4 September 2025
5 minutes read
How to Study Abroad for Free in Sweden: A Guide for Indian Students

Key Takeaways
- How to study abroad for free in Sweden: secure scholarships, tuition waivers, or fully funded PhD positions to cut tuition costs.
- Living costs matter: expect SEK 8,000–12,000 monthly and manage with budgeting or part-time work.
- Plan smart: research universities, apply on time, and build a strong profile to improve admission chances.
Did you know that Sweden once ranked among the few European countries offering tuition-free education at public universities for all students? But today, non-EU students must pay tuition fees, often leaving Indian students struggling with high living costs and expenses at top universities like Uppsala University, Lund University, and Stockholm University.
Still, if you’re wondering how to study abroad for free in Sweden, options exist, through scholarships to international students, tuition fee waivers, and even working while studying to make education in Sweden affordable.
Why Choose Sweden for Higher Education?
Sweden is known for its world-class education, innovative research, and top universities like Lund University, Uppsala University, and Stockholm University, often ranked in the QS World University Rankings.
While non-EU students pay tuition fees at most swedish public universities, many universities offer scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and even free education for PhD students.
If you’re exploring how to study abroad for free in Sweden, opportunities exist through scholarships to international students, low living costs strategies, and even working while studying.
Can Indian Students Study in Sweden for Free?
For Indian students, studying abroad is a dream, but swedish universities often require non-EU international students to pay tuition fees along with covering living expenses. Still, Sweden offers many opportunities to study through scholarships to study, low tuition fees, and even free universities at the PhD level.

If you’re wondering how to study abroad for free in Sweden, you can apply for scholarships, explore affordable higher education, and compare countries offering free or low-cost education like Norway and Sweden.
Scholarships in Sweden for Indian Students
For Indian students facing high tuition fees and living costs, scholarships are the key to how to study abroad for free in Sweden.
While public universities charge fees for international students from outside the EU, Sweden provides generous scholarships and programs that make studying abroad a reality.
Scholarship Name | Offered By | Coverage | Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) | Government of Sweden | Tuition fees, living expenses | Master’s programs, non-EU students including Indians |
University-specific Scholarships (Lund, Uppsala, Stockholm, KTH) | Swedish Universities | Partial/Full tuition fee waivers | Students who wish to study specific fields of study at top universities |
Erasmus+ | European Union | Tuition + mobility grants | Students enrolled in partner universities and colleges |
PhD Funding | Swedish Public Universities | Salary-based funding, no tuition fee | Open to qualified PhD students in research programs |
Tuition-Free Universities in Sweden for International Students
For those exploring how to study abroad for free in Sweden, it’s important to know that while most international students may have to pay tuition, some PhD programs at Swedish universities offer free tuition through funding and stipends.
Sweden is home to world-class education, and with the right study program, students can reduce costs for students significantly.
University | Tuition Policy | Notes |
---|---|---|
Uppsala University | Tuition fees for non-EU students | Scholarships available; education and research focus |
Lund University | Tuition fees for international students | Offers partial/full waivers; strong universities and programs |
Stockholm University | Tuition fees apply | Known for minimal tuition fees via scholarships and research |
KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Required to pay tuition fees | Engineering-focused; high quality education |
PhD Programs (all Swedish Public Universities) | No tuition, salary-funded | Students can also earn while conducting education and research |
Cost of Living in Sweden for Indian Students
When exploring how to study abroad for free in Sweden, Indian students must also plan for living costs, which are often higher than tuition fees. While students can study at Swedish universities with scholarships, budgeting is essential to make the dream of studying abroad affordable.
Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (SEK) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Accommodation | 3,500 – 6,500 | Varies by city; private universities areas may cost more |
Food & Groceries | 2,000 – 3,000 | Affordable options for students who cook |
Transportation | 600 – 900 | Discounts available for students |
Study Materials | 750 – 1,000 | Depends on universities and programs |
Miscellaneous | 1,000 – 1,500 | Covers leisure, internet, clothing, etc. |
Tips on How to study abroad in sweden for free
If you’re wondering how to study abroad for free in Sweden, the good news is there are smart ways to cut costs and even eliminate tuition.

For students looking to study in Europe, Sweden, alongside Finland, Norway, and France, offers multiple options to make the dream of studying abroad a reality.
- Apply for Scholarships
Many universities include tuition waivers and grants for education to international students. These can reduce fees of around thousands per year for undergraduate programs. - Consider PhD Programs
PhD positions at Swedish universities are fully funded, meaning you can study in Sweden without paying tuition, while receiving a monthly stipend. - Compare Other Countries
If you also want to study in Europe, note that Norway offers free education, Finnish universities charge minimal fees, and public universities in France are very affordable. - Budget for Living Costs
While tuition may be covered, daily expenses matter. Choose cities where the university boasts a rich student community with shared housing to save money. - Choose the Right Study Program
Some programs come with better funding and assistantship opportunities. Always research universities and programs before applying to maximize your chances.
Application Process for Indian Students to Study for Free in Sweden
If you’re exploring how to study abroad for free in Sweden, knowing the right application steps is crucial. A clear plan not only improves your chances but also ensures you don’t miss important deadlines.
- Research Universities and Programs
Start by identifying institutions and courses that align with your goals. Shortlist options that provide strong academic and career opportunities. - Check Eligibility Requirements
Review academic prerequisites, test scores, and language requirements. Meeting all criteria ensures your application is considered. - Prepare Required Documents
Gather transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOPs), letters of recommendation, and financial proofs. Submitting a complete package strengthens your application. - Apply for Scholarships
Look for funding opportunities alongside your university application. This step is essential for students aiming to study without financial burden. - Submit Application on Time
Respect deadlines set by universities and scholarship boards. Late submissions can disqualify even the strongest applications. - Follow Up and Prepare for Interviews
Track your application status and be ready for interviews. This shows seriousness and helps secure admission.
Conclusion
Exploring how to study abroad for free in Sweden is more than just chasing scholarships; it’s about smart planning, strategic applications, and building a strong profile that stands out. While opportunities exist, the competition is intense, and every detail matters. That’s where Ambitio steps in.
We don’t just guide you. we help you craft a winning story through personalized profile building and end-to-end study abroad consultancy. If you’re serious about making your dream of Sweden a reality, why not take the smarter route? Connect with Ambitio today, and let’s turn your dream into an admission letter!
FAQs
Who can study abroad for free in Sweden?
EU/EEA citizens and students with Swedish residency can study abroad for free in Sweden at public universities.
What scholarships help students study abroad for free in Sweden?
Many universities and the Swedish Institute offer competitive scholarships, letting students study abroad for free in Sweden.
Are non-EU/EEA students eligible to study abroad for free in Sweden?
Non-EU/EEA students can study abroad for free in Sweden by securing full-tuition scholarships or research assistantships.
What’s the first step to study abroad for free in Sweden?
To study abroad for free in Sweden, begin with an excellent admissions application and apply early for scholarships.
Are part-time jobs allowed while studying abroad for free in Sweden?
Students studying abroad for free in Sweden can work part-time to help cover living costs.
Can I study abroad for free in Sweden if I want to take courses in English?
Studying abroad for free in Sweden is possible with numerous English-taught programs and scholarships available.
What is the cost of living when you study abroad for free in Sweden?
Studying abroad for free in Sweden usually covers tuition, but students should budget for living expenses which are relatively high.

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