How to apply for a Swedish Master's program

Some 600 master’s degree programs at Swedish universities are taught entirely in English. Here's an easy guide for how to apply.

1: Find your program
The first step to applying for a master’s program is finding the perfect one. You can search our database of over 600 master’s programs given in English at www.studyinsweden.se/course-search.

2: Apply
Once you’ve identified which program/s you’d like to apply for, use the application instructions available at www.universityadmissions.se. Universityadmissions.se is a central application service where you can apply for up to four different master’s programs at different universities around Sweden with just one application.

Please note that students who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee of SEK 900.

Application deadlines may vary but are usually set in mid-January for the following autumn term, and in mid-August for courses starting in the spring term. More information can be found at Universityadmissions.se.

Note that each program has a special application code which you must use in the application to ensure that you apply to the correct program. You can find each program’s code at www.universityadmissions.se or even in the program description on the university’s homepage.

Please note that a few universities (mainly in the field of fine arts) may have different deadlines and application procedures. Additionally, some programs have specific entry requirements which applicants also need to satisfy. If that is the case, the exact application process will be explained in the program description.


3: Wait to receive notification of acceptance
After the deadline passes, your application will undergo a selection procedure determined by the individual school and based on various criteria, such as grades obtained and results of previous courses and degree projects. All of these will influence the outcome of your application.

The decision on whether to accept an applicant rests with the academic institutions themselves.

If you are accepted you will need to confirm that you will attend the program in question.

If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland you will also be required to pay the tuition fee for the first year of study at this point.

4: Apply for a visa/residence permit
As the application process for visas and residence permits can be lengthy, you should apply as soon as you have received your acceptance letter!

Generally speaking, in order to obtain a residence permit for studies you will need to show that you:

have been accepted to a full-time study program (if you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland this includes paying tuition fees for the first year of study)
can support yourself financially throughout the entire period of study (you must show proof that you have access to or funding of 7,300 SEK per month of your stay)
Specific information about application for student visas and residence permits, as well as application forms, can be found at the Swedish Migration Board.

Note: students from the Nordic countries and the EU/EEA do NOT need to apply for residence permits, but should rather (in the case of a non-Nordic EU citizenship) register with the Swedish Migration board upon arrival. Find out more on this page.

5: Come to Sweden
Once you’ve been accepted to a program and your visa/residence permit has been processed, check out our guide to living in Sweden for information on how to prepare for your stay. Your university’s international office can also offer tips and advice.

More information about Studying in Sweden can be found here.

Article by Study in Sweden