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How to Apply to Universities in Sweden

Q: Can I apply to 8 programs in different universities?

Yes — you rank up to 8 programs in order of preference across any Swedish universities. The system then assigns you to the highest-ranked program for which you are admitted. It is strongly recommended to apply to all 8 spots to maximize your chances.

Q: What happens if I am on a waiting list?

Waiting list positions can move significantly between the initial results in March and the confirmation deadline in April. Accept any firm offer you receive while you wait — you can always decline lower-ranked offers if a preferred one opens up.

Universityadmissions.se — Sweden's central portal for all international applicants.

Back to Sweden

Application Portal universityadmissions.se

Language English (most master's)

Main Deadline January 15

Permit Required Non-EU: Residence permit

Sweden uses a single central application portal — universityadmissions.se — for all programs at all public universities. The portal is in English and streamlines the entire process. One account, one application window, results for all programs in one place.

Search programs on universityadmissions.se

The portal lists all programs at all Swedish public universities in one searchable database. Filter by subject, level, language of instruction, and city. Save programs to your shortlist.

The portal opens October 15 — use the time between October and January to research and refine your shortlist.

Create an account and apply

Register with your email on universityadmissions.se and apply to up to 8 programs in priority order. Pay the application fee (SEK 900 for non-EU applicants — EU/EEA and students from certain countries are exempt).

Submit supporting documents by February 1

After submitting your application by January 15, you have until February 1 to upload supporting documents: transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of English language skills. These are uploaded directly to your application account.

Document verification is strict — scanned certified copies are accepted; unofficial documents are rejected.

Wait for the selection result

Results are announced in late March. You will see the status of each of your 8 applications — admitted, on waiting list, or rejected. Results are in your universityadmissions.se account.

Accept your offer and pay tuition

You typically have 5 days to accept your offer online. Non-EU students then pay tuition (typically SEK 80,000–250,000/year). Payment must be received within the stated deadline to confirm your place.

Accept your best offer immediately — waiting list positions can move quickly if you do not confirm.

Apply for a Swedish residence permit (non-EU)

Apply for a Residence Permit for Studies at the Swedish Migration Agency (migrationsverket.se) — this is not a visa, it is a residence permit. Submit digitally at migrationsverket.se after paying tuition. Carry a copy of your decision when traveling to Sweden.

Apply immediately after paying tuition — processing takes 1–4 months.

On arrival, complete university registration. After 12 months of legal residence, you can register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) for a personnummer, which is needed for banking, healthcare, and long-term services.