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How to Apply to Study in Sweden

Oct 10, 2016

Closing Dates/Deadlines for applications in Sweden

Typically, mid-January is the application deadline for autumn semester studies in Sweden and mid-August the deadline for submitting applications for spring semester. However, it's important to consult the website of the university that you will be applying to in order to verify deadlines.

It's also important that you apply for your student visa/residence permit as soon as you receive your acceptance notification to your university. Wait periods can be lengthy, so get ahead of the curve by applying for your visa as soon as possible.

Necessary requirements for admission to study in Sweden

Bachelor Program

Candidates must:

  • Have graduated from their upper secondary school (high school)
  • Be proficient in English
  • Must have passed courses in mathematics to reach Swedish courses Mathematics 1a, 1b, or 1c.

Master Program

Candidates must:

  • Hold a Bachelor's degree from an internationally recognized university.
  • Be proficient in English.

PhD Program

Candidates must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher with a focus in the same subject as the intended field of study. Depending on the university and program, a master’s degree may be required. Candidates must have written a degree thesis.
  • Be proficient in English and sometimes Swedish depending on the program you choose.

How to Apply for a Bachelor's Degree Program in Sweden

The first step to studying your Bachelor's degree in Sweden is to choose which program or programs are right for you. In addition to the general requirements for study above, different universities and departments within the university have different requirements, student life, and benefits to your future career.

Browse a list of programs in Sweden to find the best program for you. Once you've researched the best program for you, you'll use a Swedish university portal where you will complete an application including transcripts and other documentation showing that you meet the requirements to study at a certain degree level as well as specific program. Interested in learning all the details? Read a step-by-step guide with helpful links to complete your application.

How to Apply for a Master's Degree Program in Sweden

As with Bachelor's Programs in Sweden, applying for a Master's program in Sweden involves selecting the university where you would like to begin your studies as well as the program you are interested in studying.

In addition to fulfilling the general requirements above, you will also need to check that you meet the requirements of your program. You'll use the national Swedish university application portal as a central hub to send your application and documentation. Read the Swedish Master's Program Application Guide below to learn all the details of applying for Master's studies in Sweden.

How to Apply for a PhD Program in Sweden

Unlike Master's and Bachelor's degree programs, candidates to PhD programs apply at universities independently of the Swedish university admissions website. There are no universal start dates for Swedish PhD programs, as some universities have set application dates while others admit candidates on a rolling basis.

Learn more about program requirements, how to apply to doctoral programs in Sweden and browse a list of websites that universities use to advertise PhD positions at the link below.

Learn more about studying in Sweden:

Overview

Sweden is known for its openness toward the international community – and its education system is no exception.

Entry Requirements

In order to study in Sweden, you'll need to meet general entry requirements in addition to program-specific entry requirements.

Tuition Fees & Study Costs

How expensive is it to study in Sweden? Yearly higher education costs in Sweden vary depending on the university and program.

Student Visas

If you're considering studying in Sweden, you'll be relieved to know that Sweden has a clear easy-to-follow process to apply for studies.

Student Stories

Read about the experiences that other international students like you have had during their studies abroad in Sweden.

Swedish Universities

Swedish universities offer degree programs according to the European standard. Browse a full list of higher education institutes in Sweden.

Swedish Culture

Depending on the country you grew up in, you may or may not be surprised by the differences you encounter while studying in Sweden. So what is it like to study in Sweden on a cultural level?

Learn Swedish

Swedish is a northern Germanic language and is closely related to Norwegian and Danish. If you do want to learn Swedish, most Universities offer language courses for international students.

Student Life

Wondering what it's like to study abroad in Sweden? Leaving your country to study abroad is about more than just the classroom!

Student Jobs

Sweden grants international students the right to work while they study. And if you're from an EU/EEA country, you automatically have the right to stay and work after your studies.

Scholarships

There are many opportunities for international students studying in Sweden to receive scholarships, both from universities, and from other governmental and private organizations.

The content of this study guide has been developed in partnership with Study in Sweden.

About Study in Sweden


Studyinsweden.se is a comprehensive, official resource on studying in Sweden for prospective and current international students. Studyinsweden.se is built and maintained by the Swedish Institute, a public agency tasked with promoting Sweden abroad. 

Keystone Team

Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.