15 Cheapest Universities in Sweden for International Students

In Sweden, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Sweden without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Sweden, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 39 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Sweden, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in Sweden?

Applying to cheap universities in Sweden requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Sweden for a more comprehensive guide!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in Sweden?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Sweden. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Sweden is the Beckmans College of Design, which offers Product Design, Fashion, and Visual Communication to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Dalarna University offers Business Intelligence, Data Science, and Applied English Linguistics.

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Sweden for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Sweden ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Beckmans College of Design 0 kr 100%
University of Gothenburg 87,000 kr - 546,000 kr 40%
Stockholm University 90,000 kr 37%
Umea University 93,000 kr - 142,800 kr 35%
University of Skovde 95,000 kr - 135,000 kr 34%
Malmo University 96,600 kr - 171,000 kr 33%
Malardalens University 99,500 kr - 240,000 kr 31%
Lund University 100,000 kr - 200,000 kr 30%
Stockholm School of Economics 100,000 kr 30%
University West 100,000 kr - 115,000 kr 30%
Jonkoping University 100,000 kr - 160,000 kr 30%
Mid Sweden University 101,700 kr 29%
University of Gavle 102,000 kr 29%
Linnaeus University 109,800 kr - 285,000 kr 24%
Uppsala University 110,000 kr - 130,000 kr 23%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 142,800 kr for universities in Sweden.

1. Beckmans College of Design

The Beckmans College of Design is a university focused on the field of arts and design. This university was established in 1939 and is recognized because it houses around 126 students. This university is located in Lidingo and offers free tuition for normal studies. Students here are only required to pay for the materials needed for the education that is normally done once a year.

2. University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg is the third-oldest university in Sweden, having been established in 1891. This university is comprised of eight faculties and 38 departments offering a wide range of study options, including degree programs in the arts, sciences, and business. The merits of this university can be verified by the top-ranking pages in the world, identifying is as among the top 200 universities in 2022.

3. Stockholm University

Stockholm University is a public research institution in Stockholm, Sweden. This institution is one of the largest in Scandinavia, with over 33,000 domestic and international students. The main programs that are offered at this university are focused on psychology, art, and history, from which students can gather important information from some of the best professors in the nation.

4. Umea University

Umea University is a public research institution that is located in Umea, in the mid-northern region of the beautiful country of Sweden. The university was established in 1965 and it is considered the fifth-oldest higher education institution within Sweden’s borders. Aside from offering high-quality programs, the university is also known for having affordable tuition fees.

5. University of Skovde

The University of Skövde is a public institution that offers higher degree studies and specializes in one- and two-year master’s degrees. This university offers programs in various fields of study, such as business, law, and game development, and the main advantage of this university is that the lectures are taught by renowned professors recognized as experts in the field of education.

6. Malmo University

Malmö University is one of the most well-known universities in its region. This university is a staple of formal education in Sweden. It is known for its affordable prices, open scholarships, and administrative programs that allow students to pursue exceptional academic careers. The university has valuable partnerships with over 240 prestigious universities, giving its students access to more opportunities for learning.

7. Malardalens University

Malardalens University is a world-renowned university that offers the best formal education possible. It was established in 1977 and is located in the city of Vasteras, Sweden. Within its modern campuses, the university offers programs in the fields of analytical finance, chamber music, and analytical engineering for both undergraduates and graduates.

8. Lund University

There are few universities in Scandinavia, much less Sweden, that could exceed the academic might of Lund University. This prestigious institution is sought-after in Europe, by locals and international students alike, for its diverse programs, quality education, and high employability of graduates. Such excellence can be attributed to centuries of experience, as Lund University is one of the oldest in Northern Europe. Moreover, it has committed itself to research, which advances society and knowledge. Research also provides opportunities for students to hone skills and better their intellect. All these, and more, affirm the university’s reputation in Sweden and worldwide.

9. Stockholm School of Economics

There are few schools where you can better learn the ins and outs of finance and business than the Stockholm School of Economics. This private institution is among the best worldwide. Indeed, referring to the QS World University Rankings 2022, SES placed 64th for economics and econometrics, 19th for master’s in finance, and 30th for master’s in management. These figures are only a glimpse of the excellence this business school offers. That’s because, besides quality education, SES provides a valuable network and connection to the business community.

10. University West

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.

11. Jonkoping University

Jonkoping University is dedicated to producing a generation of talented professionals who shall be at the top of their field. The institution provides internationalization, entrepreneurship, and collaboration opportunities, including student exchange programs, research, and more. These three aspects are critical in forwarding professions amid digitalization and globalization. Several specialized programs are offered annually, including marketing, management, design, and more.

12. Mid Sweden University

The name Mittuniversitetet, or Mid Sweden University in English, perfectly fits the institution that sits at the heart of Sweden. This two-campus university has campuses in Sundsvall and Östersund, which are geographically convenient. Beyond location, the high education quality and core values also draw students to Mittuniversitetet, whether they are local or foreign. The institution respects fundamental values, such as equality and diversity, foundational to optimized learning.

Besides the values, location, and overall excellent education quality, Mid Sweden University ups the bar by providing international or English-taught programs. This makes the transition easier for international students and provides opportunities for locals to pursue English courses.

13. University of Gavle

The University of Gävle is a public university that was established in 1977 in the region of Gavle, Russia. This university is known as the “University of Gävle” in the English language, but it is officially recognized as a “University College.” The main objective of this university is to establish a cooperation relationship with all the domestic universities so that it can contribute to the development of the education system.

14. Linnaeus University

Linnaeus University is a public university located in the city of Växjö, Sweden. Although it is a young university just founded in 2010, it is recognized as one of the best-performing universities in the country. Linnaeus was built on the principle of helping the country by providing top-quality education with affordable tuition fees and great facilities.

15. Uppsala University

Experience is the greatest teacher, and with centuries worth of such, there is no doubt that Uppsala University has learned much about how to provide the best quality education in the Nordic region. It has played invaluable roles in Swedish history, started academic trends (like the white student cap), and influenced the lives of its thousands of alums, faculty, staff, and students. As Uppsala University forges on even better than before, we can only expect it to continue doing all those things (and more).

As it proceeds into the future, the university prioritizes these things: quality, internationalization, infrastructure, talent attraction, career systems, support, and environment. Working towards these goals inevitably leads to better education, so there’s no better time than now to join Uppsala University.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Sweden for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Sweden ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Orebro University 69,100 kr - 114,300 kr 47%
Linkoping University 80,000 kr - 126,000 kr 38%
Mid Sweden University 85,800 kr - 183,400 kr 34%
Dalarna University 87,000 kr - 151,500 kr 33%
University of Gothenburg 87,000 kr - 553,000 kr 33%
University of Gavle 90,000 kr - 134,000 kr 30%
Stockholm University 90,000 kr - 144,000 kr 30%
Sodertorn University 92,000 kr - 151,000 kr 29%
Umea University 93,000 kr - 292,500 kr 28%
University of Boras 94,000 kr - 276,400 kr 27%
Malmo University 95,000 kr - 260,000 kr 27%
Karlstad University 95,000 kr - 235,000 kr 27%
University of Skovde 95,000 kr - 135,000 kr 27%
Halmstad University 99,000 kr - 144,000 kr 23%
Malardalens University 99,500 kr - 240,000 kr 23%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 128,500 kr for universities in sweden.

1. Orebro University

Orebro University is a well-known public university in the Swedish town of Orebro. This university offers master’s and doctoral degrees. The main achievement of this university is the incredible alumni that have come through this institution, including great individuals such as Lars Adaktusson, a member of the European Parliament, and Hans Karlsson, a Minister for Employment.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Orebro University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 69,100 kr to 114,290 kr annually for their master's degree.

2. Linkoping University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Linkoping University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Linkoping University is 80,000 kr to 126,000 kr.

Since 1975, Linkoping University has become essential to Swedish education history. Besides being the sixth university founded in the country, it was also the first to offer these programs in Sweden: industrial engineering, management, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer science, and computer engineering.

After it has grown into a community of four campuses, the institution’s drive to contribute more only intensifies. Thus, Linkoping University fiercely promotes innovation and research among its students. In doing so, students learn how to push boundaries and are creative in searching for solutions that address societal problems. Such skills make the university’s graduates an asset in and out of Sweden.

3. Mid Sweden University

The name Mittuniversitetet, or Mid Sweden University in English, perfectly fits the institution that sits at the heart of Sweden. This two-campus university has campuses in Sundsvall and Östersund, which are geographically convenient. Beyond location, the high education quality and core values also draw students to Mittuniversitetet, whether they are local or foreign. The institution respects fundamental values, such as equality and diversity, foundational to optimized learning.

Besides the values, location, and overall excellent education quality, Mid Sweden University ups the bar by providing international or English-taught programs. This makes the transition easier for international students and provides opportunities for locals to pursue English courses.

The tuition fee at Mid Sweden University for incoming international master’s students is 85,800 kr to 183,400 kr. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Dalarna University

Another affordable university to consider in Sweden is Dalarna University.

Dalarna University was established in 1977 as the main public university in the region of Falun, Sweden. This university offers all levels of study and is specialized in the fields of economics, applied English linguistics, and international tourism management, from which students can benefit from many support packages in the form of scholarships. The main objective of this university is to improve the literacy rate in the country by supporting formal education.

The tuition fee in Dalarna University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 87,000 kr.

5. University of Gothenburg

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Gothenburg has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 87,000 kr yearly.

The University of Gothenburg is the third-oldest university in Sweden, having been established in 1891. This university is comprised of eight faculties and 38 departments offering a wide range of study options, including degree programs in the arts, sciences, and business. The merits of this university can be verified by the top-ranking pages in the world, identifying is as among the top 200 universities in 2022.

6. University of Gavle

The University of Gävle is a public university that was established in 1977 in the region of Gavle, Russia. This university is known as the “University of Gävle” in the English language, but it is officially recognized as a “University College.” The main objective of this university is to establish a cooperation relationship with all the domestic universities so that it can contribute to the development of the education system.

7. Stockholm University

Stockholm University is a public research institution in Stockholm, Sweden. This institution is one of the largest in Scandinavia, with over 33,000 domestic and international students. The main programs that are offered at this university are focused on psychology, art, and history, from which students can gather important information from some of the best professors in the nation.

8. Sodertorn University

The Södertörn University is a well-established public institution that houses over 13,000 domestic and international students that study in fields such as economics, management, and art history. The university is located in Huddinge, Sweden, and was established in 1966. This institution is mostly focused on providing master’s degree studies comprised of great professors and excellent teaching facilities.

9. Umea University

Umea University is a public research institution that is located in Umea, in the mid-northern region of the beautiful country of Sweden. The university was established in 1965 and it is considered the fifth-oldest higher education institution within Sweden’s borders. Aside from offering high-quality programs, the university is also known for having affordable tuition fees.

10. University of Boras

The University of Boras, also known as the University College of Boras, is a Swedish institution that primarily offers tertiary-level programs, from bachelor’s to doctorate. It has access to crucial resources and facilities, including the Swedish School of Textiles. Thus, there is no surprise that most of the university’s English-taught programs are related to fashion and textiles. Besides such subjects, the University of Boras also covers different disciplines through its faculties in engineering, business, caring science, social welfare, economics, IT, and more.

 

11. Malmo University

Malmö University is one of the most well-known universities in its region. This university is a staple of formal education in Sweden. It is known for its affordable prices, open scholarships, and administrative programs that allow students to pursue exceptional academic careers. The university has valuable partnerships with over 240 prestigious universities, giving its students access to more opportunities for learning.

12. Karlstad University

Karlstad University has a long history in the field of education. It started its journey as a campus for the University of Gothenburg but later became an independent university. It was recognized as a fully fledged university in 1999. The main advantages of this university are that it offers all levels of study in distinguished fields such as law, economics, and music, from which students can benefit from great educational experiences from renowned professors.

13. University of Skovde

The University of Skövde is a public institution that offers higher degree studies and specializes in one- and two-year master’s degrees. This university offers programs in various fields of study, such as business, law, and game development, and the main advantage of this university is that the lectures are taught by renowned professors recognized as experts in the field of education.

14. Halmstad University

Halmstad University is a traditional public university that was established in 1983. This university is well-known for providing and offering bachelor’s and master’s programs in a variety of fields of study, as well as the opportunity to continue their Ph.D. studies for some of the degrees offered. The main advantage that this university possesses is the fact that the tuition fees are affordable, and it also offers almost all programs in both English and Swedish.

15. Malardalens University

Malardalens University is a world-renowned university that offers the best formal education possible. It was established in 1977 and is located in the city of Vasteras, Sweden. Within its modern campuses, the university offers programs in the fields of analytical finance, chamber music, and analytical engineering for both undergraduates and graduates.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Sweden, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Sweden as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Sweden for international students was helpful!