Is It Worth Taking Extra Courses In Sweden?

My second year of university has been pretty chaotic academically, especially after I decided to take a big, lab- and project-heavy extra course at my university starting this November. I had also tried a few smaller extra courses in my first year, both in-person and online, and now I can’t help but wonder: is taking extra courses really worth all the extra work?

Why I Started Taking Extra Courses

There are a few reasons students take extra courses in Sweden, and I think mine were a mix of curiosity, fun, and strategic thinking.

Some courses I took just because I was interested in the topic. Others were because I wanted to explore areas outside my program, like physics or biochemistry. And then there’s the practical side: preparing for a master’s degree by making sure you meet the subject-specific requirements.

Many master’s programs in Sweden require a minimum number of credits in specific subjects, like chemistry for biotechnology or math for computer science. Some of my friends realized too late that their bachelor’s didn’t meet these requirements, making them ineligible for certain programs. For me, this hasn’t been an issue, but taking extra courses strategically can help fill gaps and keep your options open.

The Caviar

Here’s the catch: if you’re a student who has to pay tuition fees, which usually means you’re outside the EU, taking extra courses often comes with an extra price tag. And honestly, that can be a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to exploring exactly what you want. There are exceptions, though. For example, many universities offer free Swedish language or culture courses, which I’ll talk about later. At my university, these courses didn’t cost anything, and they count as official credits, so they’re a great way to dip your toes into extra courses without paying extra.

Flexible Credit System: Mix, Match, and Explore

ne of the best things about studying in Sweden is how flexible the credit system can be. To earn a degree in a specific program, you usually only need about 50% of your credits to come from your main field. The remaining credits can be mixed and matched with almost any courses you’re interested in. For example, if you’re doing a science degree, you could technically take music or history courses, and it would still count toward your degree.

That said, a word of caution: if you’re planning to continue on to a master’s program, make sure you still meet the subject-specific requirements. Planning ahead is key, but within those boundaries, this system gives you a lot of freedom to explore and tailor your studies to your interests.

The Types of Extra Courses I Took

1. Extra Courses from My Own University

Some of my extra courses were offered right at my university. For example, this semester I’m taking Biochemistry, a full-time course with labs, projects, and weekly assignments. It’s not part of my bachelor’s program, but I’m genuinely passionate about the subject (fun fact: I applied to a lot of biochemistry programs myself around the globe before deciding on bioinformatics in Sweden), and a lot of my friends from other programs were taking it too.

I won’t lie… it’s demanding. Some days it feels like my brain is doing a triathlon: lecture, lab, lab report, quiz, assignment, group project, lecture again. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Learning something I really care about keeps me motivated and excited, and it reminds me why I enjoy studying in the first place. I’ve noticed that since I’m learning things I genuinely enjoy, I’ve started making more organized notes and actually reading course literature!

Tip: If your program doesn’t cover a topic you’re genuinely interested in, taking an extra course can be worth it for pure enjoyment and curiosity, not just for strategy. It might just make you more excited about your other courses as well!

2. Extra Courses Online at Other Universities

I’m about to nerd out a little, but I’ve always been fascinated by quantum and molecular physics. The idea that I could dive deeper into these subjects beyond high school and explore them at a proper university level was just too exciting to pass up. So, during my first year, I also took a Modern physics course at KTH. This was all online, with assignments instead of a final exam. No labs, no commuting, no physical attendance… just flexible learning. That kind of course is perfect if you want something manageable alongside your main program, especially in your first year when the subjects aren’t as demanding.

Tip: Always check if the course requires labs, presentations, or physical exams. Online courses like this are a lifesaver if the university is far away or if your schedule is tight.

3. Swedish Language and Culture Extra Courses

Here’s a classic: many Swedish universities offer free Swedish language courses (usually 7.5 credits) for international students — even if you’re paying tuition. Some universities , like mine, also offer a Swedish culture course (around 3 credits). These are;

• Easy to find (your university usually provides them)
• Flexible
• Fun
• Credit-earning

Many international students take these in their first year to test the waters with extra courses. They’re low-pressure, social, and a great way to learn more about Swedish culture. Plus, they make balancing your schedule with extra courses a little easier.

How to Apply for Extra Courses

Here’s how I went about applying for extra courses, and some tips if you’re considering it too.

For courses within your own university, the first step is to talk to one of your study counsellors. I emailed mine and explained that I was interested in taking an extra course, and asked about the specific process at my university. I highly recommend doing the same — either email your counsellors or reach out to your teachers, because the process can differ depending on the university.

For courses outside your university, the process is a bit different. You usually need to apply in the semester before the course starts. For example, if you want to take a course in the autumn, you often have to apply in the spring. It’s important to check deadlines carefully so you don’t miss them.

Also, make sure you’re using the official application website for extra courses. This is not the same as the university admissions site used for full programs. If you’re already registered at a university, you’ll usually apply through the Swedish national student admissions system called Antagning.se, which handles single courses as well as full programs.

Starting with a quick conversation with a study counsellor can save you a lot of confusion and make the whole process much smoother

The Benefits of Taking Extra Courses

Extra courses aren’t just for padding your transcript — they come with real perks

• Explore topics you’re genuinely interested in
• Fill requirements for master’s programs
• Meet new people outside your program
• Learn in a different style (online, labs, project-based)
• Boost your CV and broaden your academic profile

Honestly, some of the courses I took were more fun than my main program. And let’s be real — that’s saying something.

The Downsides (Let’s Be Honest)

Extra courses can also be tricky. From my experience;

• Time pressure: juggling full-time program + extra course is intense
• Workload: especially for lab-heavy or project-based courses
• Extra Cost: If you are a fee-paying student, you would have to pay extra for these courses.
• Commitment: it’s easy to overcommit and feel guilty when deadlines overlap
• Stress: Canvas notifications at 11 PM are terrifying

So, balance is key. Not every course is worth it, and not every semester can handle extra credits.

My Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Extra courses can be amazing if you have the time, are genuinely interested in the topic, and are strategic about future master’s applications. They’re not worth it if you’re only taking them because you feel pressured, but if a course sparks your curiosity, makes you excited to learn, or helps fill a crucial credit gap, it can be incredibly rewarding. For me, the joy of diving into subjects I love has far outweighed the stress, and taking extra courses has added both knowledge and excitement to my bachelor’s experience.

Final Tips for Students Considering Extra Courses

• Start small — maybe a 7.5 credit language or culture course
• Check admission requirements for courses and masters programsPrefer flexible online courses when possible
• Only take courses that interest you
• Balance your schedule carefully, and remember to enjoy life outside academics

I’d love to hear from you — are you planning to take any extra courses, or have you already tried them? What was your experience like, and do you think it was worth the extra work? Share your thoughts in the comments — it’s always great to hear different perspectives and tips from fellow students!