Thinking of studying in Sweden but worried about the cost?
Sweden is known for its world-class education, innovation, and stunning landscapes, but many students believe it’s expensive. The good news? Several affordable universities in Sweden offer quality education, English-taught programs, and even scholarships for international students.
If you’re an Indian student dreaming of study in Sweden in 2025, here’s a helpful guide to budget-friendly options and how Santamonica Study Abroad can make your journey smooth.
Why Choose Sweden for Higher Education?
Before we dive into the list, here’s why Sweden is a hot destination among Indian students:
- 1000+ English-taught programs
- Globally ranked universities
- High employability after graduation
- Safe, welcoming environment
- Emphasis on innovation and sustainability
- Multiple scholarship options
What Makes a University “Affordable” in Sweden?
When we say affordable, we’re looking at:
- Lower tuition fees
- Minimal living costs (by Swedish standards)
- Scholarship availability
- Location advantages
Let’s explore the top affordable universities you can apply to in 2025.
Top 7 Affordable Universities in Sweden (2025)
1. Dalarna University
- Location: Falun & Borlänge
- Tuition Fee: ₹7.65 lakhs/year (nearly ₹8,500)
- Monthly Living Cost: ₹63,000 – ₹81,000
- Highlight: Offers partial scholarships covering 10–50% tuition
2. University of Gävle
- Location: Gävle
- Annual Tuition Fee: ₹7.2 – ₹9 lakhs/year (approx. €8,000–€10,000)
- Monthly Living Cost: ₹67,500 – ₹85,500
- Highlight: Offers technology and sustainability-focused programs
3. Linnaeus University
- Location: Växjö & Kalmar
- Tuition Fee: ₹8.55 lakhs/year (approx. €9,500)
- Monthly Living Cost: ₹72,000 – ₹90,000
- Highlight: Offers up to 75% tuition scholarships
4. Umeå University
- Location: Umeå
- Tuition Fee: ₹8.37 – ₹9.9 lakhs/year (approx. €9,300–€11,000)
- Monthly Living Cost: ₹76,500 – ₹99,000
- Highlight: Known for biotech, IT, and art programs
5. Mid Sweden University
- Location: Sundsvall & Östersund
- Tuition Fee: ₹8.1 – ₹9.9 lakhs/year (approx. €9,000–€11,000)
- Monthly Living Cost: ₹67,500 – ₹90,000
- Highlight: Applied science & entrepreneurship-based programs
6. Halmstad University
- Location: Halmstad
- Tuition Fee: ₹7.65 – ₹9 lakhs/year (approx. €8,500–€10,000)
- Monthly Living Cost: ₹72,000 – ₹90,000
- Highlight: Offers application fee waivers for selected programs
7. Karlstad University
- Location: Karlstad
- Tuition Fee: ₹8.01 – ₹9.45 lakhs/year (approx. €8,900–€10,500)
- Monthly Living Cost: ₹72,000 – ₹94,500
- Highlight: Friendly to international applicants; strong in environmental studies
Are There Tuition-Free Options?
No, Sweden does not offer tuition-free education for non-EU students. However, many universities offer:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Department-specific financial support
- Early application discounts
Santamonica helps students find and apply to these offers on time!
Breakdown of Living Expenses (INR)
When planning your budget for studying in Sweden, it’s important to consider average monthly living expenses. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Accommodation typically costs between ₹36,000 and ₹54,000 per month, depending on the city and type of housing you choose.
- Food and groceries can add up to ₹18,000 to ₹27,000 per month, especially if you’re cooking at home and occasionally dining out.
- Transportation expenses usually fall within ₹4,500 to ₹7,200 per month, with students often benefiting from discounted travel passes.
Health insurance is a must and usually costs around ₹2,250 to ₹2,700 monthly for international students. - Miscellaneous costs, including mobile bills, clothing, entertainment, and personal needs, range from ₹4,500 to ₹9,000 monthly.
So, your total monthly expense can range anywhere between ₹65,250 and ₹99,900, depending on your lifestyle and the city you live in. Students residing in smaller towns or university-provided housing can usually manage closer to the lower end of this budget.
Sweden Student Visa Guide for Indian Students (2025)
Step-by-step process:
- Shortlist Programs (based on budget and interest)
- Prepare Documents (SOP, LOR, IELTS/Duolingo, passport)
- Apply via University Admissions Sweden
- Apply for Scholarships
- Pay Tuition Deposit (if admitted)
- Apply for Student Visa
- Fly to Sweden!
Santamonica assists in every step, from application to visa.
Why Choose Santamonica to Study in Sweden?
– 20+ years of experience in student placement
– Official tie-ups with Swedish universities
– Visa success rate above 95%
– In-house language training (IELTS/Duolingo)
– Personalized financial planning
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is studying in Sweden expensive for Indian students?
It depends on the university and city. Many public universities are affordable, with tuition starting from ₹7.2 lakhs/year and living costs around ₹70,000/month.
Q2: Is the IELTS required to study in Sweden?
Some universities accept alternative English proficiency tests like Duolingo or waive the requirement. Santamonica can guide you to those options.
Q3: Can I work while studying in Sweden?
Yes. International students are allowed to work both full-time and part-time (20 hours a week) during the holidays.
Q4: When should I apply for the September 2025 intake?
Applications generally open around October and close in January. Early applications improve your scholarship chances.
Ready to Begin Your Sweden Journey?
Don’t let budget stop you from study in Sweden, which is one of Europe’s most innovative countries. With Santamonica, you can make your dream to study in Sweden affordable, achievable, and unforgettable.
Apply for September 2025 Intake Now!
Make an appointment for a free counseling session with our Sweden specialists right now.
With over a decade’s experience in International education with particular interest and commitment to international student experience, she is the brain behind the overseas programme wing and has steered the organization to a position where it figures among the prominent overseas education facilitators in India.
