Thinking of studying a postgraduate course abroad? Yes, you can do as everyone else does.Â
Do you know that it can be a career game-changer? Studying abroad boosts your employability and expands your global network. It is challenging, but personal and professional growth make you stand out in the global job market. And the international experience could be your key to a successful future.
The application process is steps we put together a guide on how to apply for studies in Sweden, explaining the most important steps of the application process, from start to end.
1- Picking a Course
Take the step
At first, you need to decide what you want to study. Picking the right course can be tricky. You might want to advance in your current career or change directions completely. Take a look at our course offerings and get inspired. English-taught postgraduate courses
Difficult to make a decision?
If you are not sure which direction to take, you can always contact our study and career officers. They will help you to figure out which course is the best fit for you. Study Guidance Center
Check For: Scholarships for postgraduate teacher training
2- Check entry requirements
Am I qualified to study this course? This is a question we receive a lot. And yes, it can be confusing at times to understand what the entry requirements are. Especially, what you have to submit. Let’s untangle!
Course entry requirements: To study a postgraduate course, you need to provide documentation of your undergraduate degree or bachelor’s degree. Some courses can ask you to provide extra work documentation or a letter of intent. You find the specific details under entry requirements and selection listed on every program page.
Country-specific requirements: You will need to provide certificates and diplomas of your completed degree(s) and English proficiency. This depends on your country of citizenship. Country specific requirements for the UK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
Tip: Check out the University Admissions website. This platform is your best friend. It is Sweden’s one-stop shop for your application. It provides support during the whole process. Go to University Admissions
3- Pay tuition fees and apply for a Visa
Do I need to pay? You need to pay tuition fees in Sweden if you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. To make sure you got the correct information about your citizenship and tuition fee status, look it up on the University Admissions platform. Find out if you need to pay fees
What about a visa for Sweden? You need a visa or a residence permit to study in Sweden if you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland. The Swedish Migration Agency provides detailed information about the process and requirements, all in English, on their website. Residence permit for higher education
4- Look for available grants
Is there financial aid to support my studies? Scholarships and grants can be crucial to be able to study abroad. This is why we offer scholarships to qualified master students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Find out if you are eligible to apply. Malmö University’s scholarships
The Swedish Institute (SI) is a government agency that offers annual scholarships for international students. Find out if you are eligible for their SI scholarship. Study in Sweden scholarship
Psssst! There is also a scholarship available for current fee-paying students who are performing with excellence at their studies. Malmö University Excellence Scholarship
5- Apply in time
When do I have to apply?
Sweden has two application rounds, a First and a Second round. The First one is for international applicants. The Second one, also called the national round, is for Swedish and EU/EEA and Swiss applicants.
Why should I apply in the first Admissions round? The deadlines and admissions announcements for this round take place much earlier. This, in turn, means that international applicants have more time to pay their tuition fees, apply for, and, most importantly, receive their residence permit in a timely manner. Furthermore, to apply for scholarships and, if necessary, secure housing and plan their move to Sweden.
Application timeline: The First admissions round opens 16 October 2025 and closes 15 January 2026. This means you have three months to prepare and apply. The latest updates on important deadlines are published on University Admissions. Key dates for the application
6- Get organized after admission (Crucial ! )
What happens after you get admitted? A lot! You have to organize your move to Sweden. And you need to monitor your email inbox closely for updates and important information from the university and your program.
Things you have to do, not in this particular order, and there might be some more, but the most important things are:
- Pay the application fee (University Admissions)
- Pay the tuition fee (if needed)
- Apply for a residence permit (if needed)
- Find and apply for scholarships (if needed)
- Find a place to live in Malmö (if you study on campus)
- Get familiar with the After Admissions webpage with important tips
Do I need to confirm my admission? You don’t have to confirm your spot. The spot is yours until you decide that, nah, I don’t want to study this program. Then you can actively decline your spot through your University Admissions account.
You Can Also Apply For: How to become a teacher in the United Kingdom
7- Estimate your cost of living in Sweden
Sweden is a fairly expensive country to study in, but there are ways to cut the costs. How much you would spend each month as a student is, of course, individual. We would estimate the following as a monthly budget in Swedish krona (SEK).
- Food: 2000 SEK
- Accommodation: around 5,500 SEK
- Local transportation: 480 SEK
- Telephone and internet: 300 SEK
- Hobby, leisure: 1500 SEK
This will take you to a total of around 10,000 SEK, which is about 775 GBP.
As a student, you can apply for a student card, which will give you discounts in stores, cafes, travel, and more.
