Living costs
The cost of living in Sweden is probably higher than what you are used to. The Swedish Institute has estimated a monthly budget for a student in Sweden. Students requiring a residence permit must, by law, demonstrate that they have funds of at least SEK 10 584 per month of study (for permit applications submitted during 2025).
An average student budget
Food: SEK 2,700
Accommodation: SEK 4,900
Local travel: SEK 620
Phone/internet: SEK 400
Miscellaneous: SEK 1,964
Total: SEK 10,584
Discounts for students
As a member of the Karlstad Student Union you get discounts on public transportation, local restaurants, stores, as well as on other services both locally and nationally. As a member you automatically receive the Mecenat card, which serves as your student discount card.