Erasmus in Sweden: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

If you’re going to do your Erasmus in Sweden, this article will interest you! We detail the most important things you need to know as an exchange student, such as the best cities to study in, different requirements you have to meet, what to do during your stay in the Nordic country, what are the accommodation options and the best universities to study in.

This Scandinavian country, known for its impressive landscapes, technological innovation and exceptional quality of life, offers international students a unique experience that goes beyond the university classroom.

Popular Erasmus Cities in Sweden

Sweden is home to several cities that are popular destinations among students who want to get a taste of Nordic culture. Stockholm, the capital, with its iconic cityscapes and ever-evolving cultural scene, stands out as an epicentre of culture, art and educational opportunities. There is also Gothenburg, on the west coast, which, with its relaxed atmosphere and a focus on sustainability, combines rich maritime history with a modern cultural scene. Uppsala, with its historic university and welcoming student atmosphere, also attracts numerous international students. We also highlight the university town of Lund, in the south, which offers a high-quality academic experience in a historic and picturesque setting.

STOCKHOLM The capital of the Kingdom of Sweden is an excellent option for students. Besides universities being very prestigious and having a high academic level, you’ll enjoy their rich culture and nature. Stockholm has a wide variety of activities and places to visit, so there’s always something to do for all tastes and styles. Because of this, many students choose t

GOTHENBURG If you’ve secured a grant to study in Sweden, you should know that finding student housing in Gothenburg can be a challenge. With high demand and limited supply, accommodation should be a top priority when planning your stay in Gothenburg. In this post, we’ll provide key tips to help you find the best accommodation in Gothenburg. Use the Erasmus Play search

MALMO This city is located on the southern coast of Sweden and is known for being at the eastern end of the Öresund bridge that connects Malmö and Copenhagen (Denmark). Malmö is a quiet city, but not boring for that. Thanks to its size, it has a variety of things to do and places to visit, such as parks and museums. You will also be able to go out to various disco

UPPSALA Uppsala is a Swedish city located north of Stockholm. It is home to the oldest university in Scandinavia - Uppsala University. Many students move to this Swedish city because of its education system and its university. The atmosphere for young people in this Swedish city is incredible considering that 50% of the population are students. Thanks to this, you w

Study in Sweden: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in Sweden

You must submit a motivation letter and the transcript of your academic records for your application.
It’s mandatory to fill out the Learning Agreement with the subjects you’re going to take.
As an EU and EEA citizen, you don’t need to apply for any residence permit for the exchange.
If you come from a third country (non-EU/EEA) and your stay is shorter than three months, you have to apply for a student visa (there are some exceptions where a visa isn’t required either). If, on the other hand, your stay is longer than three months, you have to apply for a residence permit called "uppehållstillstånd" in Swedish. There are some exceptions, such as if you come from Switzerland or the Nordic countries.
You have to apply for a personal identification number, called a "T-number", for exchange students. For stays longer than one year, you have to apply for a Swedish personal identification number, called "Personnummer".
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you have to register and carry the European Health Insurance Card to cover your medical needs during your stay. If you’re from a third country, the health insurance is covered by the university itself, so you don't have to take out anything extra.
For some procedures, such as for a visa or residence permit, you may be asked to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Sweden.
It’s normal for institutions to request a certificate of proficiency in English, the language in which most courses for international students are taught. The level required depends on each institution, and sometimes even on each faculty.

Why study in Sweden?

First of all, Sweden has a high-quality education system, recognized internationally, which allows access to cutting-edge teaching and world-class research facilities. Take advantage of it!

Culturally, Sweden offers a diverse and tolerant environment. Swedish society values equality and inclusion, making international students feel welcome and part of a global community.

With its breathtaking landscapes, lakes and forests, students have the opportunity to explore and enjoy a lifestyle balanced between the urban and the natural. This balance is sure to have a positive impact on your overall well-being and your quality of life.

The opportunity to interact with a highly multilingual and multicultural society adds additional value to the experience. You’ll be able to learn Swedish, and also practice your English daily, as it’s the most used language among students to communicate with each other.

Best things to do in Sweden as a student

A must-see is the beautiful capital, Stockholm, where you can explore the Royal Palace, stroll through the charming streets of Gamla Stan (the old city) and enjoy contemporary culture at the Museum of Modern Art. On the other side is Gothenburg, on the west coast, which offers a unique combination of maritime history and modernity, including the Liseberg, one of Europe's largest amusement parks.

If you enjoy sports, you can go to a football match with a local team. Attending a match of the Allsvenskan (Swedish football league) provides an exciting experience and an insight into the country's sporting culture. In addition, during the winter, sports such as skiing and ice skating are popular activities, allowing you to enjoy places such as Åre, a mountainous region with beautiful scenery.

Exploring Swedish nature is essential! Lakes and forests offer opportunities for hiking, camping and enjoying the natural tranquillity. The Stockholm archipelago is an ideal place to explore by boat and discover picturesque islands and coastal villages.

Immersing yourself in the cultural side is also an essential part of the experience. Attending local festivals, such as the Gothenburg Light Festival or the Stockholm Film Festival, will allow you to experience Sweden's rich artistic and cultural scene.

We would also like to mention an aspect of Swedish culture that you’re sure to easily adopt: the famous fika. This is a break that locals take to drink coffee, eat sweets and talk. This allows you to rest and relax, taking away stress from work or your studies by socializing with friends. So sit down with your loved ones, ask for "en kopp kaffe, tack" ("a cup of coffee, please") and enjoy the moment!