Posted by Are you looking to pursue higher education without breaking the bank? We provide you with an article on the Cheapest universities in Sweden for international students.
Sweden is known for offering affordable higher education options for international students, as well as high-quality education in great campuses.
In this article, we will explore the 15 cheapest universities in Sweden, where pursuing higher education are affordable without compromising on the quality of education.
Let’s get started…
Table of Contents
Why Study in Sweden?
Universities in Sweden take a unique approach to teaching students how to think critically, focusing on independent and creative thinking.
They encourage students to question the non-academic world and change their ideas, resulting in new ideas. This creative and less judgemental approach is what makes Sweden consistently rank among the most innovative countries.
Another reason is that students can study in Sweden tuition-free, until in 2010, a new law altered the payment structure for international students from outside the EU/EAA.
This change includes tuition fees and application fees, but also comes with numerous scholarships available to help cover tuition fees. Swedish government and individual universities also offer financial waivers to international students.
Also, there are no age limits for the university entrance exam, called SweSAT (Högskoleprovet in Swedish), and no need to be a Swedish citizen. However, students must meet the required permissions to apply to the course or program.
Popular Courses in Sweden
Below are the popular courses in Sweden:
- Business
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Architecture
- Design
- Biology
- Economics
- Education and training
- Finance
- Game Artist
- Journalism
- Law
- Physics
- Sciences
- Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
- Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Healthcare Support
- Metallurgists and related professions
List of the Cheapest Universities in Sweden for International Students
Below is a list of the cheapest universities in Sweden for international students:
- Beckmans College of Design
- University of Gothenburg
- Stockholm University
- Umea University
- University of Skovde
- Malmo University
- Malardalens University
- University West
- Jonkoping University
- Lund University
- Stockholm School of Economics
- Mid Sweden University
- University of Gavle
- Linnaeus University
- Uppsala University
- Orebro University
- Linkoping University
- University of Boras
- Dalarna University
- Sodertorn University.
Cheapest Universities in Sweden for International Students
1. Beckmans College of Design
- Founded: 1939
- Acceptance rate: 40%
Beckmans College of Design is an affordable Swedish university offering free tuition for undergraduate studies, it was established in 1939.
The University has three Bachelor of Arts programs (180 credits) in product design, fashion, and visual communication, and it focuses on an artistic and theoretical basis, high creative pace, and collaboration across disciplines.
Beckmans collaborates closely with industries, organizations, and individuals with shared interests. The university also offers guest teachers and collaborates with various organizations and platforms. Beckmans College of Design offers several scholarships to students to help with costs.
2. University of Gothenburg
- Founded: 1 July 1954
- Acceptance rate: 12%
The University of Gothenburg, which was established in 1891, is Sweden’s third-oldest university and one of the top 200 universities globally. The University has eight faculties and 38 departments, and it offers diverse study options in arts, sciences, and business.
The multidisciplinary university has numerous research and expertise centers across various academic disciplines, connecting students, researchers, and representatives from various sectors.
It has around 49,000 students and 6,000 staff, which makes it one of the largest universities in Northern Europe.
3. Stockholm University
- Founded: 1878
- Acceptance rate: 24%
Stockholm University is a large public research institution in Sweden, it has over 33,000 students and focuses on psychology, art, and history.
The University has a tuition fee range of 90,000 kr for international students, it is known for being the most affordable in Sweden but faces high selectivity rates.
Stockholm University is among the top 150 worldwide in QS rankings for 2022, and it is the top university in Sweden for Arts, Humanities, and Science-related programs.
4. Umea University
- Founded: 1965
- Acceptance rate: 34%
Umea University, which was established in 1965, is a public research institution in Umea, Sweden.
Umea University is the fifth-oldest higher education institution in the country, and it offers high-quality programs and affordable tuition fees.
As a first-year international student, tuition ranges from 93,000 kr to 142,800 kr. Umeå University is the flagship institution in northern Sweden, offering diverse academic opportunities, creative learning environments, and valuable support services.
5. University of Skovde
- Founded: 1977
- Acceptance rate: 34%
The University of Skovde is a public institution in Sweden that offers higher degree studies in one- and two-year master’s degrees.
It specializes in fields like business, law, and game development, with lectures taught by renowned professors. Due to its affordable rate, international undergraduate students can enjoy world-class education without breaking the bank.
The university is known for its modern and welcoming atmosphere, offering first-class programs and internationally competitive research.
The university offers a wide range of international master’s programs in English and three international bachelor’s programs, covering areas such as Bioscience, Behavioural Science, Health Science, Engineering, Informatics, and Game Development.
6. Malmo University
- Founded: 1998
- Acceptance rate: 35%
Malmö University is a renowned Swedish university that offers affordable, open scholarships, and administrative programs for students to pursue exceptional academic careers.
Malmö University has partnerships with over 240 prestigious universities, and it provides multi-disciplinary international education degrees at the master’s and bachelor’s levels.
Malmö University collaborates with other societal actors to create and share knowledge, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
7. Malardalens University
- Founded: 1977
- Acceptance rate: 31%
Malardalens University, which was established in 1977, is a world-renowned Swedish institution offering formal education in analytical finance, chamber music, and engineering.
The University is a prominent institute of higher education, which has over 14,000 students and 900 faculty and staff. It is characterized by close partnerships with businesses and the public sector, making it attractive to students and the labor market.
Mälardalen University is located in the densely populated region around Lake Mälaren, and it is a central driving force in the region, focusing on education leading to employment and investing in research for societal development.
8. University West
- Founded: Spring 1991
- Acceptance rate: 100%
The University West is a young and modern university that was established in 1990 in the region of Trollhattan, Sweden. This university is focused on providing formal education in the fields of economics, finance, and management.
The main focus of this university is to increase the number of programs and students in order to increase its ranking and become one of the best-ranked universities in the country.
9. Jonkoping University
- Founded: 1 July 1994
- Acceptance rate: 41%
Jonkoping University aims to produce talented professionals in various fields by offering internationalization, entrepreneurship, and collaboration opportunities.
The University offers specialized programs in marketing, management, and design. As one of Sweden’s international universities, Jonkoping University offers student exchange programs and research focused on international topics.
The university is known for its exciting Introduction Week and active student union, which offers extracurricular activities and trips. JU offers international bachelor’s, master’s, pathway, and summer programs.
Jonkoping University offers various programs, including:
- Management
- Entrepreneurship and sustainable business
- Economics
- Marketing
- Graphic design and web development
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Industrial engineering and management
- Engineering
10. Lund University
- Founded: 19 December 1666
- Acceptance rate: 34%
Lund University is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. It is renowned for its diverse programs, quality education, and high employability of graduates.
The University is one of the world’s top 100 universities, and it is also a popular choice for international students. The university is known for its unique student life, including historic student “nations” that offer social activities year-round.
Lund is a charming city that has a rich history, a young population, global companies, and world-class research facilities. Lund University has educated numerous notable leaders, including prime ministers, Nobel laureates, and presidents.
11. Stockholm School of Economics
- Founded: 1909
- Acceptance rate: 24%
Stockholm School of Economics is a top European business school known for its excellence in finance and business.
In the QS World University Rankings 2022, SSE placed 64th for economics and econometrics, 19th for master’s in finance, and 30th for master’s in management. The school offers a wide range of education, including Bachelor, Master, Ph.D., MBA, and executive programs.
SSE is a top European institution with close connections to influential business leaders and influencers in the Nordic countries.
The school offers scholarships for international students, with awards based on academic merit, motivation, extracurricular activities, and diversity.
Over 90% of SSE students find employment within three months of graduation. The school’s diverse business programs are developed in collaboration with researchers and businesses, preparing graduates for various fields, including business, government, media, politics, entrepreneurship, and NGOs.
12. Mid-Sweden University
- Founded: 1993
- Acceptance rate: 24%
Mittuniversitetet, also known as Mid Sweden University, is a two-campus institution in Sweden that offers high education quality and core values.
Its campuses in Sundsvall and Östersund are convenient and attract students from both local and foreign backgrounds.
The institution respects fundamental values like equality and diversity, ensuring optimal learning.
Mittuniversitetet also offers international or English-taught programs, making the transition easier for international students and providing opportunities for locals to pursue English courses.
Mid Sweden University offers courses and undergraduate programs in the following fields:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Technology and the Natural Sciences
- Teacher Training
- Health and Caring Sciences
13. University of Gavle
- Founded: 1977
- Acceptance rate: 75 – 80%
The University of Gävle which was established in 1977 in Gavle, Russia, is a public university focusing on cooperation with domestic universities to develop the education system.
The University of Gävle is a medium-sized university with a strong regional presence and global network, and it offers a creative, environmentally friendly campus with a focus on sustainable human living environments.
14. Linnaeus University
- Founded: 1 January 2010
- Acceptance rate: 34%
Linnaeus University, a young public university in Växjö, Sweden, is a top-performing institution with over 31,000 students.
The University was founded in 2010, and it focuses on providing top-quality education with affordable tuition fees and excellent facilities. Linnaeus is the 6th largest university in Sweden and is named after Carl Linnaeus, a renowned Swedish scientist.
The university has a strong international profile, with 1,600 international students annually and 750 partner universities in over 60 countries.
Linnaeus University aims for personal growth and offers modern facilities and an active student life with teaching and research staff in close proximity.
15. Uppsala University
- Founded: 1477
- Acceptance rate: 80%
Uppsala University, which was established in 1477, is the oldest and first Nordic university in Sweden. Uppsala University is a comprehensive research university that offers programs in humanities, social science, science, technology, medicine, and pharmacy.
Due to its high enrollment of over 50,000 students, Uppsala is one of the largest in Sweden. It has 70 international master’s programs and 5 bachelor’s programs.
The university is internationally recognized as one of the top 100 universities in the world. With over 500 years of experience, Uppsala has applied the highest academic standards and conducted groundbreaking research.
The university has attracted some of the world’s best minds, and eight academics affiliated with the university have been awarded the Nobel Prize.
16. Orebro University
- Founded: 1999
- Acceptance rate: 28%
Orebro University is a renowned public university in Orebro, Sweden that offers master’s and doctoral degrees.
The University has a rich alumni network, including Lars Adaktusson and Hans Karlsson, and it is a top choice for international students seeking a cost-effective graduate education abroad.
Orebro University offers a personal study experience, extensive introduction programs, and dedicated housing support.
It is known for its expertise in artificial intelligence, focused class sizes, and informal collaboration with researchers and lecturers, the university is ranked 75 on the Times Higher Education ranking of the best young universities in the world.
17. Linkoping University
- Founded: 1969
- Acceptance rate: 40-49%
Linkoping University is a practical university that offers a master’s degree with minimal financial stress. Linkoping University was established in 1975, and it is the sixth university in Sweden to offer programs in various fields.
Linkoping University promotes innovation and research among its students, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
The university’s student-centered learning, high satisfaction rate, interdisciplinary approach, and close collaboration with the business world make graduates highly sought after.
LiU graduates are highly sought after by employers, and international rankings like the Times Higher Education Top 100 Universities under 50 rank it among the top young institutions.
Linkoping University offers various programs, such as:
- Industrial engineering
- Management
- Applied physics
- Electrical engineering
- Computer science
- Computer engineering.
18. University of Boras
- Founded: 1977
- Acceptance rate: 75–80%
The University of Boras, also known as the University College of Boras, is a Swedish institution offering tertiary-level programs from bachelor’s to doctorate.
Due to its access to resources like the Swedish School of Textiles, the university primarily focuses on fashion and textiles.
It also offers various disciplines, including engineering, business, and social welfare.
The University is known for its unique educational offerings, including its School of Textiles, which conducts world-leading research in textile technology and design.
19. Dalarna University
- Founded: 1977
- Acceptance rate: 70%
Dalarna University which was founded in 1977, is a public university in Falun, Sweden, specializing in economics, applied English linguistics, and international tourism management.
Its primary goal is to improve literacy rates through formal education. Foreign students can start their master’s programs at a tuition fee of 87,000 kr.
Dalarna University collaborates with innovative companies and the United Nations, the European Union, and the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) to provide high-quality education.
Graduates from engineering and IT programs have excellent job opportunities, with regional employers actively recruiting them.
20. Sodertorn University
- Founded: 1996
- Acceptance rate: Around 78%
Södertörn University which was established in 1966, is a public institution in Huddinge, Sweden, with over 13,000 students studying fields like economics, management, and art history.
The university offers high-quality research and education at all levels.
The University has about 11,000 enrolled students, and it conducts education in humanities, social sciences, technology, and natural science.
Södertörn University also offers teacher education with an intercultural profile and research in the Baltic region and Eastern Europe, creating a world-class knowledge environment.
FAQs on Cheapest Universities in Sweden for International Students
What makes Sweden an attractive destination for international students?
Sweden's combination of high-quality education, innovative research, affordable tuition, and welcoming environment makes it a compelling choice for international students.
Are there any scholarships available for international students to study in Sweden?
Yes, there are various scholarships and grants offered by the Swedish government, universities, and external organizations to support international students financially.
What language is used for teaching in Swedish universities?
While Swedish is the primary language, many universities in Sweden offer a wide range of English-taught programs to accommodate international students.
How can international students apply for universities in Sweden?
The application process for international students typically involves submitting an online application and fulfilling language and academic requirements. Each university may have specific guidelines, so it's essential to check their official websites for detailed information.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Sweden offers a transformative study destination for international students seeking world-class education without compromising affordability and this makes Sweden an attractive option.
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