Study in Sweden: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2023

Study in Sweden

If you want your opinions to he heard, you like taking initiative and a little snow doesn’t scare you off, then the go-to country for your studies must be Sweden.

Long-time ago a country of barbaric Vikings, nowadays Sweden, has polished its manners, and nothing proves it more than the fact that the Swedish higher education system ranks second in the world. Did we mention cutting-edge research and real-world challenges in multicultural academic communities?

To get a better picture about what’s like studying in Sweden, you need to know that the education here is more about self-development through student groups and independent studies, than about listening to the typical teacher lecture. Let’s try and see the details behind this big picture.

Why study in Sweden?

1. It's free for most European students

That's right! If you come from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you don't have to pay any tuition fees to study at public universities in Sweden. And this is great news because you can use the money you save to cover living costs, which are above the European average.

2. Freedom, equality, and sustainability

These are the three core values of the Swedish society and citizens. These values are reflected in all aspects of life, including work, education, the natural environment, and so on.

Swedes will do as much they can to provide you with the support and resources you need to achieve your academic, professional, personal, or any other goal.

3. Sweden is the best example of eco-friendliness

If you're environmentally conscious, you'll love living here. Sweden has been investing in the wellbeing and preservation of nature for a long time now.

It represents an example of what any nation can do through involvement and commitment. For instance, by 2040, Sweden aims to achieve 100% renewable energy production.

4. Open and progressive mentality

Sweden is one of those wonderful places where you don't have to worry about being different or not fitting it. They embrace everybody regardless of their personal choices or background. Stockholm, for example, is often considered as one of the most open cities in the world.

5. English is widely spoken

Over 80% of Swedes speak English, which makes it super easy to interact with them whenever you need help or simply want to enjoy a small chit-chat.

Still, we recommend learning at least the basics of Swedish, the most common words, for those rare cases when you meet someone who doesn't speak the English language.

Which universities and colleges to attend in Sweden?

Sweden is home to over 35 universities and university colleges, and they all offer degree programmes according to European standards.

Start your search for a dream Swedish university with one of these universities we recommend:

What is it like to study in Sweden?

Studying in Sweden is likely to make you feel relaxed. Yes, students need to work hard, and expectations are high, but the higher education system is also very flexible and informal.

Popular student pastimes include team sports, cultural societies, and outdoor activities (performed very well dressed). There’s also a great nightlife, with clubs and bars dotting Sweden’s cities, and student unions organising evenings out.

What to study in Sweden?

Swedes are great with cars, great with IT, and great with the environment. So, it’s not hard to guess which are some of the most popular study areas in Sweden. These are:

Where to study in Sweden?

Sweden is a great place to live and study. From buzzing larger cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, to cosy university towns like Uppsala and Lund, there’s a place for every taste in Sweden.

Whether you end up close to the Arctic Circle in Luleå or bumping shoulders with continental Europe in Malmö, you’ll find accessible towns with extensive public transport and bustling student scenes. So, check and pick one of the Swedish cities below, like:

How to apply

In Sweden, applications for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are processed through a central application service, Universityadmissions.se. Still, you can also apply directly through the university and program websites. The general application documents required are:

Identification document
Record of completed upper secondary education (translated into English)
University records (translated into English)
Proof of language proficiency

Additionally, most universities also tend to ask for:

Motivation letter
CV
Sample of academic writing
Recommendation letters from professors and employers

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Swedish university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programme.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Sweden, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require Swedish, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

English is a must-have in Sweden, seeing how many Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are taught in this language. Swedish universities accept as proof of your language skills:

High school studies taught in English/Swedish
Previous university studies taught in English /Swedish
English-language certificates: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Living in Sweden

Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Sweden:

Tuition fees in Sweden

In Sweden, students from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or other Nordic countries do not have to pay tuition, but only an application fee of around 100 EUR.

Students from non-EU/EEA countries pay tuition fees of 7,500–25,500 EUR per year. Some Business degrees can cost over 30,000 EUR per year.

Naturally, fees vary depending programme and degree type, so be sure to check them when looking for study options in Sweden.

Accommodation, housing, food and other expenses

Living costs in Sweden are not exactly a bargain, but in this country, paying more really means getting more in return, in terms of quality of life. The monthly student budget here is around 700–1,200 EUR/month, out of which some of the most common expenses are:

Monthly rent: 250–700 EUR
Utilities: 90–130 EUR
Monthly shopping cart (groceries): 210 EUR
A meal at an affordable restaurant: 10 EUR
A beer: 6 EUR
Monthly transport pass: 80 EUR

About Sweden

Interesting facts about Sweden

From Abba to Avicii, Sweden is a great music exporter. But don’t let that fool you! Sweden isn’t only about pop culture.

In fact, the country prides itself with a great tradition of monarchy and one the highest gender equality rates in the world. Ready for some more facts that will make you smile while reading? Here they are:

The Nobel Prize is given each year in Sweden for extraordinary achievements in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economic Sciences. But did you know that students in Sweden can attend the Nobel Banquet and mingle alongside the Laureates?
You might already know that companies like IKEA, H&M, Volvo, and Ericsson are Swedish. But did you know that Sweden is also a hub for software and game development? Spotify, Skype, Minecraft, Battlefield, and Candy Crush – amongst many others – are Swedish innovations.
All employees (graduate students included) receive 5 weeks of paid leave per year.
Learning Swedish will help you understand some Norwegian and Danish, as well, as all three languages evolved from the same dialect.
Sweden doesn’t compromise when it comes to protecting the environment. You’ll discover an excellent recycling system and hear about all kinds of initiatives to reduce pollution.

But, on a lighter note, you should also know that, in Sweden:

You can take sick leave during your holiday if you are ill.
You’ll find elk fences along large roads to prevent elks from jamming traffic.
Swedish children put on witch costumes and go trick-or-treating… on Easter.
20% of police stations are closed during the summer, because everyone is off on vacation.

Universities, colleges and schools in Sweden

Stockholm

Stockholm School of Economics (3 PhDs)

Discover other countries

Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.

Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.

France
France is a study destination whose romance, academic environment, and style of life charm thousands of international students every year. Students can enjoy the best of both worlds: the chance to enrol at top-ranked European universities while paying some of the lowest tuition fees worldwide. The Hexagon, a local nickname for France, is a multicultural hub, allowing you to meet, get to know, and develop friendships with people from all over the globe. There’s also a significant number of English-taught degrees (over 1,500). You can also learn French, the language of love, which will allow you to enjoy even more the local cuisine and touristic attractions and will make you a stand-out applicant on the job market.

Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.

Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.

Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.

Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.

Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.

United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.

Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.

United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.

Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.

Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Sweden in 2023

Browse all PhD programmes in Sweden