Incoming exchange students

The Stockholm School of Economics welcomes around 180 exchange students each year. The Education Office coordinates the student exchange program and supports students and partner institutions before, during, and after the exchange period.

EU funded


On this page, you will find useful information about studying at SSE and living in Stockholm. Please note that SSE does not accept free movers.

Academic calendar

The academic year at SSE is divided into two semesters: a fall semester and a spring semester. Each semester is further divided into two teaching periods, with periods one and two in the fall semester and periods three and four in the spring semester.

Exchange students can apply only for full semesters, not individual periods. However, if you are interested in attending for just one period, please contact the SSE Student Exchange Office directly.

Please check the Academic Calendar 2026-2027 if you want to have more information regarding the exact dates and terms.

Courses

You are allowed to register for a maximum of two courses per period, or three if one of them is a language course. If you wish to add a third course that is not a language course, you must send an email to the Exchange Program Manager.

Students enrolled in a three-year Bachelor’s program at their home university are welcome to take three-digit courses from the third year of the Bachelor program. Please remember to check the exam schedule and the language of instruction, as these courses are part of SSE’s Bachelor program. The exam schedule may therefore differ slightly from the Master’s program, and some courses are offered in Swedish only.

Students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program who are in their fourth year of studies at their home university may be eligible to take courses at SSE at both BSc and MSc levels.

Master students may take all four-digit courses, as well as courses from the third year of the Bachelor program, provided that their home institution grants permission.

The educational programs at Stockholm School of Economics are based on research and stress a theoretical and analytical approach. Since the School’s foundation, Economics has occupied a stronger position in the curriculum than at most business schools.

The teaching methodology is a mixture of American and European teaching methods and theories. Some courses are characterized by more traditional teaching, with lectures, written course assignments and seminars.

In other courses the teaching is to a great extent based on cases; active participation in class is expected and contributes to the final grade. Many of the courses require substantial preparatory reading.

The contacts between students and faculty members are rather informal at SSE. Feel free to contact your professors if you have any questions regarding the courses you are taking.

As an exchange student you study under the same conditions as the Swedish students. You may find that the structure of the SSE exams differs from those at your home university and therefore it is advisable to review past papers before taking your first exam.

>>> Exam Regulations (login)

Academic information

English language requirements: Students must demonstrate English language proficiency corresponding to at least B2 level. It is the responsibility of the home university to ensure that students meet these requirements.

Course format: Courses are typically conducted on site and in person. Exchange students are expected to remain until the end of their scheduled examinations. No special arrangements for early exams can be made.

Workload: Exchange students may take courses corresponding to 30 ECTS credits, i.e. 15 ECTS per teaching period, which typically amounts to two courses per teaching period.

Transcripts: Transcripts are available approximately two months after the final examinations. Students are invited to download their transcript directly from the internal portal. An original copy can be sent by post upon request.

Practical matters

Housing 

At SSE, we have a small housing office that offers rooms and apartments to some of our international students. There is no guarantee of housing, so we recommend that you also explore other accommodation options. You can find more information here.


Cost of living

The following is a feasible monthly budget:

  • Housing: SEK 6,000 – 10,000
  • Food: SEK 3,000
  • Insurance: SEK 500
  • Hobbies: SEK 2,000
  • Local Transportation: SEK 650

Total: SEK 12,150 - 16,150

Exchange students have so far been exempt from the otherwise compulsory student association fees. Please note that you will need to pay for course literature, i.e. books, compendiums, etc.

Visa

Depending on your country of origin, you may need a residence permit to study at SSE. Please refer to the Swedish Migration Agency’s website for information that applies to your specific situation.


Insurance

It is very important that you purchase travel insurance that covers your journey and ensure that you have valid medical insurance for your entire stay in Sweden. EU/EEA students should make sure to bring a European Health Insurance Card from their home country or, alternatively, documentation for a fully comprehensive private health insurance policy.

Students with disabilities

Our Guidance and Wellbeing Office provides support to students with special needs, access to a certified counsellor, and assistance from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager.

Get in touch with us

Do you have questions about our student exchange program, bilateral agreements, the MBA Short Program, the Wallenberg International Fellows Program, GNAM, or our double degree programs with Sciences Po? Feel free to contact our team:

Student exchange (all degree levels) and bilateral agreements
Team: Evelina Elo, Emma Danbury, Linda Israelsson
Phone: +46 8 736 90 00
Email: exchange@hhs.se

MBA Short Program, Wallenberg International Fellows Program, GNAM and Sciences Po Double Degrees
Email: global@hhs.se

CIVICA
Team: Joanna Ziolkowska and Patsy Åkerberg
Email: civica@hhs.se

CEMS MIM
Program Manager: Karin Setterbrant
Email: karin.setterbrant@hhs.se