Sweden is a strong choice if you want to study economics in a clear, international system. You can find bachelor's and master's options, many of them taught in English, but entry rules and costs depend on the programme and your citizenship. Always check the university programme page and the national admissions site before you apply.
Which economics degrees you can study
In Sweden, economics is usually offered as part of a degree in economics, business and economics, or economics with related subjects such as statistics, finance, or econometrics. Some universities also offer a more general social science path with economics courses.
- Bachelor's level - usually 3 years
- Master's level - usually 1 to 2 years
- Research level - PhD, if you later want academic research
At bachelor's level, many programmes are in Swedish, but some universities offer English-taught bachelor's options. At master's level, English-taught options are much more common.
Typical admission requirements
For a bachelor's programme, you usually need a completed upper secondary school diploma that is equivalent to Swedish school leaving qualifications. Universities often look for mathematics and sometimes social science or economics-related subjects. Exact subject requirements vary a lot, so check each programme page carefully.
For a master's programme, you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree, often in economics, business, finance, statistics, or a related field. Some programmes ask for specific quantitative courses, such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, or econometrics.
Most universities also ask for proof of English. Common accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent evidence. The required level is set by the programme, so check the admissions page. Some programmes also ask for:
- a motivation letter
- a CV
- references
- proof of maths or quantitative courses
- a copy of your passport and transcripts
If you apply through Sweden's central admissions system, your documents must meet the national format and deadline rules. Check University Admissions in Sweden, the official national admissions site, for document rules and dates.
English-taught options and study style
Sweden has many English-taught master's programmes in economics. These are common at large universities and business schools. Bachelor's options in English exist too, but they are fewer.
Study is often structured and independent. You may have lectures, seminars, group work, and problem-solving classes. In economics, you should expect a lot of reading, data work, and maths.
Good things to check before you choose a programme:
- Is it fully taught in English?
- Does it focus more on theory, data, policy, or business?
- Does it include internships or exchange options?
- Is mathematics a major part of the course?
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Sweden depends on your citizenship. EU, EEA, and Swiss students normally do not pay tuition fees for bachelor's or master's studies at public universities. Non-EU/EEA students usually pay tuition fees.
For non-EU students, tuition is set by each university and programme. Economics programmes are often in the broad range of about SEK 80,000 to SEK 200,000 per academic year, and sometimes more for business-related degrees. This is only a typical range. Always check the official programme page for the exact fee.
Living costs also matter. Sweden is not a low-cost study destination. A realistic monthly budget for a student often includes:
- rent and utilities
- food
- local transport
- books and course materials
- phone and personal costs
Many students should plan for roughly SEK 9,000 to SEK 13,000 per month, depending on the city and your lifestyle. Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Lund can be more expensive than smaller cities. For visa or residence permit purposes, check the Swedish Migration Agency for the current maintenance requirement.
Timeline and how to apply
For many international students, the main intake starts in autumn. That means you usually apply many months before classes begin. The exact dates can change from year to year.
A practical timeline is:
- 12 to 18 months before start - shortlist programmes and check entry rules
- 8 to 10 months before start - prepare transcripts, diploma, English test, and passport
- application period - submit through the university or national admissions system
- after admission - accept your place, pay tuition if needed, and apply for residence permit if required
In Sweden, many applicants use University Admissions in Sweden to apply for several universities at once. Some programmes may also require direct documents or extra steps through the university. Always follow the instructions for each programme.
If you need a residence permit, do not wait too long after admission. Check the Swedish Migration Agency for the current process, documents, and processing times.
How universities find candidates
Swedish universities do not only wait for application forms. Some admissions teams also search student profiles and outreach databases to find suitable candidates, especially for international recruitment.
You can help them notice you by making your profile clear and complete. Include:
- your study field, such as economics
- your current education level
- your English level or test result
- your country and preferred study level
- your documents, if you already have them
The more precise your profile is, the easier it is for a university to see if you fit a programme. This can save time when admissions offices look for students with the right background.
Common questions
Can I study economics in Sweden without knowing Swedish?
Yes, for many master's programmes and some bachelor's programmes. But not every economics degree is in English. Check the programme language on the university page.
Do I need maths for economics?
Usually yes. Economics often needs strong maths or quantitative skills. Some programmes ask for specific maths courses, so read the entry requirements carefully.
Is Sweden expensive for students?
It can be. Tuition may be free for EU, EEA, and Swiss students at public universities, but living costs are still high. Non-EU students also need to budget for tuition.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level, and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
It is a simple way to make yourself visible to universities while you compare programmes and prepare your application.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.