Top Nursing Colleges in Sweden: Rankings, Fees, Courses, Eligibility & Scholarships
Nursing Colleges in SwedenNursing colleges in Sweden typically deliver nursing courses as diploma, bachelor's, and master's levels to Indian students. Some of the most reputed universities for nursing in Sweden, like Karolinska Institute, University of Gothenburg, Linkping University, and Karlstad University, are among the top choices for nursing studies. Besides these, a number of other Swedish universities also offer nursing and health science programs.
The selection of Indian students for BSc Nursing in Sweden will be made based on their 10+2 academic results. Students need to submit their application via the official portal Universityadmissions.se. Since the medium of instruction for Nursing courses in Sweden is English, students will be required to pass the IELTS or TOEFL exam as well.
Here, we will examine the best Nursing schools in Sweden from the perspective of tuition fee, ranking, level of courses, and so on. Besides, we will explore the eligibility criteria, admission process, and career opportunities for international students at these colleges. Keep reading to explore your choices for Nursing in Sweden.
Read more: Nursing in Sweden for Indian Students 2026
Top Nursing Colleges in Sweden
The good news is that most of the nursing colleges in Sweden are public universities. Karolinska Institute, University of Gothenburg, Linkping University, and Karlstad University are some of the top, notch ones offering Nursing programs. Here is a list of state nursing colleges and the best Swedish universities for Nursing according to the QS global rankings and annual fees.
University | QS Global Rank (Nursing) | Annual fees in SEK |
Karolinska Institutet | 23 | SEK 540,000 (Total Tuition Fees) |
Lund University | 51–100 | SEK 80,000 - 150,000 |
Uppsala University | 93 | SEK 390,000 (Total Tuition Fees) |
University of Gothenburg | 151–225 | SEK 48,815 - 80,500 |
Linköping University | 101–150 | SEK 190600 (Total Tuition Fees) |
Karlstad University | 1001-1500 | SEK 513,000 (Total Fees) |
Top Nursing Colleges in Sweden by Ranking
The following table shows the nursing colleges in Sweden based on their QS global rankings.
University | QS Global Rank (Nursing) |
Karolinska Institute | 23 |
University of Gothenburg | 151–225 |
Linköping University | 101–150 |
Lund University | 51–100 |
Best Nursing Colleges in Sweden for Indian Students
The following are the leading government institutions offering Nursing programs:
- Karolinska Institute (Stockholm)
- University of Gothenburg
- Linköping University
- Karlstad University
Nursing Programs Offered by Colleges in Sweden
Along with a Diploma in Nursing, you can pursue a Bachelors in Nursing and a Masters in Nursing, etc. Sweden has a wide range of courses/streams in Nursing. The following sections will give you the details of the colleges which you have in the country for each type of course.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Check the table below for the details of the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs in public colleges in Sweden.
College/University | BSN Duration | Eligibility |
Karolinska Institute | 3 years | Upper secondary school with science subjects, IELTS/TOEFL, biology/chemistry focus |
University of Gothenburg | 3 years | High school diploma, English proficiency, motivation dossier |
Linköping University | 3 years | Secondary education completion, IELTS/TOEFL, health/science prerequisites |
Post-Basic Nursing Programs
The duration of Post-Basic Nursing programs in Sweden usually ranges from 1 to 2 years. Check the table below for colleges offering PBN courses in Sweden, along with the eligibility criteria.
College/University | Program Duration | Eligibility |
Karolinska Institute | 1 year (specialized nursing diploma) | Registered nurse license, 2+ years practice, English proficiency |
University of Gothenburg | 1 year | State nursing diploma, relevant experience, motivation dossier |
Linköping University | 1 year | Registered nurse, clinical experience, IELTS/TOEFL |
Umeå University | 1-2 years | Nursing diploma, professional practice, English B2 |
Master’s in Nursing Programs
You can get a Master’s program in Nursing from colleges in Sweden. Check the details of the prominent colleges offering Master’s in Nursing courses from the table below.
University | Program Duration | Eligibility |
Karolinska Institute | 2 years (MSc Nursing & Health) | BSc Nursing equivalent, English proficiency, 1-2 years clinical experience |
University of Gothenburg | 2 years | Bachelor’s in Nursing/Health Sciences, IELTS/TOEFL, motivation letter |
Linköping University | 2 years | Registered nurse, professional experience, English B2+ |
Lund University | 2 years | Nursing bachelor’s degree, transcripts, English proficiency |
How to Select the Right Nursing College?
You can select colleges based on various aspects like fees, location, ranking, etc. The tables below show the list of colleges based on a wide range of factors.
Nursing Colleges in Sweden: Colleges by Tuition Fees
Below are some of the prominent Nursing colleges in Sweden based on the total tuition fees of those colleges.
University | Annual fees in SEK |
Karolinska Institutet | SEK 540,000 (Total Tuition Fees) |
Lund University | SEK 80,000 - 150,000 |
Uppsala University | SEK 390,000 (Total Tuition Fees) |
University of Gothenburg | SEK 48,815 - 80,500 |
Linköping University | SEK 190600 (Total Tuition Fees) |
Karlstad University | SEK 513,000 (Total Fees) |
Nursing Colleges in Sweden: Colleges by Location/State
Below are some of the prominent Nursing colleges in Sweden, along with their locations.
College/University | Location |
Karolinska Institute | Stockholm (Stockholm County) |
University of Gothenburg | Gothenburg (Västra Götaland) |
Linköping University | Linköping (Östergötland) |
Karlstad University | Karlstad (Värmland) |
Lund University | Lund (Skåne) |
Umeå University | Umeå (Västerbotten) |
Stockholm University (Health Sciences) | Stockholm (Stockholm County) |
Malmö University | Malmö (Skåne) |
Örebro University | Örebro (Örebro County) |
Dalarna University | Falun/Borlänge (Dalarna County) |
Nursing Colleges in Sweden: Colleges by Ranking & Accreditation
The universities mentioned below have been accredited and recognized by bodies like OECI.
College / University | Accreditation / Recognition |
Karolinska Institutet | OECI Recognized |
Lund University | AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA |
Uppsala University | Swedish Ministry of Education and Research |
University of Gothenburg | Ministry of Education and Research |
Linköping University | UKÄ |
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students Applying to Nursing Colleges in Sweden
The eligibility criteria for Nursing colleges in Sweden mainly include the students' academic qualifications, their level of English proficiency, and if necessary, professional experience. Here are the main points of the eligibility criteria for Indian students to enroll in Nursing programs in Sweden.
Nursing Colleges in Sweden: Academic Requirements
Indian students have to clear their 10+2 exams from the science stream (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) with good marks. Universities set individual minimum grade criteria but typically, students need to demonstrate considerable achievements in science subjects.
Nursing Colleges in Sweden: English Language Requirements
Students studying in the English language medium must submit evidence of their English language skills. The following tests are among the ones recognized:
IELTS: An overall band score of 6.5 with no section below 5.5
TOEFL iBT: At least 90 points
Different universities may have slightly different criteria, so candidates are advised to consult the official website of the university they want to enroll in.
Nursing Colleges in Sweden: Entrance Exams Required
Sweden does not have or require a national entrance exam specifically for Nursing. Students are admitted based on their academic achievements and English language skills. Also, certain universities may ask for extra paperwork, for instance, a letter of motivation or a personal interview.
Admission Process for Nursing Colleges in Sweden
The admission process for Nursing in Sweden is given step by step. The first step is to decide which college/university you want to apply to and the course.
- Choose your program – Select Bachelor’s or Master’s Nursing program from a Swedish university.
- Check requirements – Review academic and English language criteria on the university’s official site.
- Apply online – Submit your application through Universityadmissions.se.
- Upload documents – Provide transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL scores, passport copy, and motivation letter (if required).
- Pay fee – Pay the SEK 900 application fee.
- Wait for results – Admission results are announced in April for autumn intake.
- Accept offer – Confirm your place through the portal.
- Apply for residence permit – Submit application to the Swedish Migration Agency with proof of funds and insurance.
- Prepare for arrival – Arrange accommodation and register for classes before the semester begins.
Application Deadline of Top Universities in Sweden
Here are the application deadlines for applying to top universities in Sweden for Nursing courses.
Events | Important Dates (2026) |
Publication of Bachelor’s admission results | 31 March 2026 |
Publication of Master’s admission results | 26 March 2026 (not directly relevant to Nursing) |
Beginning of the Autumn semester | 31 August 2026 |
Nursing in Sweden: Documents Required
Let’s now have a look at the documents for admission in Sweden. During the time of physical reporting/physical verification, students must have both the original and photocopies of the documents. Hence, keep the documents prepared before the admission process starts.
- Valid Passport
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Scorecard of the English Proficiency Test (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+) or Swedish Proficiency Test (TISUS or equivalent), though this varies as per university
- Bachelor’s degree marksheet (for Master’s)
- Statement of Purpose, Resume if required
- Financial support proof
- Official Admission or Acceptance Letter
- Student visa or residence permit documents
Offer Letter & Acceptance Process – Nursing Colleges in Sweden
Offer letters for nursing in Sweden can be found at the national application platform Universityadmissions.se. Upon receiving an admission offer, you have to sign into the portal and accept the offer before the deadline (typically a few days). After agreeing to the offer, you are required to get a student residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency, and then you are to register at the university at the beginning of the semester.
Nursing in Sweden: Living Costs
Cost of living is a very important aspect for an international student. Let's look at detailed information containing living costs, food, travel expenses, and so on.
Expenses (monthly) | Cost in SEK | Cost in Rupees |
Living costs | SEK 7,827 - 13,419 | ₹70,000 - 1,21,000 |
Food | SEK 3,000 - 4,000 | ₹27,000 - 36,000 |
Travel | SEK 600 | ₹5,000 |
Utilities (Electricity, water, etc.) | SEK 800 – 1,200 | ₹8,310 - 12,466 |
Internet | SEK 300 | ₹2,500 |
Health Insurance | SEK 335 | ₹3,000 |
Scholarships Offered by Nursing Colleges in Sweden
Students from India can avail themselves of a number of international scholarships during their study of nursing in Sweden. These scholarships are open at the bachelor's, master's, and research levels and are mostly merit-based.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits |
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SI Scholarship) | Master’s level students from non-EU countries | Full tuition fee coverage, SEK 11,000 monthly stipend, travel grant, insurance |
Erasmus+ Scholarship | Bachelor’s or Master’s exchange programs | Monthly stipend (varies by country, usually €1,000–€1,500), travel costs, insurance |
Karolinska Institute Global Master’s Scholarships | International students applying for Master’s in Nursing/Health Sciences | Full tuition fee waiver (living costs not included) |
University of Gothenburg Scholarships | Master’s level international students | Tuition fee waivers for selected programs |
Lund University Global Scholarship Program | Bachelor’s and Master’s students | Partial or full tuition fee waivers based on merit |
Nursing Colleges in Sweden: Licensing Eligibility After Graduation
To be eligible for licensing after graduation in Nursing in Sweden:
- You must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
- You must apply for registration with the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen).
- Proof of English or Swedish language proficiency is required (Swedish B2 for local practice).
Colleges with High Acceptance Rate (Estimated)
Below are the college-wise acceptance rates for Indian students aiming for Nursing courses in Sweden.
College/University | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
Karolinska Institute | 20–25% |
University of Gothenburg | 22% |
Linköping University | 18–23% |
Lund University | 20% |
Umeå University | 19–24% |
Nursing in Sweden: Career Scope
Some of the jobs in Sweden are those of a nurse in Private and Government Hospitals, a nursing instructor, and so on. Career opportunities in Sweden are expanding at a rapid pace, and nurses are in great demand there. The average salary is usually between SEK 275, 800 and SEK 650, 700.
Experience | Average yearly salary in SEK | Average annual salary in Rupees |
>20 | SEK 650,700 | ₹67,62,612 |
15-20 | SEK 615,700 | ₹63,98,863 |
10-15 | SEK 558,300 | ₹58,02,315 |
5-10 | SEK 478,000 | ₹49,67,771 |
2-5 | SEK 340,000 | ₹35,33,561 |
0-2 | SEK 275,800 | ₹28,66,342 |
Also Check:
Nursing Courses Abroad | |
Canada | |
USA | |
UK | |
Australia | |
Hungary | |
Georgia | |
France | |
Ireland | |
FAQs
Ques: Why should Indian students choose Sweden for nursing studies?
Ans: Sweden provides nursing education at public universities that are respected worldwide and feature up, to, date facilities and excellent clinical training. The programs are in English and your degree will be recognized not only locally but also internationally, for example by the Indian Nursing Council (INC).
Ques: Which are the top nursing colleges in Sweden for Indian students?
Ans: The main schools are Karolinska Institute, University of Gothenburg, Linkping University, Lund University, and Karlstad University. Most of them are public and rank highly with regard to health sciences globally.
Ques: What nursing programs are available in Sweden?
Ans: Sweden has BSc Nursing (Bachelor), Post, Basic Nursing diploma, as well as MSc Nursing (Master) degree programs. The duration of the courses ranges from 1 to 3 years depending on the level and specialization you choose.
Ques: What are the eligibility criteria for BSc Nursing in Sweden?
Ans: Indians who wish to study in Sweden should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 10+2. Moreover, they must be proficient in English and can prove their level of language by means of IELTS (at least 6.5 overall) or TOEFL (at least 90) which is a requirement for admission.
Ques: How can Indian students apply to nursing colleges in Sweden?
Ans: Applicants have to apply online via the official website Universityadmissions.se. Those applying have to submit their academic transcripts, English test scores, and take the application fee of SEK 900.
Ques: Are entrance exams required for nursing admission in Sweden?
Ans: Admission to nursing courses in Sweden does not require a national entrance exam. Mainly, admission is based on academic achievements, proficiency in English, and occasionally a motivation letter or interview.
Ques: What is the cost of studying nursing in Sweden?
Ans: Tuition fees differ from one university to another and also depending on the program, with a total ranging between SEK 48, 000 to more than SEK 500, 000. As for living expenses, they are generally between SEK 8, 000 and 13, 500 monthly.
Ques: Are scholarships available for Indian nursing students in Sweden?
Ans: Indeed, there are scholarships such as the Swedish Institute Scholarship, Erasmus+, and individual university grants. These scholarships might cover tuition fees fully or partially and they sometimes also include a monthly stipend.
Ques: Is a Swedish nursing degree valid in India and other countries?
Ans: Definitely, degrees from approved Swedish universities are recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC). Besides, graduates have the right to obtain a license in Sweden through Socialstyrelsen.
Ques: What career opportunities are available after nursing in Sweden?
Ans: Graduates may find jobs in both public and private hospitals, community healthcare, research, or education. According to the average yearly salary, a fresh worker can expect around SEK 275, 800 whereas an experienced nurse can earn over SEK 650, 700.