Master in Sweden: students from Germany pay no tuition at Swedish universities, because Germany is part of the EU. This guide explains what applies to non-EU students, how to calculate the costs and which health cover you need.
Short answer: EU and EEA citizens, including students from Germany, pay no tuition in Sweden. According to Stockholm University, non-EU students pay SEK 90,000 per academic year in the humanities, social sciences and law, and SEK 140,000 in the sciences. Status: October 2026.
The most important points
- Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland pay no tuition.
- Non-EU students pay SEK 90,000 per academic year in the humanities, social sciences and law, and SEK 140,000 in the sciences.
- The application fee of SEK 900 applies to citizens outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
- Exchange students are exempt from fees, according to Karlstad University.
- The European Health Insurance Card covers medical care in Sweden for temporary stays. Long-term cover needs separate checks.
What does a master in Sweden cost for non-EU students?
Tuition depends on your citizenship and your subject. Stockholm University lists the typical rates for non-EU students, and Karlstad University confirms the range for the academic year 2026/27.
| Citizenship and subject | Tuition | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU, EEA, Switzerland (including Germany) | none | Status 2026/27 | Karlstad University |
| Non-EU, humanities, social sciences and law | SEK 90,000 per academic year | Page dated 2 Dec 2025 | Stockholm University |
| Non-EU, sciences | SEK 140,000 per academic year | Page dated 2 Dec 2025 | Stockholm University |
Some programmes fall between these two rates, and joint programmes can cost more. Always check the programme itself.
How do you calculate the costs of a master in Sweden?
Assumption: the master lasts two academic years and you are a non-EU citizen.
| Assumption | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities or social sciences, two years | 2 × SEK 90,000 | SEK 180,000 tuition |
| Sciences, two years | 2 × SEK 140,000 | SEK 280,000 tuition |
| One application with the application fee | 1 × SEK 900 | SEK 900 once |
The sums are worked examples in Swedish kronor. Convert them at the current rate. Living costs and housing come on top.
Which health insurance do you need in Sweden?
With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are covered for medical care in Sweden as in other EU countries, as long as your stay is temporary. How long you stay and whether you become insured there is for the Swedish Försäkringskassan to decide. We did not check these details directly with the authority. More on stays abroad is available in our guide on health insurance for students in the EU: EHIC and more.
How do you apply and finance the studies?
Apply through the central application system and check the deadlines of your programme. For funding, savings, scholarships and student loans are possible. An overview of loans is available here: student loans compared (in German).
What happens after graduation in Sweden?
After the master, residence follows its own rules. Citizens of the EU and EEA may live and work in Sweden freely, and registration can become necessary for longer stays. If you are a non-EU citizen, check your residence after graduation with the responsible authority before you decide.
| Topic | What to clarify | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Residence in Sweden | Registration depends on the length of stay | Swedish authorities, Migrationsverket |
| Health insurance | Move from the EHIC to lasting cover in time | Försäkringskassan, your health insurer |
| Return to Germany | Agree your insurance status with your health insurer | Your health insurer |
Whether and when you are covered by Swedish social insurance depends on how long and in what form you stay. Clarify this with the Försäkringskassan in good time.
Typical planning mistakes
Many plans fail on the same points. The three mistakes below are easy to avoid with a little effort.
- Calculating only the first study year, although the studies last longer.
- Clarifying health insurance only on site instead of before departure.
- Collecting evidence too late, because translations, appointments and follow-up questions take time.
If you tick off these points before you apply, you have a solid basis for your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay tuition in Sweden as a German?
No. According to Stockholm University and Karlstad University, citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland are exempt from tuition.
What is the application fee of SEK 900?
According to Stockholm University, citizens outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland must pay an application fee. Karlstad University gives SEK 900 per application.
Does the tuition exemption also apply to exchange students?
According to Karlstad University, exchange students are exempt from fees. Check with your home university whether your programme counts as an exchange.
Can I study in Sweden with the EHIC?
The EHIC covers medical care in Sweden during a temporary stay. For a longer stay, clarify your cover with your German health insurer as well.
Do I have to register in Sweden?
For longer stays, registration may be required. The Swedish authorities set the rules, and we have not checked them in detail.
Your next steps
- Check whether you belong to the EU, EEA or Switzerland to determine your fee status.
- Compare the tuition and application fees of your programme on the university website.
- Clarify with your health insurer how you are insured in Sweden.
- Plan your living costs and settle the financing before you sign a rental contract.
Related guides
- Master abroad: countries, application and costs (in German)
- Health insurance for students in the EU: EHIC and more
- Student loans compared (in German)
Sources: Stockholm University: costs, fees and scholarships (page dated 2 Dec 2025) · Karlstad University: tuition fees (figures for 2026/27)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
