Cost of Studying in Sweden: Tuition, Living Expenses & Scholarships

The average cost of studying in Sweden ranges between 80,000 and 140,000 SEK per annum. Sweden ranks among Europe’s premier study locations, celebrated for its innovation, dedication to sustainability, and excellent education system. Featuring advanced research opportunities and a lively international student community, it draws students from all over the world. 

 

The country hosts over 2,000 Indian students enrolled in prestigious Swedish universities. It has emerged as a popular choice for higher education, hosting over 2,125 Indian students presently studying at its premier universities. 

 

Grasping the cost of studying in Sweden is essential for proper financial management and making knowledgeable choices regarding your educational path. 

 

It covers every essential expense you need to consider as an international student in Sweden, including fees, accommodation, visa, scholarship details, and how to budget most wisely. 

Total Cost of Studying in Sweden for Indian Students (Overview)

Indian students should expect to spend between INR 6.4 lakh and INR 16.3 lakh a year on education in Sweden, depending on what program and level they decide on. Students need to consider tuition expenses, which start at SEK 80,000 every year and can go up to SEK 200,000, and living expenses.

Expense Category	Estimated Annual Cost (SEK)	Approx. Cost in INR	Notes
Tuition Fees	80,000 – 160,000	INR 6.4 – INR 12.8 lakh	Varies by university and program (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
Living Expenses	96,000 – 132,000	INR 7.7 – INR 10.5 lakh	Includes rent, food, transport, and utilities
Health Insurance	3,000 – 4,000	INR 24,000 – INR 32,000	Required for non-EU/EEA students (under 1-year programs)
Books & Study Materials	9,000 – 12,000	INR 72,000 – INR 96,000	Academic supplies and textbooks
Visa & Residence Permit	1,500 (one-time)	INR 12,000	Application fee for a Swedish student visa
Travel to Sweden	40,000 – 60,000 (one-time)	INR 40,000 – INR 60,000	Round-trip airfare from India
Recreation & Misc.	6,000 – 12,000	INR 48,000 – INR 96,000	Gym, outings, clothing, and emergencies

Source: Glassdoor

Tuition Fees in Sweden for International Students

Tuition fees and living expenses for students in Sweden can differ greatly, ranging from approximately SEK 80,000 to SEK 295,000 annually, depending on the program and institution. 

Study Level	Annual Tuition Fees (SEK)	Approx. in INR	Remarks
Bachelor’s Degree	80,000 – 130,000	INR 6.4 – INR 10.4 lakh	Duration: 3 years; tuition varies by course/university
Master’s Degree	90,000 – 160,000	INR 7.2 – INR 12.8 lakh	Duration: 1–2 years; most popular for Indian students
Ph.D. Programs	Free	Free	Funded by universities; includes stipend
Foundation/Preparatory Courses	50,000 – 100,000	INR 4 – INR 8 lakh	For students not meeting direct entry requirements
Short-Term/Exchange Programs	30,000 – 70,000	INR 2.4 – INR 5.6 lakh	Varies by program and duration

Source: Studyinsweden

Tuition is free for EU/EEA students, but international students from India must cover the full fee unless they receive a scholarship. Numerous programs are delivered in English and feature practical learning experiences, internships, and international networking possibilities. 

Also Read: Why study in Sweden - Things to know

Living Expenses in Sweden for Students

Studying in Sweden can be fairly costly, particularly in larger urban areas. Students typically have to plan a budget of around SEK 8,000 to SEK 10,000 each month (about INR 65,000 to INR 81,000) to manage their costs. This encompasses lodging, meals, travel, and various personal expenses. 

Here’s an overview of the usual monthly expenses that international students, particularly those from India, may anticipate. 

Cost of Student Accommodation in Sweden

The average cost of different accommodation types in Sweden is tabulated below for your reference:

Accommodation Type	Monthly Cost (SEK)	Remarks
University Dormitory	3,000 – 5,000	Shared facilities, affordable, and social
Shared Apartment	4,000 – 6,500	Common among students,a private bedroom
Studio Apartment	6,000 – 9,000	More privacy but higher cost
Host Family (Homestay)	3,500 – 5,500	Includes meals in some cases

Source: Studyinsweden

Cost of Food

The average cost of food when living in Sweden is shared below:

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost (SEK)	Remarks
Groceries (home cooking)	2,000 – 2,800	Cheapest option: shop at ICA, Lidl, Willys
Eating Out (occasional)	500 – 1,200	Meals at student cafeterias cost less
Total Food Budget	2,500 – 3,500	Balanced diet with occasional eating out

Source: Studyinsweden

Cost of Transportation 

For using public means of transport for getting around in the country, students would need to spend the following:

Transport Option	Monthly Cost (SEK)	Remarks
Student Public Transport Pass	450 – 890	Discounted student rates in all major cities
Bicycle Rental or Ownership	100 – 300	Common and eco-friendly
Occasional Taxi/Ride Share	200 – 500	For late-night or emergency trips
Total Transport Cost	600 – 1,200	Depends on the city and lifestyle

Source: Studyinsweden

Additional Costs for Indian Students 

In addition to the above, Indian students studying in Sweden must bear some of the following expenses as well:

Expense Category	Monthly/Annual Cost (SEK)	Remarks
Health Insurance	~SEK 300/month or SEK 3,000/year	Required if studying for less than a year
Books & Study Supplies	750 – 1,200/month	Many resources may be available online or second-hand
Mobile & Internet	200 – 400/month	Affordable plans from Tele2, Comviq, etc.
Recreation & Entertainment	500 – 1,000/month	Gym, cinema, cafes, travel
Clothing (Winter Gear)	One-time: 1,500 – 3,000	Especially important for Indian students adjusting to cold climates

Source: Studyinsweden

The living expenses in Sweden's leading student cities differ, but typically, a student should anticipate spending between SEK 8,000 and SEK 12,000 each month. 

Housing is the largest cost, with food and travel following closely. Bigger cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg generally have higher costs compared to student towns like Uppsala and Lund. 

Sweden provides top-notch education, yet the cost of living can differ greatly based on the city. Here is a table comparing costs by city to assist students in budgeting wisely. 

City	Housing (SEK)	Food (SEK)	Transport (SEK)	Total Monthly Cost (SEK)	Remarks
Stockholm	5,000 – 7,500	2,500 – 3,000	650 – 890	9,000 – 12,000	Capital city, most expensive, but many options.
Gothenburg	4,500 – 6,500	2,500 – 3,000	580 – 800	8,500 – 11,000	2nd largest city; vibrant student community.
Uppsala	4,000 – 6,000	2,000 – 2,500	500 – 750	7,500 – 10,000	Popular among international students.
Lund	4,000 – 6,000	2,000 – 2,500	450 – 700	7,000 – 9,500	Compact university town; walkable & student-friendly.
Linköping	3,500 – 5,500	2,000 – 2,500	450 – 650	7,000 – 9,000	Affordable for students; modern campus facilities.
Umeå	3,000 – 5,000	2,000 – 2,500	400 – 600	6,500 – 8,500	Low living costs; excellent for research programs.
Växjö	3,000 – 4,500	2,000 – 2,500	400 – 600	6,000 – 8,000	Small city; very budget-friendly for students.

Source: Studyinsweden

Cost of Student Visa for Sweden 

The residence permit for a student visa in Sweden costs SEK 1,500. Moreover, there could be costs linked to the visa application procedure itself, which are related to the Euro and can differ according to age. 

If you are an international student intending to study in Sweden for over 90 days, you must apply for a Swedish residence permit for studies, often called a student visa. 

Visa Type	Fee (SEK)	Approx. Fee in INR
Residence Permit for Studies (Adults)	SEK 1,500	INR 11,500 – INR 12,000
Residence Permit for Studies (Minors)	SEK 750	INR 5,800 – INR 6,000

Source: Studyinsweden

Key Points to Note:

• Payment is completed online throughout the application process through the Swedish Migration Agency’s platform. 
• Most of the time, the visa is given for all years of your course as long as you show evidence that you will attend school. 
• Attending a recognized Swedish institution. 
• A monthly budget for living costs is set at about SEK 9,450. 
• Medical coverage can be useful information (if available). 

It’s recommended to submit your application at least 2 months or 3 months early.

Also read: Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students in Rupees

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indian Students in Sweden

Students from India studying for advanced degrees in Sweden can look into multiple scholarship and financial assistance options, such as the Swedish Institute (SI) scholarships, scholarships specific to universities, and external scholarships available from Indian organizations. The SI scholarships are recognized for encompassing tuition costs and living expenses. 

Here is a list of the most sought-after scholarships for Indian students looking to study in Sweden: 

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Coverage	Eligibility
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)	Swedish Government	Full tuition, SEK 12,000/month living stipend, insurance, travel grant	Master’s level, work experience, leadership
Lund University Global Scholarship	Lund University	25%–100% of tuition fees	Academic excellence
KTH Scholarships	KTH Royal Institute of Technology	Full or partial tuition fees	Outstanding academic background
Chalmers IPOET Scholarships	Chalmers University	75% of tuition fees	Citizens from non-EU/EEA countries
Uppsala University Global Scholarships	Uppsala University	Full or partial tuition fees	High-achieving international students
Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme	Stockholm University	Full tuition waiver	Non-EU/EEA students with strong academics
Adlerbert Study Scholarships	Chalmers University	100% tuition fee coverage	Citizens from selected developing countries
Erasmus+ Joint Master’s Scholarships	European Union	Tuition, travel, insurance, and monthly allowance	Enrolled in eligible Erasmus Mundus programs
SI Scholarships for South Asia	Swedish Institute	Tuition, living stipend, travel, insurance	Citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.

Source: Studyinsweden

Also Read: How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad: A Simple Guide

Part-Time Jobs and Work Opportunities for Students in Sweden

In Sweden, foreign students are allowed to work part-time, usually for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during vacation periods. Common choices consist of on-campus jobs, retail work, hospitality, and customer support. Certain well-paying jobs could include tutoring, translation, or freelance writing. 

Here’s a summary of part-time employment opportunities and relevant information for international students in Sweden: 

1. Employment Permissions 

• There is no official restriction on working hours for international students. You must uphold your academic achievements to retain your residence permit. 

2.Frequent Part-Time Employment Opportunities 

• Restaurant or Café Personnel – Waiters, baristas, kitchen assistants
• Retail Representative – Store staff, cash handlers in grocery stores or retail outlets
• Cleaning Services – Cleaning offices or homes; typically does not need prior experience
• Food Delivery – Needs a bike or scooter; hours are flexible
• Teaching Assistant or Tutor – Not extensive, yet valuable for gaining experience in your area
• Freelance Work (IT, Design, Writing) – Perfect for tech/design students
• Warehouse/Logistics Positions – Night shifts or weekend opportunities in e-commerce centers 

3.Where to Seek Employment? 

• Job portals and career centers of universities
• Swedish job sites like Arbetsförmedlingen, Indeed, LinkedIn 
• Community Facebook groups and expatriate discussion boards 

4.Useful Suggestions 

• Acquire fundamental Swedish skills to unlock additional employment options. 
• Refine your resume and cover letter in both English and Swedish. 
• Begin networking early by participating in university and social gatherings. 
• Think about positions near campus to reduce time and transportation expenses. 

5.Internship and Employment After Graduation 

A lot of students pursue internships while studying, particularly in fields like engineering, business, or IT. 

You can remain in Sweden for up to 12 months post-graduation to search for a full-time position. 

Tips to Manage Study Expenses in Sweden

Control how much you pay for your studies in Sweden by watching your expenses, using discount offers for students, and finding original ways to save on your everyday budget. It’s important to set a budget, cook meals yourself, live together, and use the bus or train. Another option is to take a part-time job and make sure you are aware of what you spend your money on. 

Students in Sweden enjoy great education and a great way of life, though it may be costly for foreign students. These useful strategies will help you control your expenses: 

• Request scholarships 

The Swedish Institute, universities in Sweden, and Erasmus+ all offer scholarships, so check what opportunities they provide. upGrad, together with similar services, helps you identify and benefit from these opportunities. 

• Pick areas that won’t put a big dent in your budget

Uppsala, Växjö, and Örebro are more affordable than Stockholm or Gothenburg. 

You could live in a small city and go to a university there to cut your costs. 

• Work part-time 

While classes are in session, foreign students may work up to 20 hours per week. Getting a job at a store, cafe, or in an activity for students can help with monthly expenses. 

• Make use of student discounts whenever you shop

Secure student discounts for your transport, food, outing costs, and software products. To save money on your expenses, collect a Mecenat card or a Studentkortet. 

• Eat foods you have made yourself at home

Meals in restaurants can add up in Sweden. Help your finances by getting groceries when you can and cooking them beforehand. If you want to save, you can choose ICA, Lidl, or Willys. 

• Make a thoughtful budget 

Spendee or Mint are good options for following your spending every month. Define how much money to spend on rent, meals, getting around, and entertainment so you don’t spend more than planned. 

• Select the right place for student housing

It’s good to submit your application for dorms or accommodations early, as they are often cheaper and in a good location. You can save money by renting a shared apartment (sublet rental). 

• Make use of public libraries and complimentary campus resources 

Refrain from wasting money on books or software—Swedish universities frequently offer complimentary access to scholarly materials. 

Also Read: upGrad Abroad Top Resources: Navigate Your Foreign Education Dream

How upGrad Can Help You Study in Sweden in 2025

upGrad is crucial in assisting and mentoring students who wish to pursue their studies in Sweden, recognized as one of Europe's most innovative and progressive educational hubs. Recognized for its technology-focused education and excellent living standards, Sweden is a premier destination for international students, with upGrad facilitating the process. 

A number of the biggest perks of upGrad for learning in Sweden are:

• Good language preparation is important if you are going to take the IELTS.
• Complete assistance with the admission process
• Assistance with Visa and paperwork
• Tailored guidance
• Advice and information on postgraduate careers
• Services available for finding financial aid and scholarships

Thanks to individual guidance and support from upGrad, students can feel secure when selecting and getting started with education in Sweden.

You are welcome to start the process of studying in Sweden. Look for scholarships, organize your finances, and book your space at a Swedish university today!