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Top Universities for PhD Study in Sweden in 2026
Written by Hannah Slack
With universities dating back to the fifteenth century, Sweden has a long history of excellence in higher education, with particular strengths in Medicine and other subjects. Its title as the home of the Nobel Prize, with 34 winners, shows a focus on creativity and free-thinking pays off.
We’ve collected the latest rankings data to highlight the top universities Sweden has to offer.
| University | THE 2025 | QS 2025 | ARWU 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karolinska Institute | 49 | - | 43 |
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | =95 | 74 | 201-300 |
| Lund University | =95 | 75 | 101-150 |
| Uppsala University | =130 | 103 | 88 |
| Stockholm University | =197 | 128 | 101-150 |
| Chalmers University of Technology | 201-250 | =139 | 401-500 |
| University of Gothenburg | 201-250 | =194 | 101-150 |
| Linköping University | 201-250 | =304 | 301-400 |
| Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences | 351-400 | - | 301-400 |
| Umeå University | 351-400 | =456 | - |
| Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information. | |||
So, how good are Swedish universities for PhD study?
One of the most appealing qualities of PhD study in Sweden is the lack of fees. Most doctoral programmes charge no tuition, even for international students. Additionally, many of Sweden’s universities consistently rank well against other those elsewhere in Europe and beyond, with five in the Times Higher Education world top 200.
To find out more about how you can use university rankings to chose the right university for you, check out our guide to PhD rankings.
Search for a PhD in Sweden
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse PhDs in Sweden on FindAPhD.com or read our guide to studying a PhD in Sweden.
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Hannah Slack
Hannah worked at FindAPhD as a Content Writer from 2020 to 2023. She started with us part-time whilst studying for her PhD, giving her personal experience with balancing work responsibilities with academia. Hannah has a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of East Anglia, and both a Masters in Early Modern History and a PhD on Early Modern English seafarers from the University of Sheffield.
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