Erasmus guide Stockholm University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Stockholm University in Stockholm, Sweden.
Study abroad at Stockholm University: overview
Study abroad at Stockholm University means choosing a broad Stockholm research university for exchange students in social sciences, law, humanities, natural sciences, and computer and systems sciences. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Approx. 33,000 students; international mix: Large exchange and international-course cohort; strongest in English at master/exchange level; academically it fits best around Social Sciences and Sociology, Law, Natural Sciences (Arrhenius Laboratories), Humanities and History. The part to check without romanticising it: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Enrollment
Approx. 33,000 students
International Mix
Large exchange and international-course cohort; strongest in English at master/exchange level
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Social Sciences and Sociology, Law, Natural Sciences (Arrhenius Laboratories), Humanities and History in Stockholm, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Language of instruction: English (primary for most exchange and international courses); Swedish for some undergraduate tracks
Exchange & application at Stockholm University
The process normally starts with home-university nomination, then an online application, learning agreement and course selection. Check prerequisites and seat limits before you promise yourself specific courses.
✅Requirements
Check agreement requirements.
📨Nomination Process
Partner nomination required.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Or Full Year | Check partner portal for current deadlines | See exchange office application calendar |
Arrival Checklist
- Collect welcome packet from International Office
- Attend the mandatory orientation week
- Activate university network account
Academics & courses at Stockholm University
Academic life is independent, reading-heavy and structured around clear assessment periods. Pick courses by level, language and study period, not only by attractive titles.
📝Course Registration
Course registration is completed online via the university student information system (e.g. USOSweb, UNIGRAZonline, SoleMOVE) after official admission.
🎓Credit System
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) standard.
💯Grading System
Local national grading scale with corresponding ECTS grades provided on the final transcript of records.
✍️Exam Culture
Written exams, oral assessments, or continuous course assignments at the end of each semester.
📚Library Access
Libraries, study spaces and digital resources are included for enrolled students.
Tuition & fees at Stockholm University
For exchange students, tuition is normally SEK 0; the real cost is rent, food, transport and insurance where relevant. For full degrees, always separate EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA and private-school rules such as SSE.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | SEK 0 tuition (completely free) | Tuition is completely free for exchange students at all Swedish public universities. Student union (kår) membership SEK 300–500/year optional — unlocks natio… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | SEK 0 — FREE for EU/EEA | Sweden free for EU/EEA. Stockholm University — humanities, social sciences, natural sciences. Stockholm rents are the challenge (~SEK 8,000–12,000/month). No… |
| Full degree – non-EU | SEK 80,000–130,000/year | SU non-EU: Humanities/Social Science ~SEK 80,000–110,000, Science ~SEK 120,000–130,000/year (~€7,000–12,000). EU/EEA: free. Swedish Institute scholarships av… |
SEK 0 tuition (completely free)
Tuition is completely free for exchange students at all Swedish public universities. Student union (kår) membership SEK 300–500/year optional — unlocks natio…
SEK 0 — FREE for EU/EEA
Sweden free for EU/EEA. Stockholm University — humanities, social sciences, natural sciences. Stockholm rents are the challenge (~SEK 8,000–12,000/month). No…
SEK 80,000–130,000/year
SU non-EU: Humanities/Social Science ~SEK 80,000–110,000, Science ~SEK 120,000–130,000/year (~€7,000–12,000). EU/EEA: free. Swedish Institute scholarships av…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Stockholm University
Housing shapes the whole semester. Use the official university route first and keep verified private backups, because late Swedish housing searches get expensive quickly.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Stockholm
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Stockholm University
The international office, student union, library services and orientation support are useful from week one. Do not wait for a large problem before asking about courses, health or accommodation.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
🧠Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic coverage
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private student health insurance plans compliant with national visa requirements
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus services
International Relations Office
International Office, ESN Stockholm, Stockholm Welcome Week, free Swedish courses, BankID/personnummer support.
Student Union
Advocacy, representation, local discount cards, and university sports coordination.
Student Support (Stockholm)
Stockholm University student support: health services, disability support, academic writing, and counselling. Full service network for enrolled students.
Student Health (Stockholm)
Stockholm Student Health Services: individual counselling, groups, and workshops for wellbeing. Help with procrastination, public speaking anxiety, and study-related stress.
Study & Career Counselling (SU)
Free study and career counselling at Stockholm University. Programme information, eligibility guidance, and career planning support for all students.
Disability Support (SU)
Stockholm University disability study support for students with long-term disabilities: academic adjustments to enable equal-terms study participation.
Student life at Stockholm University
Student life mixes Swedish independence with associations, union pubs, sport and city routines. Joining early matters because social life does not always happen spontaneously.
Student Clubs
- Stockholm University Student Union (SUS)
- Department and programme associations
- ESN Stockholm activities, SU Sport, and Aula Magna cultural events
Buddy Program
Mentorship and buddy initiatives to help newcomers integrate during their first weeks.
Sports & Recreation
- University sports institute offering low-cost training, fitness courses, and ski/mountain excursions.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend the central orientation meetings and campus tours
- Submit your arrival forms and finalize your learning agreement
- Obtain your student ID card and semester public transport pass
- Participate in ESN social gatherings and city integration games
Key exchange dates at Stockholm University
Swedish deadlines are strict: nomination, application, courses, housing and arrival steps connect fast. Put first- and second-semester dates in your calendar before booking flights.
-
1
Pre-arrival
May - June for Autumn semester
Nomination validation and visa application processing
-
2
Arrival & Orientation
September / February
Mandatory welcome sessions and first course adjustments
-
3
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
-
4
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
-
5
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.