do advanced studies or research in a topic, they can receive a Licenciatexamen after an additional two years of full-time study or a Doktorsexamen after a minimum of four years. A Doktorsexamen is a PhD. Click this link for a downloadable picture showing the various degrees in Sweden.

I want to study medicine - dentistry - technology - science - psychology - humanities - social sciences. Which schools are best for my chosen field?

Schools specializing in these academic disciplines are listed in this section of the site.

Is it possible to study Swedish for beginners at a university or university college?

Yes, several institutions offer Swedish for beginners. In most cases, the courses are intended for exchange students.

At a few universities, courses are offered as part of a program to first teach students intensive Swedish so that they can pursue a degree at that institution in the Swedish language. In other words, Swedish is taught as a means to further study.

If you intend to study Swedish in this manner, you should be aware that in order to continue with your studies after the year of intensive Swedish language courses, you will need to take and pass the TISUS test in Swedish. If you fail this test (and people do), you will not be able to continue your studies in Sweden.

The institutions offering Swedish for beginners are listed here.

I’ve decided I want to study as an undergraduate in Sweden. What do I do now?
There are three ways of going about it, depending on your situation:
If you already speak fluent Swedish, and a have a valid high school diploma, you can apply to any Swedish university program, just like Swedish students do. You can search for university courses here. Then, check course information online to find out about specific application procedures. Usually, applications are processed centrally, via the Swedish national admissions board (VHS). Application forms are available on their website (Swedish only). The only difference between you and Swedish students is that you will have to pass the TISUS Swedish test and you are not eligible for student loans from the government. Tuition is free.

If you do not speak any Swedish, and have a valid high school diploma, there are a few universities that will first teach you Swedish first. See information here.

Additionally, a limited number of English-language undergraduate programs are offered by academic institutions in Sweden. These are listed here. Contact the institutions directly for information.


If you are already pursuing an undergraduate degree at a university outside Sweden and it has an exchange program with an institution in Sweden, such as Erasmus, you should contact the international office at your home university. They have a list of partner institutions in Sweden that offer courses in English that you can attend.

I’ve decided I want to pursue master’s level studies in Sweden. What do I do now?

Use the course database to find a program that suits your interests. Then, apply directly to the school you are interested in using the contact information you find on its website. There are scholarships available from SI.

I’ve decided I want to pursue a doctoral degree in Sweden. What do I do now?

You need to find a faculty or department at a Swedish university that has positions available for doctoral students and which is willing to sponsor your doctoral research project. Usually, this initial contact is made via your home institution, with the help of a professor or mentor. There are no scholarships available from SI for an entire doctoral degree program.

I am a doctoral student and would like to do part of my research studies in Sweden. What do I do now?

You need to find a faculty or department at a Swedish university willing to accept you for a period of time to take postgraduate courses or pursue independent research. Usually, this initial contact is made via your home institution, with the help of a professor or mentor. There are scholarships available from SI.

How do I know if my existing high school diploma/bachelors’ degree/master’s degree is valid in Sweden?

In general, institutions evaluate degrees on an individual basis. If the transcript is not in English, you may need to have it translated first, however. Fuller details here.

How do I apply to the Swedish Institute?

You can’t. The Swedish Institute is not a university, nor is it affiliated with Swedish institutions of higher education. It is a government agency entrusted with the task of disseminating information about Sweden to the rest of the world. This website is a good example of its work.

Separately, SI administers scholarships to subsidize the living expenses of a limited number of foreign students. Information about the scholarships and application instructions can be found on the scholarship pages.

Are there tuition fees at Swedish universities and university colleges?

With rare exceptions, all tuition fees in higher education in Sweden are subsidized by the government. This applies to foreign as well as Swedish students. Higher education is fully financed by the state, a system common to many European countries. You will still have to cover living expenses and pay student union fees, though.

Does the Swedish Institute offer Swedish courses?

Yes, SI does offer summer courses in co-operation with various “folk high schools” in Sweden. These are not beginners’ courses, however; you’ll need to already have studied Swedish for 100 hours or more. There are also courses for language instructors who teach Swedish abroad. More information at the bottom of this page.

What are my chances of receiving an SI scholarship?

Over 500 scholarships are granted every year, though some scholarships have eligibility restrictions. Because academic institutions make an initial selection of candidates to recommend to SI, it is difficult for SI to gauge the size of the original pool. However, SI receives up to 10 recommended candidates for each of the 500 or so master’s degree programs, in addition to applications from doctoral students. In total, SI processes around 2,000 applications each year.

Can I apply to several institutions simultaneously and ask each one for a scholarship? Will this jeopardize my chances?

If you are applying to master’s programs, you may apply for an SI scholarship via as many institutions as you want, simultaneously, provided the programs you want the scholarship for are in the same general academic discipline. If you are applying for doctoral-level studies or research, you may not apply for an SI scholarship via multiple channels simultaneously.

Is there an age limit for applications to Swedish universities or for Swedish Institute scholarships?

No, there are no age-based restrictions.

Programs for a master’s degree in the US typically take longer to complete than the ones I’ve been looking into in Sweden. Are the degrees compatible?

As of the 2007-2008 academic year, there are two kinds of master’s degree programs in Sweden leading to two different kinds of degrees, the Degree of Master (One Year) which is called “magisterexamen” in Swedish, and the Degree of Master (Two Years), called “masterexamen”. Swedish bachelor’s degree programmes specialize earlier than equivalent American programs, so the same level of specialization may be reached in a shorter amount of time.

Individual academic institutions outside Sweden set their own policy on how to translate Swedish degrees. In all cases we are aware of, Sweden's reputation as a first-rate education destination has meant that degrees awarded in Sweden are given very generous recognition by institutions elsewhere. However, if you have plans to continue your education at a specific university, you may want to check beforehand how they translate a Swedish degree.

It is likewise difficult to predict how a degree will be valued by a specific employer. Demand for staff with international experience and perspectives is growing, but an employer’s interest will also depend on the relevance of your studies to the available job position.

100% free education given by Sweden government

Why study in Sweden?
There are compelling reasons why you should study in Sweden. Innovation and creativity run deep .Sweden is a safe and modern country in northern Europe, and it has accrued a spectacular reputation as an innovator and creative force. Sweden’s famed corporate brands – like Volvo, Ikea, Ericsson, H&M and Saab – complement its cultural brands – like Ingmar Bergman, Abba, Astrid Lindgren, Bjorn Borg, August Strindberg, The Cardigans and Greta Garbo.

Standards are high
Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize, the world’s most prestigious academic distinction.

Today, Sweden’s reputation for innovation is built on close cooperation between industry and academia. Swedish universities are renowned for their investigative research and independent thinking, and this reputation is cemented with rigorous quality control and nationally certified degrees. Sweden has one of the most ambitious educational evaluation programs in Europe, aimed at maintaining this competitive edge.

Choice
Swedish universities offer around 500 master’s programs in English, ranging from human rights law to mechanical engineering. Programs are structured in response to student demand – the result is a student-centric education system, with open, informal relations between students and teachers, and where personal initiative and critical thought are prized.

Foreign students are welcome
Many students studying in Sweden come from abroad – 8.5% of the student body, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – making Sweden one of the world’s most inclusive countries for education. But there is room for more: the number grew by over 80% over the last 4-year period. There are now PhD candidates from some 80 countries working towards their degrees in Sweden.

Sweden’s educational policy is based on the recognition that a multicultural student body is a resource. Competition for places is keen, but students of all nationalities may apply, given the right credentials; and degree equivalency for past studies is granted on a flexible basis.

Scholarships are available
The Swedish Institute grants hundreds of scholarships every year to help foreign students make their stay in Sweden more affordable. Currently, tuition fees for everyone are fully subsidized by the state. Sweden’s public spending on education is the OECD’s highest, at 4.9% of GDP. And because it costs to live in Sweden, foreign students can work while studying.

English is spoken by all
Almost all Swedes speak fluent English. Many Swedish companies use English as their official working language. Foreign students find that this prevalence of English makes adapting to their new surroundings much easier.