Sweden offers creative programmes in graphic design and visual communication taught in English. You can study at the bachelor level or advance your skills with a master's degree.
Choose your study level
Graphic design education in Sweden is split into two main cycles for international students.
- Bachelor programmes take three years of full-time study and focus on foundational skills, typography, and digital media.
- Master programmes take one or two years and are meant for students who already hold a degree and want to specialise.
Check entry requirements
Admission standards depend on the specific university and the level of study you choose.
- General eligibility requires a completed upper secondary education for bachelor courses or a relevant bachelor degree for master courses.
- English proficiency must be proven through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, unless your previous schooling meets the exemption rules.
- Many design programmes also require a portfolio of your creative work to show your visual skills and design thinking.
Understand tuition fees and costs
The cost of studying in Sweden depends on your citizenship and the university you choose.
- EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not pay tuition fees for higher education in Sweden.
- Non-EU and non-EEA students typically pay tuition fees that vary by institution, so check the programme page for exact figures.
- Living costs include housing, food, study materials, and insurance, which require a monthly budget set by the national immigration authority.
Follow the application timeline
Sweden has a centralised application system for most universities, which keeps the process straightforward.
- Applications for autumn intake usually open in the autumn of the prior year and close in January.
- Submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and portfolio well before the deadline listed on the central admissions portal.
- Non-EU students must also apply for a residence permit for studies after receiving an admission offer and paying the first tuition instalment.
Common questions
Can I work while studying graphic design in Sweden?
Yes, international students can work alongside their studies without a separate work permit, but finding a flexible job requires basic Swedish in many cases.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
Several universities and the Swedish Institute offer scholarships that cover tuition fees or living expenses for qualified fee-paying students. Check the scholarship's own site for criteria.
Do I need to speak Swedish to study graphic design?
No, many master programmes and select bachelor courses are taught entirely in English, though everyday life in Sweden is easier with some local language skills.
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.
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.