Tuition Fees and Scholarship Facilities for Bangladeshi Students in Sweden – 2025
Sweden is an increasingly popular destination for Bangladeshi students seeking high-quality education, excellent research opportunities, and an international learning environment. Understanding the tuition fees and available scholarships is crucial for prospective students when planning to study in Sweden. This guide offers a detailed overview of the tuition fees (in BDT) and the scholarships available to help make studying in Sweden more affordable.
Tuition Fees for Bangladeshi Students in Sweden (BDT)
As non-EU/EEA students, Bangladeshi students are required to pay tuition fees to study at Swedish universities. The fees vary depending on the program, university, and level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD). Below is the approximate cost in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT), calculated based on an exchange rate of 1 SEK ≈ 10 BDT.
1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Tuition fees for undergraduate programs in Sweden generally range between BDT 8,00,000 to BDT 14,50,000 per academic year, depending on the field of study and the university.
- Programs in Humanities and Social Sciences: Fees typically range from BDT 8,00,000 to BDT 10,00,000 per year.
- Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Medicine Programs: These are generally more expensive, with fees ranging between BDT 12,00,000 and BDT 14,50,000 per year.
2. Master’s Degree Programs
Master’s programs are often more expensive but provide specialized knowledge and skills. Tuition fees for Master’s programs typically range from BDT 9,00,000 to BDT 29,50,000 per academic year, depending on the program and university.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Fees for these programs generally fall between BDT 9,00,000 and BDT 11,00,000 per year.
- Engineering, IT, and Natural Sciences: Fees for these programs are higher, generally between BDT 14,00,000 and BDT 18,00,000 per year.
- Medical and Design Programs: Specialized programs like medicine or design can cost between BDT 25,00,000 and BDT 29,50,000 per year.
3. PhD Programs
PhD programs in Sweden are free for all students, including international students from Bangladesh. In addition, PhD students are often treated as employees of the university and receive a salary, making this an attractive option for Bangladeshi students interested in research.
Cost of Living in Sweden
Aside from tuition fees, students must also consider living expenses, which range from BDT 80,000 to BDT 1,20,000 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities. Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg have higher living costs, while smaller towns are generally more affordable.
To help cover living expenses, Bangladeshi students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while studying. After graduation, students can apply for a post-study work permit, allowing them to stay in Sweden and seek employment.
Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in Sweden
Sweden offers numerous scholarships for international students, including those from Bangladesh. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden by covering tuition fees, living costs, and more. Below are some of the key scholarship opportunities available for Bangladeshi students.
1. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for Bangladeshi students. It is awarded to students with excellent academic records, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing to their home country.
- Coverage: The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living expenses of BDT 1,00,000 per month, a travel grant of BDT 1,50,000, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Applicants need at least 3,000 hours of work experience and must show leadership potential. This scholarship is only available for Master’s programs.
- Application Period: Applications typically open in December and close in February.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Swedish universities offer scholarships to international students. These are usually merit-based and help cover part or all of the tuition fees.
- Lund University Global Scholarship: Offers partial or full tuition fee coverage, ranging from 25% to 100% of the tuition fees.
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships that can cover up to 100% of the tuition fees for Master’s programs.
- Uppsala University Global Scholarships: These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition for Master’s programs at Uppsala University.
- Chalmers IPOET Scholarship: This scholarship covers 75% of tuition fees for Master’s programs at Chalmers University of Technology.
3. The Visby Programme Scholarships
The Visby Programme Scholarships target students from countries surrounding the Baltic Sea and Eastern Partnership countries. While Bangladesh is outside this region, certain programs may still allow Bangladeshi students to apply under special circumstances.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Scholarships are an excellent option for students looking to pursue a joint Master’s degree across multiple European countries, including Sweden. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, travel costs, and insurance.
- Eligibility: Students must enroll in a program under the Erasmus Mundus initiative, which typically involves studying in at least two European countries.
5. Local Bangladeshi and Swedish Organizations
Several local organizations, both in Bangladesh and Sweden, provide funding opportunities for Bangladeshi students:
- Private organizations: Companies and philanthropic organizations in both countries sometimes offer scholarships for specific fields like engineering or medical studies.
- NGO Scholarships: Some NGOs in Bangladesh provide financial aid or scholarships to students who want to pursue higher education abroad, including in Sweden.
How to Apply for Scholarships
To increase your chances of securing a scholarship, it’s important to start planning early and follow these steps:
- Research Scholarship Opportunities: Identify scholarships available for your program and review their requirements.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required documents, including academic transcripts, work experience certificates, personal statements, and recommendation letters.
- Submit Applications on Time: Ensure that you submit both your university admission and scholarship applications before the deadlines.
- Apply for University Admission: Remember, you need to be accepted into a Swedish university before you can be considered for most scholarships.
Conclusion
Sweden offers Bangladeshi students a world-class education in an innovative and progressive country. Although tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students can be relatively high, numerous scholarships are available to make the dream of studying in Sweden more attainable. From prestigious government-funded scholarships like the Swedish Institute to university-specific grants, these opportunities can significantly reduce the financial burden. Careful planning, research, and timely applications will help Bangladeshi students secure their spot in Swedish universities and take advantage of the available scholarship facilities.