Sweden: A strong market for international recruitment
Sweden is a highly attractive market for international student recruitment. Swedish students are globally oriented, financially supported, and strongly interested in studying abroad. Saco Student Fairs offer a unique opportunity to meet them at a key decision point.
Why recruit students from Sweden?
1. Strong interest in studying abroad
Swedish students are very keen to take on the adventure of studying in a foreign country. As many as 50% of Swedish high school graduates take one or a few years off before commencing their university studies. During that time, studying and travelling abroad are popular activities.
Another reason for the large number of Swedes choosing to study abroad is their knowledge of foreign languages. Having a mother tongue that is not spoken anywhere else in the world, Swedes are encouraged to learn foreign languages early.
2. A large and reachable student population
Even though Sweden is quite a small country, there is a high percentage of students who complete high school and gain
In total, about 114,000 students are completing their final year of high school in 2025/26, which means that about 25% of these visit our fairs. When looking at the regions close enough to our fairs the share of students participating rises to more than a third and the study abroad section of our fair is always one of the most popular ones.
3. Financial support makes studying abroad accessible
Roughly 22,300 Swedes studied abroad with CSN financial aid in 2024/25 – a number which has still not quite reached the level before covid and geopolitical changes have additionally affected some countries more than others (e.g. UK and USA).
Swedish students have the right to apply for financial aid for studies in another country. A condition is that the overseas education has been recognised by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education (UHR).
Find out about the requirements for recognition here.
The amount of the financial aid/loan is the same for studying abroad as in Sweden. The repayment terms are also the same as for studying in Sweden. However additional finance is available for tuition fees, insurance and travel expenses, etc.
One condition for financial aid from the Swedish Board for Study Support (CSN) for studies outside the EEA and Switzerland is that the course lasts for a minimum of 3 months, full time. Within the EEA and Switzerland the minimum length is 15 weeks.
Language studies
To be qualified for study the courses have to be on a post secondary level if the person is below 20.