Study in Sweden

ABOUT SWEDEN

Located in the heart of Northern Europe, The Kingdom of Sweden lies to the west of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia while forming an integral part to the east of the Scandinavian Peninsula.  The climate conditions in Sweden have extreme differences in summer and winter. However, the presence of the gulf stream helps the country enjoy a temperate climate. As a Nordic country bordering Norway, Finland and Denmark, Sweden is said to be one of largest countries in Europe with its capital Stockholm having quite the historic significance. In addition, cities such as Gothenburg and Malmö have also been hubs for metropolitan standards of living. With a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, Sweden has made quite a name for itself in terms of social structure. While its Nordic social welfare system for its citizens has always been the centre of appreciation by the international forums, it continues to rank quite high in terms of income per capita, quality of life, protection of civil liberties and gender equality. This explains why the country has always been on the front of cultural innovation. The very essence of the Nobel Prize was born from a Swedish scientist, Alfred Nobel. Revered for his technological innovation in the 19th century, Alfred Nobel’s last wish was to contribute his fortune by awarding five categories of annual prizes to people who have worked for the greatest benefit of mankind. Therefore, one could consider the extent of Swedish cultural innovation from the very fact that a long thought idea in the 19th century has become a prized possession and ambition that most scholars in the current world wish to achieve.

 

HIGHER EDUCATION IN SWEDEN 

Higher education in the Kingdom of Sweden takes place around 50 institutions of four very different categories. They are:

•       Universities
•       University colleges
•       University colleges of fine, applied and performing arts
•       Independent higher education providers.

HIGHER EDUCATION STRUCTURE 

With the Bologna process driving reforms in the educational structure, Sweden has been offering a three cycle structure of higher education since 2007. They are:

1.     The Bachelor’s level – As the first cycle to Sweden’s higher education program, the country offers an undergraduate degree in a wide range of internationally recognised courses which are mostly taught in English. While the secondary educational structure in Sweden is quite different with a three year upper secondary education program, the minimum criteria that international students require is the effective completion of their 10+2 schooling.
2.     The Master’s level – As the second cycle to the higher education structure, a ‘graduate level’ degree is offered by most universities in Sweden to international students who have either completed Bachelor’s degree outside or have achieved the kandidatexamen after effectively completing their undergraduate studies in Sweden.
3.     The Doctoral level – After a student has successfully achieved his/her master’s degree, Sweden offers the third cycle of higher education where the student is given an option to achieve academic excellence by continuing their studies at a doctoral level. While the minimum eligibility is a masters degree, different universities have their own set of qualifications that students must hold in order to pursue a doctoral program in the country.

There is no specific english language

 REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDYING IN SWEDEN 

1. Bachelors: In order to enrol for a bachelor’s degree in Sweden, some of the general requirements that students must possess are:

• Have successfully completed their higher secondary education with at least 60% and above
• Good proficiency and command over English

1. Masters: In order to join a masters program in Sweden students must have:

•  A bachelor’s degree from an internationally recognised University
• Good proficiency and command over English

1. PhD: For students willing to join a PhD program in Sweden, they must have:

• A Masters degree in the area of subject that the student wishes to conduct his research. The student must alo

 

COST OF STUDYING FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

Undergraduate Degree Cost 

While the cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree for international students differs from university to university, the average annual fee is SEK 129,000 (about INR 11,00,000). Although areas of studies such as Social Science and Humanities range from SEK 80,000 to 110,000 (around INR 700,000 to 950,000) per year, technical subjects such as Architecture and Design range from SEK 190,000 to 295,000 (around INR 16,25,000 to 25,25,000).

Masters Degree Cost

For pursuing a Masters degree, the annual fee usually ranges from SEK 220,000 to 295,000 (around INR 18,80,000 to 25,25,000).

 

Cost of Living 

The average living cost in Sweden ranges from 7000 – 12000 SEK per month (around INR 60,000 to 100,000). This is usually based on the city, accommodation and living factors. While cities such as Gothenburg and Stockholm will cost around 1,2500 SEK a month, living in cities like Linkoping and Lund would come up to around 8500 SEK per month.

 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES 

Unlike other countries, Sweden allows students to work part time while studying. However, many international students have come to share that finding a part time job in Sweden is a bit difficult since they require them to speak native Swedish. However, the best place to find a part time job is the university that the student studies in. Some universities often set aside positions for international students who are paying tuition to study. Such work programs in the university not only enhance the student’s experience but also give them an opportunity that would take time if they wish to look for one outside.

Sweden also happens to be one of the safest countries for international students to live and work after their graduation. While the Workers Union ensure the health and safety of all employees in the country, the anti discrimination laws helps in preventing and dettering any form of discrimination that students might face while applying for opportunities. International students are also allowed to bring one of their closest family members as they are also given residential permits if the student is awarded with one. Further, employment benefits like welfare costs for children, 18 months of parental leave and health programs make Sweden the best country to work for international students.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA 

Some of the general requirements for a student visa to Sweden are:

1. A full time university study program
2. A written letter of acceptance in the university that a student has enrolled in.
3. Payment of the first instalment of annual tuition fee to the University
4.  A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months

However, it is important that students must understand the difference between a student visa and a residence permit:

• Students planning to stay and study in Sweden for less than 90 days are given a student visa
• Students planning to stay and study in Sweden for more than 90 days are given a residence permit which allows them to work part time and full time during their stay which is subject to periodic renewal.

Students can apply online on the Swedish Migration Agency Website or the Swedish consulate in their country for a student visa. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible since the usual waiting time for approval ranges from 2-3 months. Student are not required to sit for an additional English exam and can therefore study without IELTS

 

SCHOLARSHIPS IN SWEDEN

Students originating from non-European countries are often given a scholarship program based on their merit by the University itself. While national scholarship programs such as the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals can be availed by all arriving international students, specific universities like the University of Boras, Halmstad University and Lund University offer scholarships that help cover a significant portion of the student’s tuition fee.