Study Medicine or Dentistry Abroad from Sweden: Socialstyrelsen Licence, CSN and the Best Destinations

Why So Many Swedes Study Medicine Abroad

Swedish medical schools select students either on upper secondary grades or on the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (högskoleprovet). In both groups, the required scores are among the highest of all programmes. With a maximum merit value of 22.5 for grades and 2.0 for the aptitude test, even a small gap can decide whether you get a place.

For many students, this means repeated attempts, supplementary courses and years of waiting. Studying abroad replaces this uncertainty with a structured six-year programme and a clear route back to Sweden.

A Stable Trend

The number of Swedish medical students abroad has been stable at between around 2,260 and 2,410 per year over the last five years. Medicine has long been an established part of Swedish study abroad, and hospitals across Sweden employ many doctors who trained in other EU countries.

Dentistry

Dentistry in Sweden is also highly competitive, with only a few dental schools. The same EU framework makes a dental degree from another EU country a practical alternative.

How Your Degree Is Recognised in Sweden

Sweden is an EU member state, so Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications applies. It sets minimum standards for medical and dental training and lists the recognised qualifications of each member state in its Annex V.

Licence From Socialstyrelsen

To practise as a doctor in Sweden, you need a licence (legitimation) from Socialstyrelsen, the National Board of Health and Welfare. For doctors trained in the EU or EEA, Socialstyrelsen requires:

• your diploma and a certificate of conformity confirming that it meets the requirements of Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC,
• proof of Swedish, Danish or Norwegian at level C1,
• a certificate of good standing issued within the last three months,
• a Swedish personal identity number or coordination number.

Socialstyrelsen begins processing within four weeks and decides on complete applications within three to four months.

Why the Structure of the Programme Matters

Automatic recognition works best when the degree gives full right to practise in the country of study directly after graduation. In some countries, a national internship follows the degree before full practice rights are granted, and in that case an additional period of practice can be required in Sweden. This is one of the most important points to check when choosing a programme, and it explains why some destinations have become especially popular with Swedish students.

After Your Licence

With a Swedish licence, you can apply for posts in Swedish healthcare and continue into specialist training. Your years abroad count as a fully valid medical education.

Dentistry

Dentists trained in the EU or EEA also apply to Socialstyrelsen for a licence. Qualifying dental degrees listed in Annex V are recognised on the same basis.

How CSN Finances Studies Abroad

CSN, the Swedish Board of Student Finance, provides grants and loans for full degrees abroad. For studies in other countries, you can also apply for a supplementary loan to cover tuition fees. Funding depends on the programme meeting CSN's requirements and on your study progress, so it is worth checking this early. Many Swedish students finance their entire six years abroad this way.

Which Destination Countries Suit Swedish Students?

Swedish students mostly choose EU countries where the programme structure leads directly to a Swedish licence.

Latvia

Latvia is currently the most popular destination, with 877 Swedish medical students in 2023/2024. The number of Swedes studying in Latvia has more than doubled over the past five years. Riga has become a real hub for Scandinavian students.

Lithuania

Lithuania follows the same trend, with 303 Swedish medical students and strong growth over five years. English-language programmes and a lively student culture make it attractive.

Poland

Poland has 508 Swedish medical students and offers a wide range of English-language programmes. Here, it is particularly important to understand how the programme structure translates into a Swedish licence, which we check individually for you.

Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia

These countries offer long-established English-language programmes in Medicine and Dentistry with EU standards. They are good options for students looking for a different study environment.

Practical Tips for Swedish Students

Check the Route to Legitimation

The most important question is whether the degree leads directly to a Swedish licence. Choose a programme where this is clearly the case.

Keep Your Swedish Strong

Socialstyrelsen requires C1 in Swedish, Danish or Norwegian. For Swedish native speakers, this is usually easy to prove, but medical terminology in Swedish is worth practising during your studies.

Work in Sweden During Summers

Summer jobs as a healthcare assistant or, later, as an unlicensed doctor (underläkare) in Swedish hospitals give you valuable experience and contacts for your first job.

Plan Your CSN Funding Early

CSN funding requires a programme that meets its requirements and regular study progress. Plan your budget over six years before you commit.

Use the Scandinavian Network

In Riga, Kaunas and other popular cities, Scandinavian student associations make settling in much easier and help with everything from housing to exam preparation.

How We Help You Find the Right Programme

The right programme combines a clear route to legitimation, CSN funding and a study environment where you can thrive. We offer solutions for exactly this. Contact us and we check individually which of our 25+ partner universities fits you and your plans for a career in Sweden. Marcel or another experienced consultant on our team will review your situation and give you a clear recommendation.