BSc Nursing in Sweden: Universities, Fees, Scholarships (2025)

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Yatin Kumar Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

BSc Nursing in Sweden is a three year undergraduate level course that offers competence in health sciences to become a licensed nurse. There are three universities in Sweden offering a bachelor of Nursing program. The increased ageing Swedish population will result in a growing demand for nurses by 40% by 2030. BSc Nursing in Sweden may cost anywhere between 241,700 - 450,000 SEK (18.5 lakhs - 34.5 lakhs) for international students. Nursing is a lucrative career in Sweden owing to its autonomous professional status. After completion of BSc Nursing in Sweden, a registered nurse in Sweden can expect an annual salary of 310,800 SEK (~ 22.5 lakhs INR).

Key Highlights

Course Bachelors in Nursing or BSc Nursing
Duration 3 years
Eligibility Completed upper secondary education
Job profile Neonatal Nurse | Flight Nurse | Geriatric Nurse
Average Salary 310,800 SEK (24.44 lakhs INR) per annum

What is BSc Nursing in Sweden?

BSc Nursing in Sweden is a 3-year undergraduate program that provides students with a thorough understanding of nursing practices, healthcare systems, and patient care. The program combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, equipping students with the skills needed to become licensed nurses. Upon completion, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree and are eligible to register as nurses in Sweden. Sweden is home to several reputable universities offering BSc Nursing programs:

  1. Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg
    This program spans 3 years (180 ECTS credits) and offers a strong foundation in evidence-based nursing practices. Students gain extensive clinical experience, preparing them for a wide range of nursing roles in Sweden’s healthcare system.

  2. Linköping University
    The BSc Nursing program at Linköping University is also a 3-year full-time degree (180 ECTS credits). It emphasizes patient-centered care, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students complete clinical placements in hospitals, gaining practical exposure to diverse healthcare settings.

  3. Karlstad University
    Karlstad University offers a 3-year BSc Nursing program (180 ECTS credits) with options for specialization in fields such as Intensive Care, Social Work, or Healthcare Management. The program includes both theoretical coursework and clinical training, ensuring a well-rounded nursing education.

University Programs Deadlines Program Fees/Year
University of Gothenburg BSc in Nursing January 15, 2025 48,815 - 80,500 SEK (3.73 - 6.15 Lakhs INR)
Linkoping University BSc in Nursing January 15, 2025 80,000 – 136,000 SEK (6.12 – 10.4 Lakhs INR)
Karlstad University BSc in Nursing Apr 06, 2025 95,000 – 245,000 SEK (7.26 – 18.74 Lakhs INR)

Nursing in Sweden OG

Why Study BSc Nursing in Sweden?

  • Assistant nurse is the most popular profession in Sweden with 91% women and 9% men in the age range of 16 to 64 years.
  • Reports suggest that the salary of a nurse in Sweden doubles the entry level package within 10 years of work experience. Those 10 years of experience may earn an average monthly salary of 46,600 SEK (36.65 lakhs INR).
  • After the Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, the average monthly salary of a Bachelor of nursing graduates is around 25,900 SEK (20.37 lakhs INR).
  • The Swedish government allows International students to extend their residence permit by 6 months after completion of studies if they wish to look for jobs.
  • With an employment rate of 94.1%, there cannot be a better option for international students.
  • Huge investments in R&D manifest a GDP of 3.1% that creates opportunities for International students to seek nursing jobs.
  • Sweden is regarded as the 12th safest country in the world, which is also reason why International students choose to study in Sweden.

BSc Nursing in Sweden: Admission Process

The admission process for BSc Nursing in Sweden varies with the university to which a student is applying. However, there are certain aspects that International students need to know before applying for their courses. These are covered in this section.

How to Apply for BSc Nursing in Sweden

  • Swedish universities have two rounds of application process for Spring (begins in January) and Autumn (begins around August/September) semesters.
  • Entire application process is online.
  • Students need to access universityadmissins.se website to submit documents and complete applications.
When to Apply: For international students, application dates for Spring session starts from October till January and Autumn session starts from March till April.

Admission Requirements for BSc Nursing in Sweden Admission

Admission requirements to study bachelors degree in nursing in Sweden are:

  • Students from non-EU/EEA countries should have completed high school or upper secondary levels.
  • 10 years of Mathematics studies equivalent to Swedish courses Mathematics A or Mathematics 1a, 1b and 1c.
  • English Language Proficiency:
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL (iBT): 90
    • TOEFL (PBT): 575
  • Applicants should have passed with at least a grade E or 66% and 34% in Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test.

Required Documents to Apply for BSc Nursing in Sweden

  • Mark sheets: Certificates of previously passed exams as of upper secondary school.
  • Letter of motivation: A letter explaining reason for application and scholarship program.
  • Copy of passport: Copy of passport with personal photograph affixed onto it and other citizenship evidence.
  • Record transcript: An account of completed courses including course titles and each term.
  • English proficiency test scores of IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

Application for Student Visa and Residence Permit

Regulations for Sweden’s student visa and residence permit vary with the student's country of citizenship. Students who wish to stay more than 3 months for a full-time course and paid the first instalment of tuition fee have to apply for residence permit in Sweden.

Here’s a list of documents required for student visa in Sweden:

  • One copy of passport
  • Admission letter
  • Proof of online application

Additionally, students willing to stay back for more than a year after course-completion have to register for Swedish Population register. Students need to notify the Tax Agency of Sweden.


Cost of Studying BSc Nursing in Sweden

Cost of studying abroad can be broadly divided into three categories: Pre-arrival expenses, Tuition Fees (i.e already discussed in this section) and Cost of Living.

Pre-arrival Expenses

Even though studying in Sweden is a right decision that any student can make, expenses are something that may be haunting at times. To simplify this issue, pre-arrival expenses are explained in the table below:

Type of expenses Amount (SEK) Amount (INR)
Application fees 900 7,079
Visa application fees 1500 11,800
Flight charges (One time) 2,500 - 4,000 20,000 - 31,500

Living cost for International Students

For an international student, getting a glimpse into daily life and related costs is an important factor while choosing a country. Here’s a peek into the daily expenses for an International student in Sweden:

Type of expenses Cost Per Month (SEK) Cost Per Month (INR)
Food 3,000 - 4,000 23,554 - 31,406
Accommodation 4,000 - 7,000 31,406 - 54,961
Phone and internet 300 2,355
Public transportation 600 4,711
Miscellaneous 2,000 15,703
Total Expenses 10,000 - 14,000 78,516 - 1.09 lakhs

Apart from the cost assumptions provided above, there can be variations in the expenses based on personal spending habits. In case of students wishing to apply for residence permits, they need to assure the Migration Agency of Sweden of their financial stability for the entire course duration.


Scholarships for BSc Nursing in Sweden

Here goes a list of some of the popular scholarships for Internationals students in Sweden:

Scholarship Name Eligibility Value/Benefits
Hilda och Rune Nilssons fond nr 2 For students studying Nursing program at Karlstads University Other requirements: -Official Transcript of Records -Presentation of a project plan -Cover letter -CV or Resume -Certificate from teacher/supervisor at Karlstad University -Certificate from a contact person in the host country 10,000 SEK
Karlstad University Scholarship Students with excellent academic records from non-EU countries Covers 25%, 75%, 100% or 50% of tuition fee.

BSc Nursing in Sweden: Career Scope

As per the Swedish Migration Agency, international students in Sweden can extend their residence permit by 6 months to seek jobs.

  • 6 months before the residence permit, students have to apply for a work permit with an application fee worth 1,500 SEK (11,800) for students after 18 years.
  • International students can apply for jobs in public and private hospitals as “under” nurses.

Experience-wise comparison of salary after BSc Nursing in Sweden is provided below:

Experience in years) Salary (SEK) Salary (INR)
>20 54,300 42.63 lakhs
15-20 51,300 40.27 lakhs
10-15 46,600 36.58 lakhs
5-10 39,900 31.32 lakhs
2-5 28,200 22.14 lakhs
0-2 23,000 1.80 lakhs

BSc Nursing in Sweden: Course Curriculum

BSc Nursing in Sweden includes 180 ECTS credits. This professional degree comes with a nursing licence and allows students to invoke theoretical as well as clinical knowledge for process-oriented approaches.

The 180 ECTS credits are divided as 105 ECTS for nursing studies, 10 ECTS credits for behavioural and medical sciences, project of 15 ECTS credits and medical sciences of 57.5 ECTS credits.

Year 1: Foundation on Nursing practices and basic clinical studies.
Year 2: Nursing in terms of signs and symptoms of illness, nursing research studies and emergency nursing practices.
Year 3: Nursing for prolonged illnesses and multiple morbidity, clinical studies, competence and leadership, and degree projects.

BSc Nursing in Sweden: Comparison By University

Comparison of Universities in Sweden offering Bachelor of Nursing on the basis of program

Basis University of Gothenburg Linkoping University Karlstad University
Duration 3 years 3 years 3 years
Course Fees in SEK (INR) 48,815 - 80,500 SEk (3.83 - 6.32 lakhs INR) 134,900 SEK (10.59 lakhs INR) 150,000 (11.77 lakhs INR)
Language of Instruction Swedish Swedish Swedish
Admission Requirements Upper Secondary Mathematics [Level 2a/2b/2c] Natural Science 2 [Level 1b/1a/1a1+1a2] A 14: -Mathematics [2a/2b/2c] -Science Studies 2 -Social Studies [1b/1a1 and 1a2] A 16: -Mathematics B -Science Studies 2 -Social Studies A -Science Studies B [Physics A, Chemistry A, Biology A] Upper Secondary Mathematics [Level 2a/2b/2c] Natural Science 2 [Level 1b/1a/1a1+1a2]
Scholarships Available Not available Not available

Note: As of 26 Nov 2024, 1 SEK = 7.65 INR

Sweden offers a wide array of opportunities in terms of further studies and job prospects. Also BSc Nursing comes with a licence to work as a nurse. Henceforth, students can seek jobs in any part of the world apart from Sweden. After completion, students can opt for specialised postgraduate degrees in Nursing Administration, Education, Adult Care, Informatics, Midwifery etc. Given the fact that Sweden gives paramount importance to safety and equality, international students prefer to study here. Additionally, superior quality of education and cutting edge technology applied to medical sciences, Sweden makes up for the right destination to study Nursing.

FAQs

Ques.  How can I apply for a nursing job in Sweden?

Ans. To apply for a nursing job in Sweden, visit the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) website or job portals like Blocket and Indeed Sweden. You can also check for vacancies on the websites of Swedish hospitals and healthcare facilities. Most nursing positions in Sweden require fluency in Swedish, so having a good command of the language is essential for a smooth application process.

Ques. What does a Study Nurse do in Sweden?

Ans. A Study Nurse in Sweden typically works in clinical research settings, assisting with patient recruitment, data collection, and monitoring participants in medical studies. They often collaborate with researchers, doctors, and clinical teams to ensure the accuracy and safety of trials.

Ques. What is the average salary for a nurse in Sweden?

Ans. The average salary for a nurse in Sweden is 310,800 SEK annually (24.44 lakh INR). However, salaries can increase significantly with experience, and nurses with over 20 years of experience can earn as much as 54,300 SEK per month (42.63 lakh INR).

Ques. Is it easy to work as an English-speaking nurse in Sweden?

Ans. While Swedish is the primary language in healthcare settings, many hospitals and clinics in major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg have English-speaking staff, especially in international care settings. However, learning Swedish is highly recommended for nurses, as it is essential for patient communication and professional integration. Language proficiency is also required for most jobs in the healthcare system.

Ques. What are the requirements and costs of studying nursing in Sweden for international students?

Ans. To study BSc Nursing in Sweden, international students must have completed upper secondary education and meet the language proficiency requirements (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90). The tuition fees for international students range from 80,000 SEK to 150,000 SEK per year (6.29 lakh INR to 11.79 lakh INR). Additionally, students should budget for living expenses, which can range between 10,000 SEK to 14,000 SEK per month (78,516 INR to 1.09 lakh INR).

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