√Affordable Study in Sweden: Scholarships You Should Know About

Studying in Sweden is a dream for many international students — and for good reason. Known for its high-quality education, innovative research environment, and sustainable living standards, Sweden offers a world-class academic experience. However, living and studying in Sweden can be expensive if you don’t plan ahead. The good news? There are numerous scholarships that make studying in Sweden affordable, especially for international students.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore how you can make your dream of studying in Sweden a reality through scholarships. You’ll learn about the best scholarship programs, eligibility requirements, how to apply, and insider tips to improve your chances of winning funding in 2025 and beyond.

Why Study in Sweden?

Sweden is home to some of the world’s most respected universities, including Lund University, Uppsala University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Stockholm University. These institutions consistently rank among the top in Europe for innovation, research output, and student satisfaction.

Here’s why Sweden is one of the most attractive destinations for international learners:

• Globally recognized degrees: Swedish universities are known for their research-based learning and close ties to industries.

• English-taught programs: Most Master’s programs and even some Bachelor’s degrees are offered in English.

• Inclusive learning environment: Sweden emphasizes equality, critical thinking, and innovation.

• Work opportunities: International students can work part-time and stay after graduation to look for jobs.

Despite these benefits, the tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students can range between SEK 80,000 to SEK 140,000 per year, which can be challenging for many. That’s where scholarships come in to make studying in Sweden much more affordable.

Top Scholarships That Make Studying in Sweden Affordable

Sweden offers several government-funded and university-based scholarships that help reduce — or even eliminate — the cost of studying. Below are some of the best ones you should know about.

1. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

One of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Sweden, the SISGP is funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. It is aimed at talented international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in Sweden.

Key benefits include:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000

• Health insurance

• Travel grant to and from Sweden

Eligibility:
Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries (mostly from developing nations) and demonstrate leadership experience, professional background, and academic excellence.

Application period:
Usually opens in February each year for programs starting in the fall semester.

2. University of Gothenburg Study Scholarships

This scholarship targets fee-paying students who have applied for a Master’s program at the University of Gothenburg.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Potential partial living cost assistance

Selection criteria:
Academic excellence, motivation letter, and the student’s potential to contribute to their field of study.

3. Lund University Global Scholarship

Lund University, one of Sweden’s oldest and most respected universities, offers scholarships based on academic merit.

Benefits:

• Partial to full tuition fee waivers (50%–100%)

• Open to non-EU/EEA students

This scholarship is highly competitive, but it’s one of the best options for bright international students seeking affordable study opportunities.

4. Uppsala University Global Scholarships

Uppsala University provides several scholarships, such as the Uppsala University Global Scholarship and the Anders Wall Scholarship, for fee-paying international students.

Coverage:

• Tuition fees only

• Living costs are not covered, but Sweden allows part-time work opportunities for students to support themselves.

Eligibility:
Applicants must be from non-EU/EEA countries and show academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to global development.

5. KTH Royal Institute of Technology Scholarships

KTH, known for its excellence in engineering and technology, offers a range of scholarships for Master’s students.

Scholarship benefits:

• Covers full tuition fees for one or two years

• Does not cover living costs

However, KTH also offers the KTH One-Year Scholarship and KTH India Scholarship, which cater to specific countries and regions.

6. Chalmers IPOET Scholarships

Funded by the Swedish Council for Higher Education, the IPOET Scholarship program offers about 35–45 scholarships annually to international students applying for Master’s programs at Chalmers University of Technology.

Coverage:

• 75% reduction in tuition fees

• Possibility to extend the scholarship to the second year based on academic performance

Selection criteria:
Academic excellence, motivation, and the student’s potential in their field of study.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Sweden

Applying for scholarships in Sweden involves a few key steps. While each program has its unique process, the general steps are as follows:

1. Choose your program and university

   • Visit Universityadmissions.se — the central portal for all Swedish university applications.

   • Select your preferred Master’s or Bachelor’s program.

2. Prepare your documents

   • Academic transcripts

   • Motivation letter or statement of purpose

   • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

   • Letters of recommendation

   • CV or resume

3. Apply for admission first

   • Most scholarships require that you apply and be accepted into a university program before applying for the scholarship itself.

4. Submit the scholarship application

   • Visit the scholarship’s official website (e.g., Swedish Institute or specific university).

   • Fill out the online form, upload documents, and submit before the deadline.

5. Wait for the results

   • If selected, you’ll receive an offer letter with details on funding, coverage, and next steps.

Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Chances

Winning a scholarship can be competitive, but here are some strategies to improve your chances:

• Start early: Begin preparing your documents and researching scholarships at least 6–8 months before the application deadline.

• Personalize your statement: Write a clear, authentic motivation letter that reflects your goals and connection to Sweden.

• Highlight leadership and community involvement: Sweden values students who demonstrate initiative and contribute to global sustainability.

• Get strong recommendations: Choose referees who can provide specific examples of your achievements.

• Meet all requirements: Double-check all eligibility criteria and documentation to avoid disqualification.

Why Scholarships in Sweden Are Worth It

Receiving a scholarship in Sweden doesn’t just reduce financial stress — it opens doors to a future filled with global opportunities. Swedish universities emphasize innovation, sustainability, and diversity, helping graduates become leaders in their fields.

Moreover, Sweden’s post-study work opportunities allow graduates to stay and gain valuable experience, making it one of the best study destinations in Europe.

Conclusion

Studying in Sweden is an investment in your future, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. With numerous government and university scholarships available, international students — especially non-EU/EEA — can enjoy high-quality education at an affordable cost.

Whether you apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarships, Lund University Global Scholarship, or Uppsala University Global Scholarship, the opportunity to study in Sweden with financial support is within your reach.

So, if you’ve been dreaming of a Scandinavian study adventure, start planning today — because your path to affordable education in Sweden begins with the right scholarship.