In general, individuals who are citizens of countries outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees. There are some exceptions to this general rule. The following is a list of criteria which exempts individuals, meaning they do not have to pay application and tuition fees. If you do not meet any of these criteria, you are mostly likely required to pay fees.

You are NOT required to pay application and tuition fees if:

  • You have Swedish citizenship
  • You have an EU/EEA or a Swiss citizenship
  • You have a UK citizenship and have a residence status in Sweden based on the rights of EU citizens before the end of the transition period (after Brexit). More information for UK citizens External link, opens in new window. with residence status in Sweden.
  • You have been granted a permanent Swedish residency permit
  • You have long-term resident status External link, opens in new window. in Sweden
  • You have been granted a temporary Swedish residency permit for reasons other than studies (e.g. work permit, family member of a Swedish citizen*, etc). Having a temporary residency permit for studies in Sweden does NOT grant you exemption from fee payments.
    If your residence permit expires before the starting date of the studies, you must be able to show you have applied to extend the current residence permit (receipt from the Migration Agency).
  • You are from the Ukraine and have been granted a Swedish residence permit based on the Temporary Protection Directive until May 2025.
  • You have long-term resident status in another country in the European Union External link, opens in new window.
  • You are a family member** of a citizen of an EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, who has temporary or permanent right of residence in Sweden.
  • You are a family member** of a UK citizen and have residence status in Sweden. More information for UK citizens External link, opens in new window. with residence status in Sweden.
  • You are applying for or are registered for Third cycle (doctoral) studies. Application and tuition fees are only required for studies at the First cycle (Bachelor) and Second cycle (Master's) level
  • You are registered at a university or university college outside of Sweden and will be studying in Sweden on a temporary basis as part of an official study abroad programme as an exchange student.

*Spouse, registered partner, or cohabitating partner (sambo) of a Swedish citizen.

**You may be considered a family member of a non-Swedish citizen if you are a spouse, registered partner or cohabitating partner; a child under 21 years of age who is financially dependent on their parent(s); or a parent who is financially dependent on their child. The family member you are depending on must already be living in Sweden


It is the decision from the Migration Agency that determines the status as a family member.

For more information, please visit the website of the Swedish Migration Agency.