study phd for free in sweden

PhD studies at Stockholm University

Stockholm University stands as an attractive destination for those considering PhD studies. With a strong commitment to research excellence and a growing network of international collaborations, the university offers a favourable environment for advanced research and academic growth.

Stockholm University has a long tradition of research excellence spanning various fields of study, both in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Many faculty members are at the forefront of their respective disciplines, producing influential research that addresses pressing global challenges and contributing to the shaping of industries, policies and societies.

Doctoral students are employees

Moreover, Stockholm University recognizes international collaborations as an essential part of scientific research, thus actively fosters partnerships with esteemed institutions and scholars from around the world. This global perspective enriches the academic experience for PhD candidates, providing valuable insights and opportunities for cross-cultural engagement.

• Stockholm University is one of the 100 highest-ranked universities in the world and one of the top 50 universities in Europe
• We offer a wide range of research subjects within science and human science
• There are no tuition fees for doctoral education in Sweden
• Doctoral students are employees at SU and  receive salary and other standard benefits of employment.

Available PhD positions

As the academia constitutes the cradle of knowledge, I am proud of being part of this community which actively contributes in the generation of innovative ideas which target to solve everyday problems. I also enjoy the close connection to the industry in Sweden.

- Varvara Apostolopoulou Kalkavoura

Read the full interview with Varvara

Doctoral studies in Sweden

Our doctoral studies take four years and result in a degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the highest academic degree in Sweden. During this period you will both take advanced courses in your field of interest and work in a original research project.  However, after two years, you might have the possibility to take an intermediate degree of licentiate.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to PhD studies, you need to meet the general entry requirements, the specific entry requirements, and have the ability to successfully complete your studies.

General entry requirements include a completed master’s degree from a Swedish university or at least 240 higher education credits including at least 60 at the master’s level, or the corresponding international equivalents.

Institutions may have specific eligibility requirements. Verify the requirements for your area of interest with the relevant institution.

How to apply

One thing that differentiates PhD programmes at Stockholm University and Sweden from those elsewhere is that most of our PhD students are treated like full employees of the university. PhD positions are posted alongside other jobs on our website and applications are made for specific positions. PhD positions can be announced once or twice per year, depending on funding availability.

Before sending your application, you can check the department’s website for further information about the faculty and the possibilities connected with the PhD position. You can also find specific information about the application process in the announce for the position, along with the contact person if you have further questions.

There is usually an opportunity to apply for doctoral studies both in the autumn and spring. On the institutions' websites about doctoral studies, you can find the specific dates applicable to that institution. You can also see the current doctoral positions advertised. 

Find available PhD vacancies at Stockholm University

Funding and financing doctoral studies

In most cases, doctoral students are treated as employees at Stockholm University, which means they receive a salary and other standard benefits of employment.  There is even the possibility for you to extend your period of studies by working with teaching or administrative tasks within your department, up to 20% of a full-time position, which can result in a full extra year of employment as PhD student.

However, it is possible to pursue doctoral studies at Stockholm University also in case you have an external scholarship or special agreement with a company or other external employers. In these special cases, you will be subject to your employer-specific conditions only, and be considered solely a student at Stockholm University.

Residence permits (if applicable)

If you are an international student from a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland and you plan to pursue a PhD in Sweden, you will need a residence permit to study in the country. The residence permit is required for stays longer than three months.

You will find more information on the Swedish Migration Agency's website:

Residence permit for doctoral studies

Faculty information

Faculty of science.

Research at the Faculty of Science covers broad knowledge areas, ranging from the elementary particles of atomic nuclei to the outermost limits of the universe, for example. Several of the faculty's institutions have been behind discoveries and scientific breakthroughs that receive recognition worldwide.

The Stockholm University BioResearch School organizes PhD courses for students at any of the Biology departments at SU no matter their subject area.

Stockholm University BioResearch School

Faculty of Humanities

Research in the humanities maintains high quality, with a wide range of subjects, allowing university researchers to engage in collaborative efforts across scientific domains. Philosophy, history, art and literary studies, journalism, linguistics, and Swedish as a second language for the deaf are examples of subjects in which research is conducted.

Those admitted to doctoral education have the opportunity to participate in the Faculty of Humanities Research School.

Faculty of Humanities Research School

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law achieves nationally leading and internationally outstanding research. The researcher's freedom characterizes the scientific work. Legal discussions are expected to be lively, open, and ongoing.

Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences conducts qualified and high-quality research within its various established disciplines and interdisciplinary research fields. Strong connections to current challenges for society and politics generate central research questions.

The Faculty of Social Sciences offers doctoral education courses for those admitted to an institution belonging to the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Doctoral Education Courses

Research subjects at Stockholm University

Research infrastructures at Stockholm University

The departments provide education at the PhD level

The individual departments often publish specific information doctoral studies programmes at their respective website.  All institutions offering education at the PhD level are categorized into the following fields: humanities, languages, social sciences, and law, as well as natural sciences.

Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies

• General Archaeology
• Ancient Culture and Society
• Laboratory Archaeology
• Osteoarchaeology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies

Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

• Languages and Cultures of Asia
• Languages and Cultures of the Middle East

Doctoral studies at the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Department of Culture and Aesthetics

• History of Ideas
• Art History
• Literary Studies
• Theatre Studies
• Media and Communication Studies
• Fashion Studies
• Film Studies

Doctoral studies at the Department of Culture and Aesthetics

Department of History

Doctoral studies at the Department of History

Department of Philosophy

• Practical Philosophy
• Theoretical Philosophy

Doctoral studies at the Department of Philosophy

Department of Teaching and Learning

• Didactics of Mathematics
• Didactics of Natural Sciences
• Language Didactics
• Subject Didactics with a focus on the didactics of aesthetic, humanistic, or social science subjects

Doctoral studies at the Department of Teaching and Learning

Department of English

Doctoral studies at the Department of English

Department of Linguistics

• Linguistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Linguistics

Department of Romance and Classical Languages

• Romance Languages
• Classical Languages

Doctoral studies at the Department of Romance and Classical Languages

Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German

• Baltic Languages
• Slavic Languages

Doctoral studies at the Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German

Department of Swedish Language and Multilingualism

• Nordic Languages
• Bilingualism
• Translation Studies

Doctoral studies at the Department of Swedish Language and Multilingualism

Social sciences and law

Department of child and youth studies.

• Child and Youth Studies
• Preschool Didactics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Child and Youth Studies

Department of Computer and Systems Sciences

• Computer and Systems Sciences
• Information Society

Doctoral studies at the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences

Department of Criminology

• Criminology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Criminology

Department of Economic History and International Relations

• Economic History
• International Relations

Doctoral studies at the Department of Economic History and International Relations

Department of Economics

Doctoral studies is provided in collaboration with:

Institute for International Economic Studies (IIES)

Swedish institute for social research (sofi).

Programs at the doctoral level at the Department of Economics

Department of Education 

Doctoral studies at the Department of Education

Department of Human Geography

• Geography with a Cultural Geography focus

Doctoral studies at the Department of Human Geography

Department of Political Science

• Political Science

Doctoral studies at the Department of Political Science

Department of Psychology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Psychology

Department of Public Health Sciences

• Public Health Sciences

Doctoral studies at the Department of Public Health Science

Department of Social Anthropology

• Social Anthropology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Social Anthropology

Department of Sociology

• Sociological Demography

Studies at the doctoral level at the Department of Sociology

Department of Social Work

• Social Work

Doctoral studies at the Department of Social Work

Department of Special Education

• Special Education

Doctoral studies at the Department of Special Education

Department of Statistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Statistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Teaching and Learnin

• International Economics
• Research and higher education in economics

Doctoral studies in Economics

Stockholm Business School

• Business Administration
• Financial Economics

Doctoral studies at Stockholm Business School

• Doctoral candidates at SOFI are enrolled in either the Department of Sociology or the Department of Economics.

Doctoral studies at the Swedish Institute for Social Research

Department of Law

• Jurisprudence

Doctoral studies at the Department of Law  

Natural Sciences

Department of ecology, environment and plant sciences.

• Ecology and Evolution
• Ecotoxicology
• Marine Biology
• Plant Physiology
• Plant Systematics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences  

Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute

• Molecular Biosciences

Doctoral studies at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute

Department of Zoology

• Functional Zoomorphology
• Population Genetics
• Zoological Ecology
• Zoological Systematics and Evolution

Doctoral studies at the Department of Zoology

Stockholm Resilience Centre

• Sustainability Science

Doctoral studies at Stockholm Resilience Centre

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Department of geological sciences.

• Geochemistry
• Marine Geology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Geological Sciences  

Department of Environmental Science

• Environmental Science

Doctoral studies at the Department of Environmental Science

Department of Physical Geography

• Physical Geography

Doctoral studies at the Department of Physical Geography

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Biophysics

• Biochemistry
• Biochemistry towards bioinformatics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics  

Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry

• Analytical Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Neurochemistry with Molecular biology
• Inorganic Chemistry

Doctoral studies at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry  

Department of Organic Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry

Doctoral studies at the Department of Organic Chemistry

Math/Physics

Department of physics.

• Chemical Physics
• Medical Radiation Physics
• Theoretical Physics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Physics  

Department of Astronomy

Doctoral studies at the Department of Astronomy  

Department of Mathematics

• Computational Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Statistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Mathematics

Department of Meteorology

• Atmospheric Science and Oceanography

Doctoral studies at the Department of Meteorology

For a general study plan in any natural science subject, please contact  [email protected].

The graduation ceremony

Every year, over 200 PhD students defend their thesis at Stockholm Universit, and get a chance to celebrate their achievement at the Stockholm City Hall.

Opportunities abroad for PhD students

There are several ways to participate in international mobility experiences during your PhD studies.

Find possible exchange opportunities for PhD students here

Available PhD Student Positions

On the employee web portal PhD students will find more detailed information about the dissertation defence process .

Last updated: February 6, 2024

Source: Offices of Human Science and Science, Communications Office and Student Services

• International website
• Find courses
• Find research
• Find organisation

Doctoral studies

Doctoral studies are an important part of the University’s mission and responsibility and, as a doctoral student, you will be making important contributions to research at the University of Gothenburg. Doctoral studies allow you to develop a deeper understanding of a scientific field of study and are provided free of charge in Sweden.

Doctoral studies comprise of 240 credits, equivalent to four years of full-time studies, and leads to a Degree of Doctor. It is also possible to finish your studies with a Degree of Licentiate (120 credits) after two years of full-time studies. Doctoral studies are divided into two parts: doctoral courses and an individual research project. The structure of your doctoral studies depends on the general syllabus for the subject you are admitted to and by your individual study plan that you establish together with your supervisor and your doctoral examiner.

How to apply to doctoral studies

Doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg

Study support for students with disabilities.

Doctoral students with documented permanent disabilities are eligible for different forms of study support. Examples of this are note-taking support, adapted course literature,  adjusted assessments, mentoring, and software that can make reading and writing easier.

Doctoral studies at the faculties

• The Faculty of Science
• School of Business, Economics and Law
• Faculty of Humanities
• The Artistic Faculty
• The Sahlgrenska Academy
• Faculty of Social Science
• Faculty of Education

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Lund University

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Doctoral studies

Start your academic career with us and make a difference

World-class research, outstanding research staff and specialised research environments at Lund University create excellent conditions for doctoral students.

As a doctoral student at Lund University, you will not only be well prepared for a successful career as an independent researcher, but you will also have the possibility to publish your work independently during your studies and to gain significant teaching experience.

• Lund University offers doctoral education in all nine faculties
• There are no tuition fees for doctoral education at Lund University
• You apply directly to the relevant faculty/department when they advertise a doctoral position
• Self-funded doctoral students should contact the department of their research interest directly.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to a doctoral programme, you need to have completed courses of at least 240 credits (of which at least 60 credits must be for Master’s level studies) or acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way.

In most cases, students will hold a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, with a major in the same subject as the intended postgraduate study. The major must include a degree thesis presenting the results of independent research.

The quality of your thesis/theses is of particular importance and it is important that you demonstrate a capacity for independent thinking in this piece of work.

Students must have a very good command of English and you may be asked to include proof of proficiency in the form of a TOEFL or IELTS test, if requested by the individual department.

Admission rules for doctoral education at Lund University | 2022 (PDF 249 kB, new tab)

Applying for a doctoral (PhD) position

Doctoral education is organised at the faculty or department level. Application procedures and periods differ between faculties and departments. While some of them advertise their doctoral positions around the same time every year, mostly in spring, others advertise their positions on an ongoing basis.

You apply for a doctoral education position within a certain subject area. Admission to a doctoral education position is restricted and competition for advertised positions is usually tough.

Finding a suitable position

Any funded doctoral positions at Lund University are advertised on our vacancies page on this website (see link below). Select the category 'Doctoral students'.

Once you have found a position you are interested in, carefully read through the vacancy announcement to find out whether you meet the requirements.

Before you apply, we recommend that you also check the relevant faculty's or department's website for any additional information about the application process.

Should you have any questions about a specific position, please contact the contact person(s) listed in the vacancy announcement.

Find PhD vacancies

How to apply

To apply for a doctoral position, you must create an account in the recruitment system Varbi.

Follow the instructions regarding application documents and procedure in the vacancy announcement.

The application documents that you submit through Varbi, including any supporting documents, are sent directly to the faculty or department that advertised the position. 

If you are self-funded through external scholarships or funding, you do not need to create an account in Varbi. You should instead make direct contact with the relevant faculty or department. 

Applying for a position

Employment as a doctoral student

As a general rule, a person admitted to doctoral studies at Lund University is employed through a doctoral studentship.

If you have a doctoral studentship, you are considered to be both a student and an employee with a salary during your doctoral studies. As an employed doctoral student, you are covered by local and central agreements concerning your terms of employment.

In parallel to the doctoral education programme, as a doctoral student you may work with administrative and teaching duties (no more than 20% of a full-time position).

Lund University is responsible for education-related matters and the study environment regardless of how you finance your doctoral studies. All doctoral students also have access to the University’s Occupational Health Service.

Other forms of financing

It is possible to undertake your studies using another form of financing, such as an external scholarship or an agreement between Lund University and an external employer.

Financed by external employer

If you are admitted to doctoral studies and have a position with an employer other than Lund University, you are solely a student, and it is the employer who is responsible for employer-related matters.

External scholarships

As a doctoral student with a scholarship, you are solely a student. You are therefore not entitled to contractual employment benefits at Lund University.

In some cases, a doctoral student with a scholarship is entitled to apply for a doctoral studentship when three years remain of the third-cycle studies.

Doctoral studies – faculty information

On the faculties' webpages for prospective doctoral students you can get specific and detailed information application procedures, admission requirements for various subjects, study plans and more.

• Faculty of Engineering (LTH)
• Faculty of Fine and Performing Arts
• Faculties of Humanities and Theology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Economics and Management (LUSEM)

Residence permits (if applicable)

If you require a residence permit, you can only complete your permit application after you receive a letter of acceptance from Lund University. Residence permit applications are dealt with by the Swedish Migration Agency.

Resi­dence permit for doctoral studies – migrationsverket.se

About doctoral studies

A doctoral programme consists of 240 ECTS credits and normally requires four years of full-time study. The programme concludes with a doctoral thesis of at least 120 credits.

A 'licentiate' degree is equivalent to half the coursework required for a full doctoral programme and a licentiate thesis of at least 60 credits. It is equivalent to the MPhil of the British education system.

The following links are to the Swedish Council for Higher Education website:

• Degree of Doctor
• Degree of Doctor in the fine, applied and performing arts 
• Degree of Licentiate 
• Degree of Licentiate in the fine, applied and performing arts

Related links

• Institutes and research centres
• Research excellence areas
• Find research at Lund University
• Services for LU researchers

Doctoral student vacancies

Check out our vacancies page regularly to find open doctoral positions.

Doctoral conferment ceremony

The ceremonial highlight of the academic year.

Postgraduate research schools

Additional development opportunities for doctoral students and postdocs.

Study in Sweden for free: What you need to know

You might be interested in this:

• School of Health and Welfare
• School of Education and Communication
• School of Engineering
• Jönköping International Business School
• Jönköping University Enterprise
• University Library
• Current student

Doctoral Programmes

Jönköping University offers Doctoral Programmes in English, available for international students with the required qualifications. Doctoral education is conducted at all four schools and the university has about 203 doctoral students.

Jönköping International Business School offers Doctoral Programmes entirely conducted in English. At the School of Education and Communication, the School of Engineering and the School of Health and Welfare Doctoral programmes are conducted in English when required.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Jönköping University is entitled to award Licentiate and Doctoral degrees within the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Subjects for research studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Business Administration, Disability Research, Education with Specialisation in Didactics, Economics, Education, Health and Care Sciences, Media and Communication Studies, Education with Specialisation in Special Education, Statistics, and Welfare and Social Sciences.

Engineering

The University is also entitled to award Licentiate and Doctoral Degrees in Engineering, research area: Industrial Product Realisation.

Content updated 2022-07-05

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PhD in Sweden: ...

PhD in Sweden: A Complete Guide to Study PhD in Sweden for International Students

A PhD in Sweden is the highest level of educational qualification in Sweden. A PhD degree can be completed in 4 years of full-time study whereas you will graduate with a licentiate degree after 2 years of full-time study which is equivalent to MPhil of the British education system. Around 70% of the research in Sweden is privately financed and the remaining 30% is public funded. Research programs in Sweden are quite competitive and to be admitted as doctoral students you must fulfill the entry requirements, have good English language proficiency and also demonstrate strong interest and ability to cope with the program.

Sweden provides a specialized environment for doctoral education. One of the main highlights of a PhD in Sweden is that it is free of cost for all students including non-EU/ EEA students. Along with the doctoral program, you will work as administrative or teaching staff at the university which is equivalent to not more than 20% of the full-time position. If you are planning to study PhD in Sweden, read this guide to get information regarding top universities, PhD programs in Sweden, PhD requirements in Sweden, top universities, cost of studying, funding opportunities and more.

Why Study PhD in Sweden?

Before diving deep into the details of PhD in Sweden for Indian students, let us take a look at reasons why studying PhD in Sweden is preferable:

• Home to reputed institutions: Sweden is home to some historical institutions that enjoy world-class reputation as leaders of research especially in the field of Medicine, Health, Life Sciences among others.
• No tuition fees: Yes, you read it right. Sweden does not charge any tuition fee for PhD from students of any nationality. It is one of the top reasons why international students prefer studying PhD in Sweden.
• Progressive country: Sweden is quite a progressive country with high tech research facilities, promotes growth mindset and provides a very supportive environment for creative thinkers.

Suggested: Get acquainted with the education system of Sweden!

Popular Specializations for PhD in Sweden

Sweden is known for its world class research and about 3% of the country’s GDP is dedicated to research and innovation. All the 17 public universities in Sweden and 14 private universities in Sweden contribute significantly to research. Almost 30% of the research is carried out at top universities in Sweden for PhD. Sweden is home to some top pharmaceutical giants Astrazeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Bayer and more. Some key areas of research in Sweden are:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology
• Sustainable energy
• Environmental technology
• Life sciences

Top PhD Colleges and Universities in Sweden

Sweden is home to 8 universities that ranked in QS rankings 2022 which also has a very high research output. Though rankings of institutions are not relevant for research, it will definitely help you in understanding the area of specializations of the university. Take a look at the table below to learn about top universities in Sweden for PhD:

How to Apply for a PhD in Sweden?

The process to apply for PhD in Sweden is somewhat different than applying for bachelor’s or master’s in Sweden . Take a look at the steps in the application process to study PhD in Sweden:

• You will have to apply directly to the universities in Sweden for PhD as there is no centralized application portal for PhD admission in Sweden.
• Start by looking for projects advertised by top universities in Sweden for PhD if you are interested in STEM subjects or go ahead with your project ideas for PhD in Education in Sweden or research in the areas of Arts, Humanities and Social Science.
• Depending on your area of interest, check whether you fulfill the PhD requirements in Sweden.
• Universities in Sweden for PhD set their own entry requirements and also specify the procedure for applying.
• Complete your application for PhD admission in Sweden and prepare all supporting documents.
• Track the progress of your application and wait for the admission decision.
• You may be invited to an interview regarding your research proposal.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Sweden

The Sweden PhD requirements are set by individual universities. The general eligibility criteria to study PhD in Sweden are:

• Educational qualifications
• Proof of English language proficiency

Research experience

• Residence permit
• Health insurance

Let us discuss the eligibility criteria to be met for admission to PhD programs in Sweden:

Educational Qualifications

To apply for PhD in Sweden, you will need a second-cycle qualification i.e. a master’s degree in a related field is recommended especially if you wish to apply for funding. You must have completed courses of at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits must be for a master's degree.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Swedish universities offer PhD in English so if English is not your first language, you must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of language proficiency. There is no need to be proficient in Swedish language to study in Sweden. The minimum English language proficiency scores recommended for admission are:

• IELTS score: Overall 6.5, no band less than 5.5
• TOEFL-iBT: Overall 90, with minimum 20 in written test

Having some previous research or work experience in a field related to your research proposal can immensely help you in the application and selection process.

Residence Permit

International students need to apply for a residence permit to study in Sweden for programs longer than 90 days. To apply for residence permits, you will need to provide copies of your passports, proof of finances, educational qualifications, etc. You can apply for a residence permit after receiving a letter of acceptance from the university where you have been admitted.

Health Insurance

After coming to Sweden, all students will require health insurance. Your university may cover the health insurance as a part of funding for international students.

Suggested: Complete guide on student visa of Sweden!

Cost of Studying PhD in Sweden

Having learned about the Sweden PhD requirements, let us take a look at the cost of studying PhD in Sweden. The cost of studying for a PhD in Sweden includes tuition fees and cost of living.

• One major relief for students applying for PhD in Sweden is that there is absolutely no tuition fees for all students irrespective of their nationality.
• Universities in Sweden for PhD don’t even charge application fees.
• So clearly you are only left with the living expenses which is around 8,568 SEK per month on an average. This can differ depending on your preferences and location in Sweden.
• Usually, the rent of accommodation ranges between 2,500-6,500 SEK per month which is a major expense and you will find costlier accommodation in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg compared to other places.

Suggested: Estimated cost of living in Sweden for international students!  

Funding Opportunities for Studying PhD in Sweden

Funding options include applying for various scholarships and bursaries awarded by universities in Sweden for PhD. As a general practice, doctoral students in Sweden are regarded as employees at most universities. Here is how this works:

• You will be applying for doctoral positions available and universities offer them departmental administration service or teaching.
• With an employment contract, you will be entitled to a salary which is commonly known as a study grant.
• You can expect to get 1500 SEK as a study grant while studying PhD in Sweden for international students.
• The Swedish government funds third-cycle education programs through direct government funding, government agencies, research councils, public research foundations and municipalities.

PhD in Sweden for international students is a lucrative option. Sweden happens to be a research and development intensive country in the world and an ideal location for young and innovative minds. There are various areas of specializations for pursuing research in Sweden which ensures opportunities for all. Post completion of Phd, you can apply for work permit in Sweden ! 

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in Sweden

Is PhD in Sweden free?

Yes, PhD in Sweden is free for all students irrespective of their nationality. You will not be charged any tuition or application fee for PhD. The only expense you will be paying is the cost of living.

Is it hard to get a PhD in Sweden for Indian students?

PhD in Sweden is recognized worldwide. Therefore, expect stiff competition when it comes to selection of candidates. The application process is quite simple and open to all candidates. Try to maintain a research-oriented background from the beginning that will help you in being a suitable match for the position, if you wish to pursue PhD in Sweden.

Is a PhD in Sweden a job for students?

Yes, it can be said that a PhD in Sweden is a job for students. You are applying for a doctoral position rather than just a doctoral program and some part of your program will include administrative or teaching work.

Are international students allowed to stay in Sweden after PhD?

Once you have a residence permit for doctoral studies for four out of the last seven years and are employed in Sweden, you can apply for a permanent residence permit to stay in Sweden after PhD.

What are the top areas of research in Sweden?

The top areas of research in Sweden include healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, sustainable energy, environmental technology, etc.

Sumeet Jain

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4 best tuition-free universities in Sweden for int’l students

Let’s face it: it is expensive to study in Sweden. On average, you can expect to pay  8,824.05 Swedish krona per month (1 krona is approximately US$0.093 at the time of writing) to live in what looks like a frosty utopia — and that is not including your rent and tuition fees.

Your cost of living also depends on the place you intend to study. Take, Stockholm, for example. Rent can soar up to 6,518 krona s and tuition fees at universities in Stockholm average at around US$17,400 (that’s about 18,6247 Swedish kronas). In Malmö, expect to spend 6,585 to 8,252 krona on rent and average tuition fees at Malmo University — one of two universities in the city — start from 106,200 krona  per year.

Don’t be discouraged, though. If you are on a tight budget, consider tuition-free universities. International students from the European Economic Area (EEA), European Union (EU), and those with a permanent Swedish residence permit do not pay for tuition at Swedish universities. For those outside these countries, tuition range from US$9,000 to US$17,000 — still far cheaper than tuition fees in the UK and US.

With a bit of digging, here are the best tuition-free universities in Sweden that students outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland can consider:

Sweden is home to some of the most popular names, including Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg, an environmental activist. Source: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP

Best tuition-free universities for international students in Sweden

Linköping university.

Linköping University, more commonly known as LiU, is a public university based in southern Swedish city known for its two canals, a bloody history, a cool university and successful hockey and football teams. It was the sixth university founded in Sweden and was granted full university status in 1975.

Today, LiU is one of the  world’s 200 best universities in education, electrical and electronic engineering, materials science, and sociology. Many companies have their roots in LiU’s research or are founded by LiU alumni. 

Like most unis in Sweden, students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not pay for tuition. The same applies to those with a permanent Swedish residence permit.

For those not from these countries, you will have to pay 900 krona for your application fees (which is standard for all Swedish universities), and tuition fees range between 80,000 to 136,0000 krona, (approximately US$7,490 to US$ 12,7344).

Uppsala University

When it comes to tuition-free universities in Sweden, Uppsala University ranks among one of the best. As one of the first Nordic universities, it is divided into three disciplines: humanities and social sciences, medicine and pharmacy, and science and technology.

Thanks to their research-led teaching, you will experience the highest standards of intellectual rigour. Some of their graduates include  15 Nobel Prize laureates — eight of whom received prizes for discoveries made during their time at Uppsala University. 

Depending on the chosen programme, one semester or full-time study will cost students outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland between 50,000 to 72,500 Swedish kronas. 

Stockholm School of Economics is near the city’s many gems, including the iconic city hall. Source: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP

Stockholm School of Economics

Located in the city district of Vasastaden, Stockholm School of Economics is one of Europe’s leading business schools. Its programmes are developed in close cooperation with research and business communities and are delivered in English. 

Vasastaden is situated in the central part of Stockholm, considered one of the most  modern and open cities in the world . From its iconic city hall to the world’s first open-air museum, you are one step away from discovering the city’s gems.

Generally, you can expect to pay  150,000 to 165,000 krona for a master’s programme if you are not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. However, the school offers generous full and partial scholarships  for those who wish to pursue an MSc programme.  

Malmö University

Malmo University is one of the younger universities in Sweden. Founded in 1998, the university is located in the heart of the city of Malmö – ranked fourth on Forbes’s list of the most inventive cities in the world. At its core, the university is characterised by a multidisciplinary, challenge-based approach to education, research, and collaboration.

Here, programmes often include  internship elements and project work  in close cooperation with regional authorities, local initiatives and international companies. As a  global campus , they house 1,800 international students and deliver their undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in English.

An education at Malmo University will cost students outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland 80,000 to 425,000 Swedish krona. 

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• Business Administration

PhD program in Business Administration

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The PhD program in Business Administration (240 ECTS) has a history of over 50 years. Our overall purpose is to give the doctoral student a deepened and broadened theoretical and methodological knowledge, alongside the experience of having completed a substantial piece of original scientific work.

The conferral of the PhD in Business Administration signifies that the candidate has attained expert competence in a major field of study.

The PhD program in Business Administration is divided into four different specializations:

• Accounting and Managerial Finance
• Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology
• Management & Organization
• Marketing, Strategy & International Business

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Study PhD in Sweden - Eligibility Criteria & Funding Options

How to study phd in sweden.

Phd in Sweden

1. Why study Ph.D. in the SWEDEN?

Sweden is an admired choice for international Ph.D. If your Ph.D.’s goal is to produce real and influential work of design Sweden might be a good place for it. The Ph.D. study refers to the highest level of academic achievement for students in Swedish universities. Similar to Scandinavian neighbors, Sweden is also a very liberal, developing, and cohesive country that supports LGBT rights and welcomes foreign students and visitors.

When it comes to creativity, you should also expect a more informal atmosphere where you do not have to worry about protocol and even address professors with their first name. Swedish PhDs are funded by an external organization, such as a university or government department or organization. There is a shortage of places, so the application process is very competitive, so you need a good portfolio and numbers. Students who choose Sweden are fascinated by Open Minded Swedes, their great English skills, environmental friendliness, and also their high living standards. Add to this the fact that the educational culture here is 500 years old and there is great social equality for all and it is difficult to put Sweden on your study map.

Sweden's stands as the abode of the Nobel Prize (with 32 winners) recognizes research, brilliance, and innovation and reflects its prominent history of awarding the prize.

Swedish doctoral programs usually do not charge any tuition fees for their students. Sweden universities specialize in medicine, biology, and related disciplines in the contemporary rankings.

2. Eligibility:

Age Limit: There are no such age restrictions but the average age for Ph.D. completion is approximately 35 years in Sweden.

Qualification: The minimal qualification is usually a bachelor’s degree in a particular subject, but a master's degree is a requirement - especially if you are applying for funding.

Work experience: If you are applying for a standard Ph.D. minimum of four years of work (equal to 240 ECTS credits) are required.

Admission tests: Requires a good score in IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language).

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3. Duration of Ph.D. in the SWEDEN:

Ph.D. in Sweden demands for a total of 4 years of full-time study. Although, students can graduate with a license degree after two years of study.

4. Funding for a Ph.D. program in the SWEDEN:

The Swedish Institute (SI) is a major source of Ph.D. funding for international students in Sweden. They offer scholarships to students from certain regions, which includes Turkey, the Balkans, and also including the Baltic. There is a published pay scale, but different programs pay for different levels - for example, medical students earn more. Supplementary funds may be available from universities in Sweden or from specific educational institutions and research charities related to one's field of study.

5. Prospects of studying Ph.D. program in the SWEDEN:

Extremely good! Sweden is one of the best performing higher education institutions in Europe in terms of university rankings. Sweden is a multicultural and integrated country with plenty of chances for talented Ph.D. graduates to apply their skills and expertise. Ph.D. and postdoc salary is determined by the collective salary agreement. Currently, the starting salary of a Ph.D. student is 26400 Swedish kronor (SEK) per month, which increases by the year and reaches 31400 SEK per month. The study of the fine arts at the Ph.D. level is new in Sweden and is currently offered by only three Swedish universities. For these programs, prophecy includes artwork such as paintings, sculptures, music, etc., as well as a written theory.

6. Top Ph.D. courses in the SWEDEN:

The top Ph.D. courses in Sweden are:

Ph.D. in Maritime affairs

Ph.D. in Business administration

Ph.D. in Economics

Ph.D. in Finance

PhDs in Science

PhDs in Technology

PhDs in Engineering and Mathematics

Students do not need a visa to study in Sweden as a Ph.D. student. Students from outside the European Union, EEA, and the Nordic Group should formally apply for a residence permit to study in Sweden for more than three months.

8. Conclusion

All in all, Sweden makes an excellent place for pursuing a Ph.D. course. It has all the specifications like low costs and good job prospects making it an ideal place to study in.

If you want to study abroad, contact Whizstorm for the best international career plans.

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Apply to courses and programmes in all of Sweden

Find detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to complete and submit an application for master's studies in Sweden.

If you're interested in bachelor's studies, find step-by-step instructions on how to apply to University Admissions.

A successful admissions process means meeting deadlines. Find out all the important dates for your application.

Wondering where to start with the admissions process?

Take a look at our guide to what you need to do, when - and where

Your most frequently asked questions

When will i find out if i've been offered a place if i was on reserve or submitted a late application.

It's difficult to say if and when an applicant on reserve (waiting list) or with a late application will find out if they've been offered a place:

• universities offer places to people on reserve as they become available. It's impossible to say if places will open in a course or programme as an accepted applicant needs to decline their place for it to be made available.
• late applicants may be considered if there are still places available after all reserves have been contacted.  

After selection, if the university decides to offer you admission, you'll receive an email along with a new Notification of Selection Results. In most cases, the university will be in touch with you directly.

In some cases, you won't hear from the university until after the semester starts.

If you do not wish to keep your place, you should decline your offer. This will remove you from the university's class and contact list for the course and make the space available to other interested applicants.

If you wish to keep your place, you do not need to reply to your offer. All contact from this point on should be directly between you and your university.

I've submitted my electronic application, what more is required?

In order to complete your admissions application, there are several things we need from you:

• Documentation of your previous studies
• Proof of English skills
• Payment of the application fee (if required)
• Documentation of your citizenship status in an EU/EEA country (if you're a citizen)

For more information, please see the following links:

Bachelor's studies documentation requirements

Master's studies documentation requirements

English language requirements

Paying your application fee

Documenting your EU/EEA citizenship

My application status is ’Unqualified’. What does that mean?

The application status ‘Unqualified’ means that you don’t fulfil the general entry requirements. You haven’t submitted complete documentation by the supporting documentation deadline.

The status is not a final admissions result.

If you believe you meet the general entry requirements, you can submit further documentation as proof. Any documents you submit at this stage won’t be assessed until after the admission results have been published.

What can I do if I really want to study one of my lower ranked courses or programmes?

You can change the ranking of your courses and programmes up until the application deadline. 

If it's after the application deadline, you cannot change your ranking.

However, you can delete courses and programmes up until the first selection. This process takes places a few days before the admissions results are published. The lower ranked courses and programmes will then move up the ranking. Your application will still be considered to be timely. 

You can also reapply for the lower ranked course/programme after the admissions results have been published on Universityadmissions.se. There are a few things to keep in mind:

• Please note that you may only reapply for courses that were deleted because of ranking and NOT because you weren't qualified.
• If you reapply for a lower ranked course or programme, you may be competing for a limited number of places and there's no guarantee that you will be offered one. 

More information can be found at Reapplying to courses and programs.

I submitted documents after the deadline and my application was deleted even though I believe I am qualified. What do I have to do?

University Admissions doesn’t register documents received after the deadline until admissions results have been published. During that time, we review the applications that were on-time.

After admissions results are published, if a course was deleted because you didn’t meet the entry requirements – but you believe you do meet them based on the late documents you submitted – you must reapply for the course. You can do this by completing these steps:

• send us an email at University Admissions  after admissions results are published , explaining that you’d like to reapply
• in the letter, include the application code(s) for the courses you wish to reapply for and indicate in what order you wish to rank them
• you can submit your documents at any time.

You can read more at  reapplying for courses and programmes

Do I have to reply to my admissions offer?

If you applied in the first round.

If you applied to the First round, you're not required to reply to your admissions offer here on Universityadmissions.se. However, please note that the university that you've been accepted to may require you to reply to them. Be sure to follow any instructions given to you by your university.

We hope that you'll choose to study in Sweden! However, if you decide not to accept the place you've been offered, please be sure to decline it here on Universityadmissions.se. In that way, you let the university know you won't be attending and free up the place for someone on the waiting list.

Key dates for First and Second round

If you applied in the Second round

If you applied to the Second round, you must reply to your admissions offer. You can do that right here at Universityadmissions.se.

Find out more about replying

From application to results

There are several steps and decisions that are made during the processing of your admissions application. Find out more about them - and what you can do after each one.

Find out what you need to submit

Find out what documents you need to complete your master's application

All courses taught in English have an English requirement. Find out what that is - and the ways you can meet the requirement.

Degree programmes

No swedish no problem. we’ve got so many programmes taught entirely in english. thousands actually. 😁.

We don’t pay much attention to ranking lists, but it seems like they always keep track of us. Our higher education system is ranked as one of the best in the world. And the best part? You don’t even need to speak Swedish to make the most of what we have to offer.

What can you study? Well, almost anything…

We offer loads of programmes . Thousands. At all levels too – bachelor’s, master’s, PhD. And you can pretty much study any subject in English.

…but there are a few exceptions.

And here they are. You can’t study to become a clinical doctor 👩🏻‍⚕️ or nurse or dentist. Or a vet. Nor can you take a programme to become a teacher. 👨🏽‍🏫 Not in English at least. But if you’re fluent in Swedish? Now that’s another story. Head on over to Antagning.se ↗️ to get the ball rolling.

“Studying and living in Sweden has opened up a world of professional, personal, and academic possibilities”

Kick-start your university studies in Sweden. 🙌🏿

Great choice, if you ask us. 😊 And you’ve got over 100 bachelor’s programmes taught entirely in English to choose from.

What can you expect?

Well, it’ll take you three years, for starters. And at the end of it, you’ll have a degree worth 180 ECTS credits. What else? Oh, and you can look forward to having a lot of freedom and responsibility for your own learning right from day one.

+ - Apply for a bachelor’s programme

Know what you want to study? Wicked. So far, so good. You’ve got to get a few things sorted now. And we’ve made it easy for you. Here’s how to apply .

Still in high-school? You might not be able to apply yet.

Hold up. You’ll need to have finished your studies before you can apply. But be sure to check out what Universityadmissions.se ↗️ has to say about it.

“I knew exactly which master’s programme I wanted to do. And it happened to be in Sweden. And Sweden really has brought out the best version of myself” – Marina, Uppsala University. Photo: Oskar Omne

You’ve finished your bachelor’s degree. Why not study a master’s in Sweden?

And you have over 1,000 master’s programmes to choose from. You’ll find one-year (60 ECTS credits) and two-year (120 ECTS credits) programmes. What’s the difference? They’re both master’s programmes. And you’ll take advanced courses, write a master’s thesis, and graduate with a master’s degree, no matter which length of programme you take. But the one-year programme simply won’t cover as much material as a two-year programme.

+ - Apply for a master’s programme

Found your dream programme? Sweet. So what’s next? You’ve got some stuff to sort out before you apply – like checking requirements, getting your documents together. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a guide for how you apply .

“The non-hierarchical and equal study conditions have helped me develop, work with freedom, and given me space to explore”

And what about PhD programmes? Yep, we’ve got plenty of those too.

But the application process is slightly different. Why? We’ll not go into too much detail right now though. But here’s a hint – they’re fully-paid positions .

• What's it like to study business in Sweden? ↗️
• 👩‍💻 👨🏽‍🔬 What can I study in Sweden? Pretty much anything...
• Avoid these mistakes when choosing a programme ↗️