Financial Planning

Managing Your Student Finances in Sweden

Plan your budget effectively with this guide to tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and financial requirements for studying in Sweden.

Sweden Student Money Guide

Fees, living costs and money rules for 2026-27, in Swedish krona (SEK)

Monthly Budget Overview

SEK

AccommodationSEK 4,000 to 8,000

Food & GroceriesSEK 3,000

Personal & LeisureSEK 1,500

Example Tuition

Uppsala University master's in Computer Science: SEK 300,000 in total. Most two-year KTH Royal Institute of Technology master's: SEK 385,000 in total. Chalmers University of Technology: SEK 95,000 a semester for most master's, from 2027/28.

Fees for students from outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, such as India and Pakistan.

Living Costs Calculator

Finance Topics

Money Topics

Each guide covers one part of your budget.

Tuition Fees

Complete breakdown of tuition costs across universities in Sweden

Key information

Program-wise fee structure
Public vs private universities
Additional academic costs
Payment schedules and methods

Learn More

Living Costs

Comprehensive guide to living expenses and budgeting in Sweden

Key information

Accommodation costs by city
Food and daily expenses
Transportation costs
Personal and entertainment budget

Learn More

Financial Proof

Documentation and requirements for proving financial capacity

Key information

Required financial documentation
Bank statement requirements
Sponsor documents
University-specific requirements

Learn More

Scholarships

Available scholarships and funding opportunities for international students

Key information

Government scholarships
University-specific funding
Merit-based opportunities
Application deadlines and process

Learn More

Student Jobs

Work opportunities and regulations for international students

Key information

Work permit regulations
On-campus job opportunities
Part-time work options
Post-graduation work rights

Learn More

Budget Overview

Planning Your Budget

Your biggest costs are tuition and rent.

Example Month in Lund

A month for one student

Essential Monthly Expenses

Accommodation

SEK 4,000 to 8,000

Housing, a month.

Food & Groceries

SEK 3,000

Food, a month.

Personal & Academic

SEK 1,500

Clothes, phone and free time, a month.

Course books are a separate cost: SEK 400 to 1,000 a month.

Costs vary significantly based on location and lifestyle. Figures are estimates and subject to change.

Money Management

Banking in Sweden

Once you have a personal identity number (personnummer, your Swedish ID number), you can open a Swedish bank account, get BankID and use Swish, a phone app for paying.

What Banks Usually Ask For

Your passport
Your Swedish personal identity number

A reason for the account and where your money comes from

Money Transfer & Payment Methods

Options for receiving and sending money internationally

Money Transfer Options

Bank Wire Transfers

Traditional bank-to-bank transfers using SWIFT/BIC codes.

Secure

Reliable

Higher fees

Money Transfer Services

Services like Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and MoneyGram.

Lower fees

Better exchange rates

App-based tracking

Common Payment Methods

Cash

Keep some cash on hand for small purchases and emergency situations. ATMs are widely available.

Smart Financial Tips

Expert advice to help you manage your finances effectively while studying in sweden

Before You Apply

Pay the first part of your tuition fee early. Your permit is not approved until you pay.

Plan for SEK 10,656 a month in your bank statement (the amount for applications made in 2026). Check the amount for 2027 on the Swedish Migration Agency website when you apply.

Saving Money

Share an apartment, or rent a corridor room (your own room with a shared kitchen), to pay less rent.

Cook at home and take lunch to campus.

Pro Tips for sweden

Currency Management

• Monitor exchange rates and transfer money when rates are favorable
• Use multi-currency cards to avoid conversion fees
• Keep some local cash (SEK) for emergencies

Local Financial Culture

• Learn about local tipping customs and practices
• Understand tax obligations for international students
• Explore local student financial support programs

Remember: Financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Start planning early and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial advisors or your university's international student services.