Masters Study in Sweden: Common Questions Answered

Considering Masters study in Sweden? Almost 32,500 international students choose to make Sweden their study abroad destination, taking advantage of its non-existent tuition fees for EU/EEA students, high standards of living and no restrictions on working while you're studying (no matter where you’re from).

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of common questions about studying in Sweden.

#1 How much does it cost to study a Masters in Sweden?

If you’re from the EU or EEA then you won’t have to pay any tuition fees in Sweden! If you’re from outside the EU/EEA then you’ll usually be paying €11,289 on average, but you could pay anything between €7,000 and €25,816 per academic year depending on your subject. You’ll also have to pay an application fee of €81.

#2 Can I get funding to study a Masters in Sweden?

If you’re a home student then there are loans in place to help with the cost of living, allocated through the Swedish Board for Study Support (CSN).

If you’re eligible for Erasmus funding then there are three schemes which can help to fund your Masters in Sweden: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degrees, Erasmus+ Masters Loans, and Erasmus+ Masters Mobility Grants. You can find out more in our guide to funding in Sweden.

There are also a number of scholarships you can apply for, including those from universities, the Swedish Institute and the Open Society Foundation.

#3 Where can I study a postgraduate degree in Sweden?

There are two types of higher education institutions in Sweden: universities (universitet) and university colleges (högskolor). Universities tend to be more research-oriented, and university colleges are usually geared towards applied sciences.

Masters in Sweden are classified as ‘second cycle’ degrees meaning your Swedish Masters will be recognised by universities and employers worldwide.

There are approximately 900 English-language Masters degrees to choose from, many of which are listed on our site. You could also study a Masters degree in Swedish if your language skills are up to scratch.

#4 How long does it take to do a Masters in Sweden?

Masters study in Sweden lasts between one and two years.

#5 What types of Masters degree can I study in Sweden?

A Masters in Sweden can either be a one-year or two-year course, with a 75:25 split between coursework and research for your final dissertation.

Sweden uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), with Masters degrees being worth 60 or 120 ECTS credits depending on their length.

In Sweden, 60 ECTS credit Masters are known as magisterexamen while 120 ECTS credit Masters are called masterexamen.

#6 What are the entry requirements for Masters study in Sweden?

You’ll most likely need a Bachelors degree as a minimum to study a Masters in Sweden. You’ll also need to demonstrate proficiency in the language you’re studying in. If you’re studying in English and it’s not your native language then you’ll need to provide test scores from somewhere like TOEFL or IELTS.

#7 Where will I live as an international student in Sweden?

You could opt for the cheapest option which would be university accommodation in the form of a dormitory or shared flat. You’ll share communal areas such as the kitchen with around 10 to 15 other students in a dormitory. But, you’ll have a private room and en-suite (usually) or you’ll have a private bedroom in a shared flat and share the other facilities with two to four people.

Or you may choose to go down the private rental route as sub-letting is quite common in Sweden.

Pricing wise, you’ll be looking at between €227 and €590 (including utilities) per month for university-owned accommodation and private will be higher.

#8 Do I need a visa to study in Sweden?

If you’re from an EU/EEA country then you don’t need a visa or residence permit to study your Masters in Sweden.

Everyone else will need to apply for a residence permit. You’ll need to be enrolled on your Masters, have health insurance, be able to support yourself financially and have a valid passport to apply.

#9 Do I need health insurance as an international student in Sweden?

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) while in Sweden.

Everyone else will need to be covered by private health insurance. Although, if your Masters is longer than a year then you can register for a personal ID number with the Swedish Tax Authority so you’ll pay local fees. You still need health insurance for the period before you get your ID number.

#10 Can I work whilst studying in Sweden?

Unlike other European countries, students can work during their studies without any restrictions on the number of hours or type of employment, regardless of nationality. Speaking Swedish will be a big help if working off campus.

Make sure that you balance your studies with your working hours, after all the Masters is why you’re in Sweden!

#11 Can I work in Sweden after graduating?

The short answer is yes, but there are some conditions based on where you’re from. EU, EEA and Swiss students can normally live and work post-study without restrictions.

Other students can stay in Sweden for up to six months after their course finishes looking for a job. If you’re successful in finding a job then you can apply for a longer term work permit.