Cost of Studying in the UK vs Sweden vs Finland: Which is More Affordable?

UK vs Sweden vs Finland Study Cost for Pakistani Students

Introduction

Choosing the right study destination is not just about quality education it’s also about affordability. For Pakistani students planning to study abroad, the UK, Sweden, and Finland are among the top choices. Each country offers unique advantages, but their tuition fees, living costs, and visa expenses differ significantly.

At Ocentra Travel and Tourism, we specialize in guiding students from Pakistan to these destinations. Let’s compare the real costs so you can make an informed decision for the September 2026 intake.

 Studying in the United Kingdom

Tuition Fees

  • Undergraduate programs: £11,000 – £20,000 per year
  • Postgraduate programs: £12,000 – £25,000 per year

Top universities like the University of Glasgow, Birmingham, and Nottingham may charge slightly higher, especially for STEM or business programs.

Living Costs

  • Average monthly expense: £900 – £1,300 (₨330,000 – ₨480,000 PKR)
  •  This includes accommodation, food, transport, and utilities.

Work Opportunities

UK students can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. After graduation, you can apply for a 2-year Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route).

Total Annual Cost

Approx. £20,000 – £28,000 (₨7–10 million PKR per year)

Studying in Sweden

Tuition Fees

  • Undergraduate programs: SEK 55,000 – SEK 80,500 per semester
  • Postgraduate programs: SEK 55,000 – SEK 80,500 per semester

Public universities like Lund University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Uppsala University offer scholarships to reduce costs.

Living Costs

Average monthly expense: SEK 9,000 – 12,000

(≈ ₨240,000 – ₨320,000 PKR) – Includes rent, food, and local transport.

Work Opportunities

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during studies.

Total Annual Cost

Approx. ₨2.8 – 4.2 million PKR per year

Studying in Finland

Tuition Fees

  • Undergraduate programs: €9,000 – €11,500 per year
  • Postgraduate programs: €9,000 – €12,500 per year

Universities like Aalto University and University of Helsinki offer scholarships (50–100%) based on academic performance.

Living Costs

  • Average monthly expense: €700 – €1,000
  •  (≈ ₨210,000 – ₨300,000 PKR)

Work Opportunities

Students can work up to 30 hours per week during studies.

Total Annual Cost

Approx. ₨2.5 – 3.8 million PKR per year

Comparative Overview

CountryTuition Fees (Annual)Living Costs (Annual)Total Annual Estimate (PKR)Work LimitPost-Study Visa
UK₨5.5 – 9 million₨1.8 – 3 million₨7 – 10 million20 hrs/week2 years
Sweden₨2.1 – 3.8 million₨2.8 – 3.5 million₨4 – 6 millionUnlimited1 year
Finland₨2.2 – 3.8 million₨2.5 – 3 million₨4 – 5.5 million30 hrs/week1–2 years

Verdict: Which Country Is More Affordable?

For Pakistani students looking for quality education with lower total cost, Finland and Sweden are generally more affordable compared to the UK.

  • Choose Finland if you want low tuition fees, affordable living, and a peaceful environment.
  • Choose Sweden for world-leading universities, open work policy, and innovation-focused degrees.
  • Choose the UK for faster admission, globally recognized degrees, and post-study work opportunities.

Ocentra Travel and Tourism  Your Study Visa Partner

At Ocentra Travel and Tourism (SMC Pvt. Ltd.), we provide end-to-end guidance for:

  • University Selection & Admission
  • Financial Documentation Support
  • Visa File Preparation
  • Interview Training
  • Scholarship Assistance

We specialize in UK, Sweden, and Finland Study Visas and have helped numerous students successfully secure admissions and approvals.