10 Best Universities in Sweden for International Students

When most think of Sweden, images of crystal blue lakes, colorful townhouses contrasting medieval cathedrals, and the Aurora Borealis expanding over glass igloos come to mind. While Sweden may be home to some of the most beautiful cities and natural scenery in the world, that’s not all it has to offer.

This Nordic paradise nestled between Norway and Finland is also home to 39 universities and colleges, making it one of the best places to study in the world. So what are the best universities in Sweden for international students? With high-ranking study institutions and world-renowned academic reputations, it’s one of the best places for international study, drawing in students from around the globe.

As with anywhere in the world, choosing your university will depend highly on your goals. It’s important to take into consideration what interests you, what your career goals are, and what you desire in a university experience. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about universities in Sweden for international students.

Why get your degree in Sweden?

Besides the snow-capped mountains, dance of Northern Lights across the night sky, and iconic Stockholm archipelago, getting a degree in Sweden means having access to world-renowned education systems in a country leading in sustainability, technology, and environmental initiatives. It’s the perfect study abroad destination for international students who are career-focused, with a work-hard culture and pathways into careers across the globe.

One of the perks of studying in Sweden as an international student is that most people speak English, so it’s easy to find universities in Sweden with programs in your language. The biggest challenge? Finding the right university for YOU.

Rather than picking a program at random out of a list of universities in Sweden for international students, do your research and consider your study goals. No matter what direction you choose, there are top universities in Sweden that can help you get to where you want to be.

Is university free in Sweden?

When choosing to study abroad, it’s always important to consider the cost of tuition. You may be wondering, how much does university cost in Sweden? Rumor has it that tuition is free, but is university in Sweden free for international students?

While some have access to free tuition in Sweden, the reality is, tuition costs vary depending on your citizenship and residence. Typically, those with passports from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), along with Swedish citizens, have access to free tuition—but students studying from other countries will have to pay. Sweden university fees for international students typically range from $9,000 to $17,000, and while it may not be free, it’s definitely cheaper than studying in the United States.

So is university free in Sweden? Not necessarily, but it can often still save you money compared to studying in other countries.

10 top universities in Sweden for international students

Getting your degree in Sweden can make the college dream even sweeter.

So what are the top universities in Sweden for international students? There are so many places to get a top-notch education, but GoAbroad has rounded up the best of the best.

1. Karolinska Institutet

Karolinska Institutet, also known as the Royal Caroline Institute, easily lands itself at the top of any list of universities in Sweden for international students. Located in Solna, just outside of Stockholm’s city center, it’s one of the top research medical universities in the world, ranking number six for medical studies globally.

Karolinska Institutet was founded in the early 1800’s to train army surgeons, and today it has expanded to educate students in both medical and health sciences, offering programs in anything from dentistry to optometry to nursing to public health. The perks? There’s a mix of Swedish and English programs to suit a diverse student population, and EU and EEA students studying abroad not only receive free education, but get guaranteed accommodation to go with it.

• Highlights: Globally-ranked medical research, English degree programs, guaranteed accommodation for EU and EEA students
• International student population: ~1,900 students (24% of student population)

2. Lund University

Another one of the top universities in Sweden for international students is Lund University, located in Lund and just a short train ride from Copenhagen. Lund University not only offers a diverse range of highly ranked programs, from engineering to humanities to economics to arts, but it’s also home to students from over 130 countries around the world. It’s one of the top universities in Sweden with a thriving social scene, so you can participate in innovative research, gain excellent employability skills, and find home in a college town with social clubs galore.

• Highlights: Highly ranked, cultural diversity, program diversity, innovative research, exciting social scene
• International student population: ~8,000 students (20% of student population)

3. Stockholm University

Study breaks enjoying this gorgeous city? Count us in!

Study with Stockholm University amongst cobbled streets in Sweden’s capital. Stockholm University is one of the best universities in Sweden for students studying the arts and humanities, with degree programs in psychology, art, history, social sciences, law, and more. Those interested in environmental sciences will also be able to attend the Sustainability Forum, hosted each year on campus. One of the perks of studying at Stockholm University is also the language—it has over 75 degree programs taught entirely in English.

• Highlights: World-renowned institution, top-notch arts and humanities courses, programs taught in English
• International student population: ~3,800 students (13% of student population)

4. University of Gothenburg

If you’re looking for the top universities in Sweden for international students to land international jobs, consider University of Gothenburg. The third-oldest university in Sweden has eight faculties and 38 departments, offering endless study options, from business and economics to international relations to engineering.

University of Gothenburg is also conveniently located alongside the major headquarters of world-famous international companies, like Volvo and AstraZeneca, making it quite easy for students to network with big names and step their foot into international careers post-graduation. Due to its collaboration with other universities, students who enroll at University of Gothenburg also have the unique opportunity of taking classes at Chalmers University of Technology.

• Highlights: Diverse program options, excellent networking opportunities, high employability rate, collaborations with other universities
• International student population: ~3,000 students (12% of student population)

5. KTH, Royal Institute of Technology

KTH, Royal Institute of Technology is the country’s largest technical university and one of the top universities in Sweden for international students studying science, engineering, and technology. They have an extensive exchange program with partnerships worldwide, offering students from all over the world the opportunity to study in Stockholm, one of the world’s most technologically advanced cities. KTH is not only known for its excellence in research and academia, but also boasts top-notch extracurriculars, leadership opportunities, and employment opportunities, creating well-rounded students.

• Highlights: Excellent technology and engineering programs, partnerships across the world, extracurriculars, leadership and employment opportunities
• International student population: ~2,270 students (17% of student population)

6. Uppsala University

Renowned for its university and academic culture, Uppsala is also one of Sweden’s oldest and largest cities.

Uppsala University is one of the oldest universities in the Nordic region. With two campuses in Uppsala and Gotland, Uppsala University offers programs in humanities, medicine, social sciences, natural sciences, pharmacy, technology, and even offers clinical training at the University Hospital. Although the international student population is small compared to their large student population across the board, those who choose to study at Uppsala will have access to quality education in an exciting student environment and career opportunities post-graduation. They also run a fun and worthwhile International Summer Session.

• Highlights: Two campuses, large student population, clinical training for medical students at Uppsala University Hospital
• International student population: ~1,000 students (2% of student population)

7. Chalmers University of Technology

Chalmers University of Technology is one of the best universities in Sweden for international students studying science, technology, and natural sciences. This private institution located in Gothenburg makes it to the top 200 on global charts.

The university is known for its research and innovation, coordinating the Graphene Flagship, the EU’s largest research initiative. After creating the Swedish quantum computer, Chalmers’ motto has become “advancement,” and students from around the world have the opportunity to play a role in scientific excellence and advancement through their studies.

• Highlights: Known for research, innovation, and advancement; excellent programs in science, technology, and natural sciences
• International student population: ~1,000 students (10% of student population)

8. Linköping University

Linköping University is another top-notch academic institution that promotes innovation and research in its student population. With programs in industrial engineering, management, applied physics, electrical engineering, and computer science and engineering, students have the possibility of learning how to push boundaries, be creative, and find innovative solutions to better society as a whole. Not only that, but Linköping is growing with four campuses and attracts students to its highly-regarded hockey and football teams.

• Highlights: Innovation and research, multiple campuses, top-tier hockey and football teams
• International student population: ~2,000 students (6% of student population)

9. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

You can’t go wrong with Sweden if you’re into forests.

If you’re looking for a study environment that’s small and intimate with high rankings, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, also known as SLU, is your place. It’s one of the best universities in Sweden for international students and Swedish locals who want to pursue a degree in agriculture, animal sciences, forest, and landscape. In addition to studies at the Uppsala campus, SLU students conduct research at parks and other educational facilities across Sweden, giving their students the knowledge and experience to participate in the sustainability movement around the world.

• Highlights: High rankings, agricultural and animal science programs, field research across Sweden
• International student population: ~275 students (7% of student population)

10. Umeå University

Umeå University makes the top ten best universities in Sweden for international students due to its high quality programs and dynamic student culture. This public research institution located in the mid-northern region of Sweden offers diverse study options, including medicine, humanities, arts, social sciences, technology, and educational sciences—more than 40 of which are offered entirely in English. With innovative research, multiple campuses, and a rich history linking it to the indigenous Sami people of Sweden, Umeå University ensures students studying there will leave with a high quality education and understanding of Swedish culture.

• Highlights: Diverse programs, high quality education, courses offered in English, rich history
• International student population: ~3,600 students (11% of student population)

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Picture yourself at one of the best universities in Sweden and make images like this your day-to-day reality!

If you want to earn your degree abroad, Sweden is one of the best countries to do it. With cheap tuition, a minimal language barrier, and high-ranking educational institutions in every city, you can’t go wrong.

No matter what you want to study or what type of study experience you desire, there’s a university in Sweden to offer you everything you’re seeking. So what are you waiting for? Say, “hallå!” to universities in Sweden!