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Sweden vs Spain: which should you study in?
Both are strong destinations, and the honest answer depends on your budget, your grades and whether you want to stay on after graduating. Here is the side-by-side.
Sweden vs Spain, line by line
| Metric | Sweden | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Living cost | ≈ $13,000 | ≈ $11,500 |
| Tuition from | ≈ $9,300 | ≈ $450 |
| Average tuition | ≈ $14,800 | ≈ $7,000 |
| Total per year | ≈ $27,800 | ≈ $18,500 |
| Post-study work | 1 years | 1 years |
| Work while studying | 40 h/week | 30 h/week |
| PR pathway | moderate | moderate |
| Institutions | 8 | 12 |
| Courses listed | 29 | 32 |
| World rank | #74 | #164 |
| Typical entry grade | 75% | 72% |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.4 | IELTS 6.3 |
Which one fits you?
Choose Sweden if…
- ✓you are targeting a higher-ranked university
Choose Spain if…
- ✓you want lower living costs (about $1,500 a year less)
- ✓you want cheaper tuition (from $450 a year)
- ✓you want more institutions to choose from (12 here)
The short version
Spain is the cheaper route on total annual cost, while Sweden gives you longer to work after you graduate. If you are optimising for permanent residency, Sweden has the stronger pathway.
Sweden
Residence permit for studies (show SEK 10,656/month, 2026 rate). No formal cap on work hours during study; graduates get 12 months to seek work, and work permits can lead to PR in ~4 years.
Spain
Student visa (Type D). Students may work up to 30h/week, and graduates can take a 12-month job-search stay.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Sweden or Spain?
On total annual cost — tuition plus living — Spain works out cheaper. Tuition in Sweden starts around $9,300 a year against $450 in Spain, and living costs run $$13,000 versus $$11,500 a year.
Which gives better post-study work rights, Sweden or Spain?
Sweden allows 1 year(s) of post-study work and Spain allows 1. During term, students can work up to 40 hours a week in Sweden and 30 hours in Spain.
Which is easier to get into, Sweden or Spain?
Across the courses we list, the typical competitive grade is about 75% in Sweden and 72% in Spain, with English requirements of IELTS 6.4 and 6.3 respectively. Entry difficulty varies far more by institution than by country.
Other comparisons
Estimated figures. Tuition, living costs and entry benchmarks on this page are estimates for guidance and comparison. Always confirm exact figures with the institution before you apply.
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