Study at Stockholm University
Experience world-class education and research in Sweden's capital city, combining academic excellence, innovation, sustainability and a globally connected student environment.
Research Excellence & Sustainability Leadership
Stockholm University, founded in 1878 as a free institution for scientific research and education, is Sweden's largest university and one of the Nordic region's leading research institutions. Located in the beautiful Frescati area on the edge of the Royal National City Park in northern Stockholm, the university combines academic excellence with a stunning natural setting.
With over 29,000 students and approximately 5,000 staff, Stockholm University offers a comprehensive academic environment spanning the Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Ranked #120 globally (QS 2025) and among the world's top 1% of universities, it is particularly renowned for climate research, environmental science, marine biology, mathematics, philosophy, and the social sciences.
Stockholm University is deeply committed to sustainability β both as a research focus and institutional practice. Its proximity to key Swedish institutions, international organisations, and one of Europe's most dynamic innovation ecosystems provides students with exceptional opportunities for research, internships, and career development in one of the world's most liveable cities.
Academic Programmes
Four faculties plus world-leading interdisciplinary research centres
Faculty of Science
Frescati & Albano Campus
Faculty of Social Sciences
Frescati Campus
Faculty of Humanities
Frescati Campus
Faculty of Law
Frescati Campus
Department of Computer & Systems Sciences (DSV)
Kista Campus
Stockholm Resilience Centre
Albano Campus
Bolin Centre for Climate Research
Frescati Campus
Department of Materials & Environmental Chemistry
Arrhenius Laboratory
Investment in Your Future
EU/EEA citizens pay NO tuition β PhD students are salaried employees
Undergraduate
- tuition non eu: SEK 90,000 β 145,000 per semester (~$8,500 β $13,700 USD/semester)
- tuition eu eea: Free (no tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
- application fee: SEK 900 (~$85 USD) via Universityadmissions.se
- note: Fees vary by programme. Science & Engineering programmes typically higher than Humanities/Social Sciences.
Postgraduate
- tuition non eu: SEK 70,000 β 145,000 per semester (~$6,600 β $13,700 USD/semester)
- tuition eu eea: Free (no tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
- phd: PhD students are employed (not fee-paying) β receive salary of ~SEK 30,000β34,000/month
- note: PhD positions at Swedish universities are salaried employment β students receive monthly pay, pension, and benefits.
Living in Stockholm
- accommodation: SEK 4,500 β 8,000 per month ($425 β $755 USD)
- food: SEK 3,000 β 4,500 per month ($285 β $425 USD)
- transport: SEK 950 per month (SL monthly pass, student discount)
- health insurance: Covered by Swedish system for registered residents
- total monthly: SEK 10,000 β 14,000 per month (~$950 β $1,325 USD)
Tuition fees are set by the Swedish government and reviewed periodically. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens pay no tuition. PhD students are salaried employees. Living costs are estimates for Stockholm β one of Europe's more expensive cities. Information should be verified on the official Stockholm University website before applying.
Funding Your Stockholm Education
From Swedish Institute full scholarships to PhD salaries
Stockholm University Scholarship
Full tuition fee waiver
Eligibility: Fee-paying international students (non-EU/EEA) admitted to master's programmes demonstrating academic excellence
Competitive. Covers full tuition for the programme duration. No separate application β considered automatically.
Swedish Institute Scholarships (SI)
Full tuition + living allowance (SEK 10,000/month) + travel + insurance
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries applying to Swedish master's programmes
Highly competitive national scholarship. Covers everything. Applications through the Swedish Institute.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Full funding (tuition + travel + living)
Eligibility: Students admitted to Erasmus Mundus programmes hosted by Stockholm University
EU-funded. Specific to joint degree programmes. Extremely competitive.
CIVIS Alliance Scholarships
Mobility grants and fee waivers
Eligibility: Students within the CIVIS European Civic University Alliance network
For exchange and short-term mobility within the CIVIS alliance.
PhD Employment (Salary)
Monthly salary SEK 30,000β34,000 + benefits + pension
Eligibility: Admitted PhD candidates β recruited as university employees
Not technically a scholarship β PhD students are employed with full salary, vacation, parental leave, and pension.
Bilateral Scholarships & Country-Specific Awards
Varies by programme
Eligibility: Students from partner countries with bilateral agreements with Sweden
Check with your home country's education ministry or Swedish embassy for availability.
How to Get In
Deadlines: January 15 (main round for autumn start) β some programmes have additional rounds
- Apply via Universityadmissions.se
- Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS or equivalent, typically 3 years)
- Specific prerequisite courses (vary by programme)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90+ / IELTS 6.5+ (some programmes require higher)
- CV / Resume
- Statement of Purpose / Motivation letter
- Two academic reference letters (for some programmes)
- Writing sample or portfolio (programme-specific)
- Application fee: SEK 900 (non-EU/EEA applicants)
Stockholm University offers 75+ international master's programmes taught in English. Application is through the national system (Universityadmissions.se). Supporting documents must be uploaded by the February 1 deadline. Decisions typically in April.
English Language Requirements
- toefl ibt: 90+ overall (some programmes require higher)
- ielts: 6.5+ overall (no band below 5.5; some programmes 7.0+)
- cambridge: C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE)
- pte academic: 62+ overall
- waiver: Exemptions for students with previous degree taught in English, or from English-speaking countries
Life at Stockholm University
Where knowledge meets nature in one of Europe's most beautiful capitals
Frescati Campus
The main campus nestled in the Royal National City Park β modern academic buildings surrounded by forests, meadows, and views over Brunnsviken bay. A unique blend of nature and knowledge.
Albano Campus
A new, purpose-built sustainable campus connecting natural and social sciences β featuring cutting-edge laboratories, the Stockholm Resilience Centre, and collaborative spaces.
University Library
Stockholm University Library offers extensive physical and digital collections, group study rooms, silent reading areas, and academic writing support β open long hours during term.
Stockholm City
One of Europe's most beautiful capitals β built on 14 islands, with world-class museums, the medieval Gamla Stan, vibrant food scene, and excellent public transport.
Student Life & Nations
Active student union (Stockholms studentkΓ₯r), 100+ associations, sports clubs, cultural events, international student buddy programmes, and traditional Swedish student traditions.
Nature & Outdoors
Hiking and jogging trails start from campus. Stockholm's archipelago (30,000 islands) is accessible by ferry. Cross-country skiing in winter, kayaking in summer β nature is part of daily life.
Sustainability Hub
Stockholm University is a leader in sustainability research and practice β the Stockholm Resilience Centre, Bolin Centre for Climate Research, and Baltic Sea Centre are world-renowned.
Innovation Ecosystem
Stockholm is Europe's second-largest tech hub (after London) β home to Spotify, Klarna, Ericsson, and hundreds of startups. Career fairs, internships, and industry connections abound.
Research Excellence
Research Strengths
Climate & Atmospheric Science
The Bolin Centre for Climate Research integrates meteorology, oceanography, geology, and geochemistry to understand Earth's past, present, and future climate β a global leader in the field.
Sustainability & Resilience
The Stockholm Resilience Centre β world-famous for the Planetary Boundaries framework β leads transformative research on social-ecological resilience, tipping points, and biosphere stewardship.
Marine & Baltic Sea Research
The Baltic Sea Centre and Department of Ecology drive research on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, eutrophication, and sustainable fisheries β critical for Baltic environmental policy.
Mathematics & Physics
Strong pure mathematics tradition (Fields Medal connections) and physics research spanning cosmology, atomic physics, and condensed matter β housed in the iconic Albano and Arrhenius facilities.
Social Sciences & Demography
Internationally recognised research in inequality, welfare states, migration, population dynamics, and comparative politics β leveraging Sweden's unique register data.
Digital Humanities & AI
Growing research at the intersection of computer science, linguistics, and humanities β including natural language processing, digital text analysis, and AI ethics.
International Student Support
7,000+ international students from 100+ countries
- International Student Services β orientation, housing guidance, and ongoing support
- Arrival services β airport info, housing check-in coordination
- Swedish language courses for international students (free/subsidised)
- Buddy programme β paired with Swedish students for cultural integration
- International student associations and country-specific groups
- Career Centre with international student-specific guidance
- Residence permit and Personnummer (Swedish ID) guidance
- Student health centre (StudenthΓ€lsan) β counselling and medical support
- Erasmus+ and CIVIS exchange opportunities
- Alumni network connecting graduates worldwide
Your Path to Stockholm University
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate 75+ English-taught master's programmes across Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Computer Science β matching your background with the right programme and specialisation.
Application Strategy
Expert guidance on Sweden's centralised Universityadmissions.se system, document requirements, motivation letters, and supporting materials. We ensure your application is competitive and complete.
Scholarship Guidance
Support with Stockholm University Scholarship applications, Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship strategy, bilateral funding opportunities, and understanding EU/EEA tuition exemption eligibility.
Research & PhD Matching
For doctoral applicants, we help identify open PhD positions, craft research proposals, connect with potential supervisors, and understand Sweden's unique PhD-as-employment model.
Visa & Housing
Swedish residence permit guidance, personnummer (personal number) process, housing queue registration (SSSB), and practical advice for the competitive Stockholm rental market.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing for Sweden, Stockholm orientation tips, banking (BankID), transport (SL card), health system registration, and ongoing support throughout your studies.
Apply to Stockholm University
Free expert guidance β no hidden fees
Hear From Stockholm Students
βStockholm University's environmental science programme is incredible β field trips to the archipelago, research at the Bolin Centre, and professors who literally wrote the Planetary Boundaries framework. The SI scholarship covers everything.β
βBeing in Stockholm's tech ecosystem while studying is a huge advantage β Spotify, Klarna, and King are all here. The programme blends theory with real industry projects, and EU students pay no tuition.β
βThe Stockholm Resilience Centre is world-renowned. I came for the research, but staying for the lifestyle β incredible nature, work-life balance, and a truly international environment. Sweden feels like the future.β
Frequently Asked Questions
For non-EU/EEA students: SEK 90,000β145,000 per semester (~$8,500β$13,700 USD). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens pay NO tuition fees. PhD students are employed and receive a salary (~SEK 30,000β34,000/month). Fees vary by programme β Science typically higher than Humanities/Social Sciences.
Yes. Stockholm University offers 75+ international master's programmes taught entirely in English across all faculties. A smaller number of bachelor's programmes are available in English. PhD research can be conducted in English in all departments.
The Stockholm University Scholarship offers full tuition waivers for excellent non-EU/EEA master's students. The Swedish Institute Scholarship covers tuition + SEK 10,000/month living allowance + travel. Various bilateral and programme-specific scholarships also exist. PhD students receive full salary, not scholarships.
Apply through Universityadmissions.se β Sweden's centralised application system. The main deadline is January 15 for autumn semester (August/September start). Upload supporting documents by February 1. Decisions come in April. Non-EU/EEA applicants pay a SEK 900 application fee.
Expect approximately SEK 10,000β14,000 per month (~$950β$1,325 USD) covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. Accommodation is the biggest cost (SEK 4,500β8,000/month). Student housing is limited β apply early through SSSB or the university housing queue.
Stockholm University houses world-leading research centres including the Stockholm Resilience Centre (Planetary Boundaries), Bolin Centre for Climate Research, and Baltic Sea Centre. It's ranked in the ARWU global top 75 and is particularly strong in environmental sciences, sustainability, philosophy, and social sciences.
Not for English-taught programmes. However, learning Swedish is recommended for daily life, job prospects, and social integration. Stockholm University and SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) offer free Swedish language courses to registered students.
We provide complete support: programme selection from 75+ English-taught master's options, Universityadmissions.se application guidance, document preparation, scholarship identification (SI, SU, bilateral), residence permit advice, accommodation tips, and pre-departure briefing. Our service is free for students.