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How Much Does It Cost to Live as a Student in Sweden (Budgeting, Living Costs, & Money-Saving Tips)

October 8, 2025 by Liberty Okechukwu

Planning your studies in Sweden involves understanding the cost of living. Despite Sweden’s high living expenses, students can manage costs through budgeting and smart choices. This guide outlines typical monthly expenses related to accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure, providing practical tips for maintaining a budget. While some commodities are pricier than the European average, effective planning allows newcomers to adapt easily to life in Sweden.

What is the Monthly budget for a student in Sweden

This guide will assist you in estimating your approximate monthly living expenditures if you are travelling to Sweden for academic purposes. Please be aware that this is an estimate and not a precise figure for all Swedish students.

Budget breakdown

Accommodation

Rent prices can vary greatly, and in general, the more central a flat or room is, the more expensive it will be. A rough estimate:

Housing for students, single-family 4000–7500 SEK ($424.80 – $795)
Private houses, tiny apartments, and student housing 6,000–10,000 SEK ($636–$1,060)

Telephone and internet

Although phone and internet service fees can vary significantly, expect to pay at least SEK 400 ($43) per month. In Sweden, internet access is typically not included with flat rentals.

Food

Naturally, the frequency of eating out, cooking, and other factors will have a significant impact on your monthly food expenses. It wouldn’t be unusual to spend between SEK 3000 and 4000 ($320.52—$427.36). The lower estimate is based on the assumption that you cook most of the food yourself.

Public transportation

A monthly pass for public transit in Sweden costs about SEK 625 ($66.28) for students. Within the city borders, you can use the pass to travel by bus, tram, and ferry.

Clothes, entertainment, insurance, care, and additional costs

Although this price may vary, it should come to at least SEK 2,500 ($265.11).

Total for the month

This puts your monthly total between SEK 10,525 and 17,525 ($947 – $1,577). Note that this is just an estimate.

How to Get Funding, Work, and Residence Information for International Students

#1. Residence permit maintenance requirement

Students who must apply for a residence permit for their studies at the Swedish Migration Agency must demonstrate that they have enough money to cover their living expenses while in Sweden.

#2. Working during your studies

Students from the EU and EEA, as well as those from other nations, who possess a valid study-related residency permit, are permitted to work in addition to their studies. But you shouldn’t assume that you’ll be able to get part-time work. Particularly if you are new to Sweden, you must be able to maintain yourself without relying on receiving additional income.

#3. Scholarships

During the admissions process, you can apply for scholarships for students who pay fees. Once you have registered as a student, you can also apply for minor scholarships.

Scholarships for intermational students in Sweden

Other Things to Note While Studying in Sweden

In Sweden, money is not king.

One thing to keep in mind is that “card is king” in Sweden. It can be challenging to pay with huge sums of cash, so avoid bringing them. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used and recognised debit and credit cards in Sweden. Please be aware that American Express and Maestro cards may be subject to certain limitations.

Online purchasing, contract signing, and money transfers

In a foreign country, online shopping, contract signing, and bill payment might be challenging. “Hallå konsument” is a nationwide service that provides information about Swedish consumers’ rights and responsibilities in a variety of languages.

Tips on saving money in Sweden As An International Student

One of the reasons why sometimes people postpone their dreams is the thinking of “the money is not enough”. However, many times that can be solved simply by controlling expenses. In this blog, I will give some budgeting tips to keep your expenses as a student in Sweden at the minimum. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy this beautiful country without worrying about your pocket.

#1. Housing

Depending on whether you want an apartment for yourself or may share it with two or more people, housing costs in Sweden’s major cities can be extremely high.

The best way to save money on housing as a student in Sweden, I must say, is to rent a room in the university housing. The rent for a single student in these rooms ranges from SEK 3,000 to SEK 7,000 ($282.34—$658.83). However, it’s always the less expensive choice.

#2. Groceries – food

The price of groceries and food is mostly depends by your diet and level of willingness to prepare meals each day.

My recommendation would be to cook and freeze the food since it will help you save a lot of money. Cooking with friends also helps you eat better and save money while also enjoying the experience.
Furthermore, you can enjoy yourself with your pals without always purchasing meals, so you don’t actually need to spend what they do. Additionally, you’ll observe that the majority of Swedish individuals prepare their own meals, with large gatherings typically requiring lunch or supper to be eaten outside.

#3. Books

Books shouldn’t be a financial concern for colleges because the majority of the resources they need are available online or in university libraries. However, you should keep in mind that e-books and PDFs are not particularly inexpensive if you prefer traditional books.

I would suggest looking for used books or books written by previous students if you plan to purchase or spend money on university-related books. On the other hand, if you enjoy reading poetry, novels, and other works of literature, I would suggest getting an e-reader.

#4. Transportation

You can avoid paying for transit altogether if you live in a small Swedish city or if you frequently cycle or walk. In order to save money on transit, some favour paying for apartments close to the institution.

Additionally, new students typically visit during the first month; therefore, the monthly ticket will be a very good deal.

#5. Mobile and gym

In Sweden, mobile phones are not too expensive; if you are a student, you will have more possibilities. Your future institution will give you a SIM card when you get to Sweden, but you are not required to use it. Instead, I advise you to be patient and look for other offers. In addition, the internet in Sweden is fantastic; it is available for free at coffee shops, squares, libraries, and, of course, universities. You will always be able to stay in touch in this way.

#6. Gym

Another problem is the gym in Sweden, where you will see a lot of people training and going to the gym. It is not as expensive, as there are student deals starting at 200 SEK ($21) per month, which I think is reasonable. But since Sweden is known for its natural beauty, it’s essentially a free gym.

You can run around lakes or forests to stay in shape without paying to join a gym. Hiking and strolling across the city are also rather common in Sweden. Lastly, you can try looking at student housing that has amenities like saunas and gyms.

#7. Leisure

We may now discuss lifestyle! You alone have the authority to manage your spending during your free time.

I think it’s a fantastic idea to recommend activities to your pals where everyone can split the cost. You can also find some great offers in Sweden called “afterwork”, where you can get pizza or a buffet for just one beer. You can also try to arrange a picnic or dinner with friends as well.

Furthermore, I think it’s good to occasionally spend time by yourself, such as at parties or elegant dinners. You can attempt various low-cost activities for the remaining weeks.

Extras and Final Thoughts

Remember that the first month in Sweden is always the most costly; don’t panic and be ready; once you’ve settled in, you’ll undoubtedly find a balance.

Make an effort to purchase hygiene items (shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc.) on a monthly basis. You won’t have any issues with your monthly budget if you purchase these things from the start for roughly six months.

Additionally, try to purchase clothing in your home country. Sweden occasionally has sales, but they are not particularly affordable. Another option is to purchase from second-hand stores, where you can find items in excellent condition and at a very low cost.

Lastly, because a lot of people are continually moving out and they sell a lot of items at good rates, there are offers in Facebook groups or markets.

Budgets can vary greatly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Sweden. I hope this guide will help you figure out how much you can spend there.

Japa: Top 10 Study Abroad Countries That Are Visa-Free for Africans

April 21, 2025 by Liberty Okechukwu

Globally, millions of international students are looking for top-notch education and post-graduation employment opportunities abroad. The simplicity of the immigration process for foreign students is one of the main things that draws students to a nation. This means that immigration laws have a significant impact on the nations that African students choose to relocate to.

Although obtaining a visa can be a challenging and drawn-out procedure, knowing that you can visit some countries with your Nigerian passport without the burden of obtaining one is a relief.

You can enter these nations without visa worries with a valid international passport. The following countries have different visa requirements for Africans, but some of them will grant you a visa upon arrival in exchange for a fee, and some of them will let you stay for a certain amount of time before requiring a visa.

In this guide, we have ten study abroad countries that are visa-free for Africans. These countries allow you easy immigration for your studies. Here are the countries you can think of migrating to as an international student:

Requirements for Visiting a Visa-Free Country

Some of the things you may need before departing the nation are:

Your International Passport
Proof of sufficient funds
Accommodation fee
Return ticket

It is important to remember that some nations do not require a visa in order to enter. However, you would have to pay a visa fee before you could enter the nation. By visiting a nation that does not require a visa, you may save the additional expense of obtaining one while still having a great time traveling. Additionally, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival.

Top 10 Easy or Visa-Free Countries for African Students

#1. Canada

Do you intend to move overseas stress-free? Because of its simple immigration procedures, Canada is typically the top choice for African students. Although a study permit alone won’t get you into Canada, you will require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa that is granted in conjunction with your study permit.

Note that students from African countries like Senegal and Morocco can expedite the process of obtaining their study visa by utilizing the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Following the conclusion of your study program in Canada, you are granted an extra ninety days to search for job opportunities.

#2. Australia

Many African students are unaware that one of the simplest places for them to relocate to is Australia. You can travel the world and pursue an eligible program of study with your Subclass 500 Student Visa. Every two weeks, international students are permitted to work up to 40 hours. However, unless you want to stay longer, you are required to depart the country after your visa expires.

#3. Germany

For African students, Germany offers a simple immigration procedure. Only after being admitted to a German preparatory college or higher education institution can you apply for a German national visa. Following your three-month visa, you can submit an application for a residency permit.

Furthermore, international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week in Germany under immigration regulations. In the event of a work permit default, students are required to contribute to the German social security system. This may cause your academic performance to suffer as a result. As an international student, you are permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year in addition to your studies.

#4. New Zealand

New Zealand provides two different kinds of student visas to international students: the Pathway Student Visa and the Fee Paying Student Visa.

For the Pathway Student Visa, a valid study pathway from Pathway education providers is necessary.
A letter of endorsement from your Pathway education provider must be presented. The Fee-Paying Student Visa allows students to pursue their full-time studies.

Qualified professionals may apply for residency in New Zealand through the Skilled Migrant Category visas. It is also a desirable alternative for Nigerians looking for a new beginning because of its work-to-residence and study options.

#5. Ireland

African students must get admitted into a higher institution to study an approved full-time course before they are awarded an Irish student visa. You require a student visa and proof of fund with €7,000 to enter the Irish border. To be allowed to remain in the nation for more than ninety days, you must register with the local immigration officer.

Africans are increasingly visiting Ireland in search of work and educational opportunities. To assist students in relocating to the country permanently, the country offers work visas, post-study employment possibilities, and Critical Skills Employment Permits.

#7. Poland

In Poland’s growing economy, there is a great need for professionals in engineering, IT, healthcare, and finance. It offers both work visas and permanent residency opportunities, making it an excellent destination for bright African stduents.

#8. Armenia

Armenia is another country that provides easy way to apply for a visa. The application is available online via the Armenian e-Visa system.

To apply, you need a valid passport, a recent photo, evidence of accommodation, and a trip itinerary. The cost of obtaining a visa is affordable, and approval often takes a few days.

Armenia’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming visa policies make it an excellent destination for Africans seeking new experiences.

#9. Norway

Norway is a fantastic area to live for Africans looking for stable social welfare, high income, and a peaceful environment. The country provides professional work permits and has a significant need for engineers, doctors, and IT specialists.

#10. Singapore

Singapore provides students with an excellent foreign experience because of its top-notch colleges that provide English-language programs, vibrant city life, and simple immigration processes.

The majority of foreign students in Singapore simply need to apply for the Student’s Pass, which is handled by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. The Singaporean Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is where students must submit their applications.

Additionally, Georgia:

This is the only nation in Europe to provide Nigerians a visa upon arrival. Since visas are only granted upon arrival, it is also considered a visa-free country.

FAQ

What are the most budget-friendly countries for African students?

France, Brazil, Germany, and Norway are notable for their reasonable living expenses, scholarships, and inexpensive tuition.

Can African students study for free in Europe?

Public universities in Norway and Germany provide tuition-free education; however, students are still required to pay small administrative fees and cover living expenses.

What financial aid options are available for African students?

For qualified students, scholarships such as Kistefos in Norway, DAAD in Germany, and Eiffel Excellence in France assist with living expenses and tuition.

What is the cost of living for African students in affordable countries?

Countries like Norway and Germany have monthly living expenses of between $1,200 and $1,500.

Do students need to know the local language to study abroad?

No, students may not need to know the local language to study abroad, but it can be an advantage. .

Let’s help you.

How do you go about your admission processing into schools in the US and Canada? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back! Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, studying abroad can be expensive due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you, as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career.

MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.