Choosing the right place to study abroad can have a huge impact on your academic plans. You’ll want to find classes that help you reach your goals for graduation and beyond, and you’ll want to feel at home—but still give yourself the freedom to expand your horizons and explore museums, cuisines, and cultures that are new to you.
Get ready to check off a lot of study abroad boxes!
Enter Sweden, offering up a welcoming environment complete with everything from amazing landscapes to bustling cities. Look forward to multicultural student life in top-tier universities perfect for a semester or shorter term abroad.
So...why study abroad in Sweden? Because whether you’re drawn in by the abundance of English-language courses, the chance to see the Northern Lights, or even the coffee culture, you’re sure to find an engaging setting for your life-changing study abroad experience.
Is education free in Sweden? What are study in Sweden requirements? Read on to find out why Sweden should be on your radar for dream study abroad destinations!
Is education free in Sweden?
Sweden values high-quality education, and the country’s policies make that clear. Swedish public universities offer free tuition for Swedish students along with citizens of other Nordic countries, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. (PhDs are free for any international student regardless of country of origin, so if you fall in love with the country while you study abroad in Sweden and want to pursue a doctorate later, keep that perk in mind.)
If your passport is from any other country, the cost of tuition is unfortunately a bit higher. Tuition can range from about 7,500 EUR to 25,500 EUR per year depending on the university you attend and the types of courses you plan to take.
Pro-tip: Check if your home university has an exchange agreement with a university in Sweden. Even if you’re a passport-holder from a country not covered by those free tuition possibilities, you can pay tuition at your usual rate if your school has an exchange in place with a Swedish partner.
Priceless views though, are we right?
9 advantages of studying in Sweden
So, what are the best reasons to study abroad in Sweden...that will have you ready to pack your bags?
1. You’ll get a high-quality education
Study in Sweden for international students can open up a world of opportunities. Universities in Sweden consistently make their mark on worldwide ranking lists, coming in as some of the best in the world. It’s easy to study in Sweden in English, too, with countless courses and even full degree programs offered entirely in English.
Taking classes at one of these renowned institutions is a worthwhile challenge—and a great note on your resume post-graduation. At the same time, you’ll get to live alongside cultural gems (think: the Vasa ship in Stockholm or the historic cathedrals in Uppsala and Lund), no matter where you decide to study abroad in Sweden. Many museums also offer free admission or discounted prices for students.
2. You’ll get to experience life in the big city…
If you’re craving a big city feel from your study abroad destination, cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg should top your list. Numerous museums come together with world-class restaurants, bars, and cafes (coffee and kanelbullar? Count us in!).
You’ll find striking architecture, so much history, and chic, friendly locals at every turn, but you’ll also have access to green parks and picturesque waterways that set these Swedish destinations apart from other major cities.
3.…or, enjoy a college-town vibe
Sweden is also home to plenty of smaller cities steeped in student spirit where you can walk or bike to class and just about anywhere else you want to go. Uppsala and Lund boast the oldest student societies (called student nations, or “nationer”) in the country; Uppsala University was the first university built in Sweden while Lund University is the most popular place for study in Sweden for international students. Both rank among the top 100 universities in the world.
4. Indulge in natural wonders, the great outdoors, and exciting winter sports
Study abroad in Sweden for a fairytale experience!
No matter where you wind up studying, you’ll have access to some of the most striking landscapes on the planet. Sweden is a place rich with natural wonder and inspiring extremes. That’s evident regardless of the season: the midnight sun stretches long into summertime nights, and the aurora borealis ribbons dark winter skies.
If you’re looking to spend time reveling in the outdoors, Sweden is the place to be. You’ll find opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing depending on the time of year you go abroad. Prefer to enjoy your sports from the stands? You can check out Swedish Hockey League games in various cities.
5. It’s easy to travel
… within Sweden, Scandinavia, and the rest of Europe! Sweden provides a great base for eager travelers. If you’re studying in Stockholm or nearby Uppsala, you’ll have Arlanda Airport as an international and national hub.
Regional airports also abound throughout the country, making it easy to take advantage of budget flights in Scandinavia and beyond. You can even hop on a short train ride to Copenhagen’s international airport from cities like Malmö and Lund.
Sweden boasts an extensive train network as well, so make sure you leave some time to check out areas closer to “home.”
6. It’s a great place for LGBTQIA+ students
Sweden is often synonymous with progressive, open-minded values. That makes Sweden an ideal location for LGBTQIA+ students looking for a safe and welcoming environment abroad. Sweden consistently ranks near the top of European and global lists for LGBTQ rights. No matter how you identify, you’ll appreciate the openness Swedish culture offers everyone.
7. Enjoy breakthroughs in sustainability
Sweden is a friend to Planet Earth (and your wanderlust!).
Sweden is right up there with the most sustainable countries on the planet, frequently vying with its Scandinavian neighbors for spots near the top of those worldwide rankings. You’ll see this “green” dedication in all aspects of daily life (Swedes are known for being avid recyclers). Back in 1996, the Swedish city of Växjö became the first in the world to make becoming fossil-fuel free by 2030 a top goal. And yes, you can study abroad there, too!
8. No foreign language skills required
Think study in Sweden requirements are unattainable? You can actually study in Sweden in English! While English isn’t the official language in Sweden, this country offers one of the best opportunities for English-speakers to study abroad without a language barrier. You’ll find tons of university courses you can take and can certainly get by in daily life only speaking English.
Children start learning English in school from a very young age, so whether you’re ordering a coffee or chatting up a new friend from class, there’s a good chance you’ll interact with someone who’s been exposed to English almost as long as you have.
That said, you’ll deepen your experience abroad if you take a Swedish course or at least learn a few basic phrases to use when you’re out and about.
9. Immerse yourself in the Swedish way of life
If you still need more reasons to study abroad in Sweden, just look to the Swedish way of life. Take fika, a fundamental aspect of Swedish culture. The word can be used as a noun or verb, and it loosely translates to “pause” or “coffee break”—though you’ll find Swedes won’t want to pin down a specific meaning.
Fika is all about taking a moment to relax and connect with friends and family. Swedish culture encourages mindfulness, creativity, and a healthy work-life balance, making it the ideal place to simultaneously focus on your studies and still have time to explore.
Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Sweden—for FREE!
Study in Sweden for international students is a game changer
Ready to get your fika on?
Back to our original question: Why study abroad in Sweden? Maybe the better question is: Why not? Advantages of studying in Sweden range from the academic to the social and so much more. From the breathtaking wilderness of arctic Lappland to the art galleries, architecture, and cosmopolitan charm of Stockholm, Sweden really has it all.
Known for its egalitarian society and sense of collectivism, Sweden is set to impress with its vibrant student life. The natural beauty, rich history, and position as a travel hub combine with a cultural openness and abundance of educational offerings to make Sweden a unique place for any study abroad adventure.
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