Frequently Asked Questions

SIREUS strives to help students to pursue studies in Sweden and the U.S.

As a student wanting to experience studying abroad, there are plenty of questions that arise. In order to ease the process for studies abroad, SIREUS has compiled a series of frequently asked questions. These questions and answers have been compiled with the help of SIREUS Member Universities in order to address any relevant information for students looking to pursue studies in Sweden.

If you have further questions, please feel free to get in contact with SIREUS.
Students at KTH UniversityStudents at KTH University
Students at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, a SIREUS Member University.

Why should I study in Sweden?

There are several reasons why you should consider Sweden for your studies. From an academic perspective, the country is known for its high-quality education system and Swedish universities consistently rank among the top in the world. English is also widely spoken in Sweden and there is therefore plenty of English taught courses and programs to choose from. 
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From an experience perspective Swedish student culture has a lot to offer. Most universities have a rich culture of societies, with everything from student councils and political societies to theater groups and sport tournaments. When it comes to food, great student spaces for eating together with friends or enjoying a Swedish fika is always available. 

What do I do if I want to study a Bachelor or Master program in Sweden?

If you want to study a bachelor's or master's program in Sweden, here is a step-by-step guide of the general process that you can follow: 
  1. Research universities and programs: Look for universities in Sweden that offer the program you want to study. You can find more information about the SIREUS members universities on our website, on each university's official website, or on Study in Sweden's website. 
  1. Check admission requirements: Check the admission requirements for the program you want to study. These may include academic qualifications, language proficiency, and specific program prerequisites. You can find the admission requirements for bachelor degree here and master’s degree here. 
  1. Apply for the program: Apply to the program through either the joint national application system 'University Admissions' or the university's online application system. Be sure to check the application deadlines, as they may vary depending on the program and the university. 
  1. Provide required documentation: Provide all the required documentation, and this may include academic transcripts, language test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Here is a list of required documents for bachelor studies and here is a list for master studies. 
  1. Pay the application fee. The cost is 900 SEK. Regardless of the number of courses or programs you apply for, the fee remains the same. 
  1. If admitted, apply for a student visa: If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you will need a student visa to study in Sweden. You can apply for a visa at the Swedish embassy in your home country. 
It's important to note that these steps may vary depending on the specific program and university you choose. Be sure to check the university's website for specific information and requirements. 

How much does it cost to study in Sweden?

Fon non-EU/EEA citizens, there are tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs. It varies depending on the university and the program. The average cost for a bachelor’s degree is approximately $10,000 to $14,000 per year and for a master’s degree it is approximately $10,000 to $25,000 USD per year. For more specific information about tuition fees, you are advised to contact the specific Swedish university you are interested in. 

What is the cost of living in Sweden?

The cost of living in Sweden can vary depending on the region as well as your lifestyle. A rough estimation of the cost of living for a student is $1100 per month. 
  • Accommodation: Students often live in dorms, shared flats, or small apartments. Depending on whether you live in a major city or in the countryside cost can vary, but the average is often somewhere between $500 and $1000 per month.  
  • Food: Eating out can be expensive in Sweden, with a basic restaurant meal costing around $20. However, groceries are more affordable and the cost for one person usually falls around $60 per week. 
  • Transportation: Public transportation is an efficient and reliable way of moving within and between cities, with a monthly pass costing around $120. Nevertheless, most students walk or bike to and from the university campus. 
Studying togetherStudying together

How can I get funding for my studies in Sweden?

There are several actors that can help with scholarships and founding of your Swedish studies. For example, many Swedish universities have scholarships and there are plenty of foundations and organizations that provide grants for studies in Sweden and the EU. You can find a list of suggestions on the SIREUS website. 

How do I find housing in Sweden?

Some universities in Sweden have housing guarantee for fee-paying, or international, students so contact your university's international office to find out about available housing options.  

There are also other sources that can be use when searching for housing in Sweden. One option is through Facebook Groups. Another is through housing websites such as Blocket.se, BostadDirekt, and Studentkortet.se, that lists apartments, rooms, and other types of accommodation available for rent. However, please be careful and watch out for scams. Always consult with your university if you’re unsure about an ad. 

How do I get a student residence permit to Sweden as a non-EU citizen?

Applying for a student residence permit to Sweden is not as difficult as you might think. If you are a non-EU citizen who wants to get a student residence permit, you will need to check that your documents are in order and then apply for the residence permit online. In order to receive a permit, you have to be admitted for a programme that requires full times studies! You will need to show proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your study period. The living expenses requirement amount may be reduced in some situations and can vary from year to year, so read more info on Migrationsverket.se – the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. 

In order to study in Sweden for a time period exceeding three months, you will need a resident permit for studies.
  • A residence permit gives the holder the right to travel to and live in Sweden for the duration of the permit.
  • You need to receive the resident permit before you arrive to Sweden
 
Applications for residence permits are processed by the Swedish Migration Agency and you apply online via the link above.

 What are the requirements for a resident permit for studies?

To get a permit, you must:The Migration Agency has published five tips to increase your chances of a receiving a decision before the start of the semester in Sweden that can help you in your application process.

If you are an American student looking to get a student residence permit, you can turn to the Migration section at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington D.C. if you have any specific questions that are not answered by the information from the Migration Agency website:

What fields of study are different Swedish universities focused on? 

Sweden has a vast variety of programs and courses within almost all fields of study. Some universities have chosen to specialize in one field of study such as technology or economics, while others have a diverse set of programs and courses to offer. You can find more information about the disciplines of SIREUS Member universities on our website. You can find more information about all Swedish universities on Study in Sweden's website.

How is the selection of English taught programs and courses at Swedish universities? 

Most Swedish universities offer a broad range of programs and courses in English. The exception is often professional programs, such as medicine, psychology, dentistry etc., that must be taught in Swedish due to the clinical elements. 
Friends outside city hall in StockholmFriends outside city hall in Stockholm

Why should I do an internship in Sweden? 

There are several reasons why you should consider doing an internship in Sweden. For example, Sweden has a very innovative culture and has been recognized as one of the most innovative countries in the world. By doing an internship in Sweden, you'll be exposed to a culture that values creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. You can read more about it here. 

Another reason is the flat organizational structure of companies and organizations. There are generally fewer levels of management which results in greater communication between employers, faster decision-making processes, and more responsibility for the employees. 
Thirdly, Swedish working culture is known for its work-life balance such as flexible working hours, work from home especially after the corona pandemic, parental leave for both parents, and sabbatical leave etc. This allows employees to create a sustainable way of living, where they can combine career with family/social life. 

Lastly, perusing an internship in Sweden will expose you to a new cultural setting. The country has a great mix of modern and old, inner city and open landscapes. You can for example explore historical sites, have a traditional fika at a cozy café, or see the Northen Lights in the north.