FAQ - tuition fees for foreign students
- Why are tuition fees being introduced?
- Why don't students from other EU countries have to pay?
- How high will the fees be?
- Who will pay tuition fees?
- Will scholarships be introduced?
- Will students starting a two-year programme in 2010 have to pay tuition fees in their second year?
- Will students paying tuition fees be able to work alongside their studies?
- Will the introduction of tuition fees affect the requirements for obtaining a residence permit for studies?
- Will students engaged in web-based or distance education have to pay tuition fees?
Why are tuition fees being introduced?
In most other European countries, foreign students already pay tuition fees. The Government believes that Swedish higher education institutions should compete with their European counterparts on equal terms. The Government also takes the view that some of the resources currently used to pay for the education of foreign students should be given to higher education institutions that provide education of particularly high quality. This will help to make Swedish higher education even more attractive.
UpWhy don't students from other EU countries have to pay?
Higher education in Sweden is financed by taxes and is free for Swedish citizens. As Sweden is a member of the European Union, citizens of other member states have to be treated in the same way as Swedish citizens.
UpHow high will the fees be?
Each higher education institution will decide on the level of its own tuition fees. The tuition fees are to cover the full cost of the education provided and will therefore depend partly on the type and content of the course or programme.
UpWho will pay tuition fees?
All citizens of states outside the European Union and the European Economic Area who are studying at a Swedish higher education institution and who do not have any other kind of residence permit in Sweden than a residence permit for studies will have to pay tuition fees. Exchange students and doctoral students will be exempted from tuition fees.
Will scholarships be introduced?
The Government takes the position that Swedish higher education institutions should be able to attract students from all over the world and it will therefore establish a scholarship programme to fund tuition fees for highly qualified students. The Government will also establish a special scholarship programme for highly qualified students from certain developing countries. Some scholarships will cover both tuition fees and living expenses, while others will only cover tuition fees.
UpWill students starting a two-year programme in 2010 have to pay tuition fees in their second year?
No, students who start their studies before 1 July 2011 will be allowed to complete their study programme under the current rules.
UpWill students paying tuition fees be able to work alongside their studies?
Yes, foreign students will be allowed to work alongside their studies. There will be no restrictions on how much they are allowed to work as long as they satisfy the requirements of their study programme.
UpWill the introduction of tuition fees affect the requirements for obtaining a residence permit for studies?
Yes, students who are required to pay fees will have to pay for at least their first term of studies before a residence permit for studies can be issued. Students will also need to show that they can support themselves during their studies. For other rules concerning residence permits for studies, see the Swedish Migration Board website.
UpWill students engaged in web-based or distance education have to pay tuition fees?
Yes, students who are required to pay tuition fees will have to pay for all first-cycle (undergraduate) and second-cycle (Master's level) education, regardless of the form in which it is given.
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