Cheapest Universities in Sweden for International Students

While Sweden is not tuition-free for everyone, it remains an attractive destination thanks to its world-class education system, generous scholarship opportunities, and the fact that EU/EEA students can study at public universities without paying tuition fees.

If you’re looking for the cheapest universities in Sweden, you’ll quickly discover that affordability depends largely on your nationality. For EU students, many of Sweden’s best universities are completely tuition-free, while non-EU students can often reduce costs through scholarships and by choosing universities with lower tuition fees.

Study in Sweden: Find Bachelors & Masters

💸 What is the cheapest university in Sweden?

There isn’t a single cheapest university in Sweden, as tuition fees are fairly similar across public universities.

For EU/EEA and Swiss students, almost all public universities are tuition-free, making it possible to study in Sweden for free while earning a degree from one of Europe’s leading higher education systems.

Students from outside the EU/EEA generally pay tuition fees, which typically range between €7,000 and €26,000 per year (around SEK 80,000 and 295,000), depending on the university and subject. Degrees in areas such as medicine, engineering, architecture, or business are often at the higher end of the scale.

Moreover, students usually become members of a student union, which often costs around €5-€35 per semester (SEK 50 to 360) and provides access to student activities, career services, events, and discounts. 

🏆 Cheapest universities in Sweden:

Below are some of Sweden’s most affordable and internationally recognised universities. While tuition fees for non-EU students vary, these universities generally offer excellent value for money and a wide selection of English-taught programmes. 

University	City	Tuition fees per year	English-taught degrees
Chalmers University of Technology	Gothenburg	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: SEK 160,000 to 210,000	50 Master’s degrees
Dalarna University	Falun	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: SEK 100,000 to 300,000	1 Bachelor, 14 Masters
KTH Royal Institute of Technology	Stockholm	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: SEK 342,000 to 402,000	1 Bachelor, 63 Masters
Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design	Stockholm	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: Ca. SEK 150,000	5 Master’s degrees
Linnaeus University	Växjö, Kalmar	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: SEK 125,000 to 320,000	11 Bachelors, 39 Masters
Malmö University	Malmö	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: SEK 108,000 to 215,000	6 Bachelors, 26 Masters
Örebro University	Örebro	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: Ca. SEK 115,000	10 Masters
Stockholm University	Stockholm	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: SEK 90,000 to 140,000	7 Bachelors, 110 Masters
University of Skövde	Skövde	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: SEK 95,000 to 135,000	3 Bachelors, 16 Masters
Uppsala University	Uppsala	EU/EEA: Free Non-EEA: SEK 90,000 to 145,000	8 Bachelors, 120 Masters

Study in Sweden: Find more universities

🌍 Cheapest cities to study in Sweden:

Choosing the right city can make a significant difference to your budget.

Stockholm is Sweden’s most expensive city, while Gothenburg and Malmö have also become increasingly costly, particularly when it comes to finding accommodation. Student housing is in high demand, and waiting lists can be long.

Many students therefore choose smaller university cities instead. Some of these include:

• Karlstad
• Växjö
• Kalmar
• Skövde
• Falun
• Borlänge
• Östersund

These cities often offer lower rents, shorter commuting times, and a close-knit student community. Campuses, libraries, cafés, and sports facilities are usually within walking or cycling distance, making everyday life both easier and more affordable. 

🏛️ Are private universities cheaper than public universities in Sweden?

Generally, no. Most higher education institutions in Sweden are public universities, and these are usually the most affordable option, especially for EU students who study tuition-free.

Private universities and specialised business schools typically charge higher tuition fees, particularly for MBA and executive programmes. Depending on the institution, students can expect tuition fees ranging from €10,000 to well over €40,000 per year.

Typical tuition fees include:

• Bachelor’s degrees in Sweden: Public universities are tuition-free for EU/EEA students, while non-EU students generally pay between SEK 80,000 to 203,000 per year (around €7,000 to €18,000).
• Master’s degrees in Sweden: EU/EEA students study tuition-free, while international students typically pay between SEK 90,000 to 300,000 per year (around €8,000 to €27,000).

Always check the university’s official website, as tuition fees vary by subject and degree. 

💡 Tips: How to budget for studying in Sweden

Studying in Sweden can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your costs:

• Apply for scholarships. Many universities and the Swedish Institute offer scholarships covering tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses.
  Study in Sweden for free. If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss student, you can study at public universities without paying tuition fees.
• Work part-time while studying. International students are allowed to work during their studies, helping to cover everyday expenses.
• Take advantage of student discounts. Your student card gives access to discounted public transport, museums, cinemas, restaurants, software, gyms, and many other services.
• Choose a smaller university city. Accommodation is often much cheaper in cities like Växjö, Karlstad, or Skövde than in Stockholm.
• Apply early for accommodation. Student housing is limited, especially in larger cities, so joining waiting lists as early as possible is highly recommended.
• Eat at student restaurants. Many campuses offer reasonably priced lunches, helping students keep food costs down.
• Plan your budget. Sweden has a relatively high cost of living, so budgeting for rent, groceries, transport, insurance, and leisure activities before you arrive is essential. 
• Save for your residence permit. If you’re a non-EU student, you’ll need a Swedish residence permit before starting your studies. As part of your application, you’ll need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your stay in Sweden. 

 

883 Programmes in Sweden