Sweden is becoming more and more popular among UK students looking to study abroad. Sweden provides a distinctive academic and cultural experience because of its forward-thinking society, top-notch universities, and emphasis on sustainability and innovation. More than 39,800 foreign students enrolled in Swedish universities in 2025, and the number is still rising.
Sweden promises a fulfilling experience both inside and outside of the classroom, whether you're drawn to Uppsala's historic charm or Stockholm's cosmopolitan vibe.
Sweden is renowned for its student-cantered educational system, innovative research, and inclusive society. It is one of the top 5 nations in the world for sustainability and innovation.
If a UK student's course lasts longer than 90 days, they must apply for a residence permit.
You are eligible if:
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Residence Permit (Studies) | 2–5 months |
| Short-Term Study Visa | 15 calendar days |
| Peak Season Delay | Up to 6 months (Jan & Aug intakes) |
Apply at least 3 to 4 months before your course starts to avoid delays.
Here’s what UK students need to apply:
| University | QS Ranking 2026 | Location |
| Karolinska Institute | #50 | Stockholm |
| Lund University | #72 | Lund |
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | #78 | Stockholm |
| Uppsala University | #93 | Uppsala |
| Stockholm University | #147 | Stockholm |
| Chalmers University of Technology | #165 | Gothenburg |
| University of Gothenburg | #202 | Gothenburg |
| Linköping University | #310 | Linköping |
Numerous programs in various disciplines are available in Sweden. Popular domains consist of:
Technology and Engineering
Sustainability and Environmental Science
Management and Business
Architectural Design
Life and Health Sciences
Tuition fees (2025-2026)
| Degree Level | Annual Cost (SEK) | Notes |
| Bachelor’s | SEK 80,000-140,000 | 3-year degrees |
| Master’s | SEK 100,000-200,000 | 1-2 years |
| MBA | SEK 150,000-295,000 | Top-tier programs |
| PhD | Free + salary | Fully funded positions |
Monthly expenses vary by city. Here’s an average breakdown:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (SEK) |
| Accommodation | 4,000-8,000 |
| Food & Groceries | 2,000-3,000 |
| Transportation | 600-900 |
| Utilities & Internet | 1,000-1,500 |
| Personal & Leisure | 1,000-2,000 |
Sweden offers several scholarships for UK and other international students:
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
| Scholarship Name | University | Benefit |
| Lund Global Scholarship | Lund University | Up to 100% tuition |
| IPOET Scholarship | Chalmers University | 75% tuition waiver |
| Axel Adler Scholarship | University of Gothenburg | Full tuition |
| KTH Scholarships | KTH Royal Institute | Full tuition |
| Uppsala Global Scholarship | Uppsala University | Partial to full tuition |
Step 1: Submit an application and obtain an official letter of admission from a Swedish university.
Step 2: As required by the university, pay the first installment of your tuition.
Step 3: Gather all the required documents, such as your motivation letter, health insurance, proof of financial support, and passport.
Step 4: Apply online for a residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency's website.
Step 5: Pay the 1,500 SEK visa application fee.
Step 6: Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment to provide a photo and fingerprints at the closest Swedish embassy or consulate.
Step 7: Wait for your application to be processed, which usually takes two to five months.
Step 8: Get your residence permit card after it has been approved, and then get ready to visit Sweden.
After graduation, Sweden provides a 12-month residency permit for job searching or business start-up.
Important Features
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UK students are required to pay tuition fees in Sweden for most degree programmes. Fees usually range between SEK 80,000 and SEK 140,000 per year, depending on the university and subject, with higher fees for specialised programmes like engineering or business.
UK students can apply for Swedish Institute scholarships, university-specific tuition waivers, and faculty-level funding. Most scholarships are competitive and may cover tuition fees, living costs, or both, depending on eligibility.
UK students must show proof of funds of approximately SEK 10,314 per month for the duration of their studies. This is a mandatory requirement for the Swedish residence permit application.
Applicants must hold a recognised secondary school qualification equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary education. Specific subject requirements may apply, and some programmes require additional documentation such as motivation letters or entrance assessments.
Living costs vary by city. Stockholm and Gothenburg are more expensive, while smaller cities like Uppsala, Lund, and Växjö are more affordable. On average, students spend SEK 9,000–12,000 per month.
For most Master’s programmes starting in autumn, the main application deadline is mid-January. Late or second-round applications may be available for some courses, but options are limited.
Swedish universities commonly accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English qualifications. Minimum score requirements vary by programme, but IELTS 6.5 is a common benchmark.
English-taught Bachelor’s programmes are available mainly in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, international relations, and environmental studies. Availability is more limited compared to Master’s programmes.
UK students apply through the national portal UniversityAdmissions.se for course applications and through the Swedish Migration Agency website for residence permit applications.
UK students must receive an admission offer, pay the first tuition instalment, submit an online residence permit application, provide proof of funds and insurance, and complete biometric enrolment before travelling to Sweden.
Yes, tuition fees vary depending on the university, programme level, and subject area. Technical, design, and business programmes usually cost more than humanities or social sciences.
Yes, UK students are allowed to work without hourly limits, provided their employment does not interfere with academic progress. Balancing work and study responsibilities is essential.
Tuition-free study is generally limited to EU/EEA citizens. However, UK students may reduce costs through scholarships, fee waivers, or exchange programmes with partner universities.
Typical scholarship applications require academic transcripts, proof of admission, a CV, motivation letter, references, and sometimes proof of leadership or work experience, depending on the scholarship provider.
UK students should begin preparing 10–12 months in advance to allow sufficient time for programme selection, applications, scholarship deadlines, tuition payment, and residence permit processing.
