Overview
Sweden is a part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and borders Norway in the northernmost part of Europe. This country has been around since ancient times and has been mentioned as early as 98 BC by the Roman author Tacitus. Sweden's capital Stockholm has remained the unchanged capital for over 500 years. Stockholm is a constitutional monarchy along with a parliamentary democracy. Sweden has a highly developed economy that focuses on being a welfare state. The standard of living is one of the highest in the world.
Why study in Sweden?
At some point in time, we’ve all been in awe of Sweden's progressive politics, its public welfare system and IKEA. We have wanted to chase the northern lights, or lounge on the cold beaches or trek its postcard-perfect mountains. Sweden has all these and a very advanced and developed education system.
Sweden is a good choice for a study destination because:-
- Swedish universities are one of the few universities that actively discourage rote learning. The education system believes in the policy of creative thinking and problem-solving. The schools and universities try to foster independent thinking, creative problem solving, holistic thinking and sustainability. This is done through their non-hierarchical classrooms
- A country that believes in sustainability and strives to be environmentally conscious. Sweden uses the highest percentage of renewable energy in Europe. Environmental conservation, renewable and sustainable energy form the core of the country’s values
- The country's education system is remarkable and one of the most advanced. Swedish is the primary language of Sweden, yet it is the second country in the world that uses skilled English as a second language
- The Swedes are one of the youngest and most multicultural student fraternities in the entirety of Europe. Sweden is committed to diversity and equality
- Sweden has a Freedom to Roam policy. By this, the general public has a right to access almost all of the lands for recreation. This promotes active social life, adventurous spirit amongst others
- Swedes are proud of their history. From Vikings to Abba, they celebrate every notable and gifted part of their history. The museums here are mostly free to students on scheduled days
- Sweden is home to some famous companies like H&M, Skype, TetraPak and Spotify. The internship and job opportunities here are numerous
Education System in Sweden
In Sweden, a degree and course are two different things. Courses make up a degree here.
Higher education in Sweden is divided into four different education categories:
- Universities or Universitet
- University colleges- högskolor
- University colleges of fine, applied and performing arts (Konstnärliga Högskolor)
- other higher education providers (enskilda utbildningsanordnare)
It also follows the Bologna three-cycle education
- Bachelor's degree- 3 years
- Masters degree- 2 years
- Post Doctorate PhD- 3-4 years
The higher education quality is controlled by the Swedish Higher Education Authority. The Swedish Council of Higher Education administers the admissions into universities and not the universities directly.
Eligibility
For a bachelor's degree
Completed high secondary education and is above 16.
Scores of tests that prove English proficiency like TOEFL, IELTS etc
For a master’s degree
A bachelor's degree from any recognised university
In case applying for masters in Sweden, graduating from elsewhere, then IELTS or TOFEL scores.
For a PhD program
Masters degree in the same field in which PhD is being applied for.
Good command of the English Language.
Work Opportunities
While Sweden is home to many multinational corporations, some of the sectors here are well advanced. There is always a high demand here for skilled labourers. These sectors are:-
Healthcare and pharmaceutical- The government of Sweden invests heavily in the development of this sector
Biotechnology research- Some of the worlds best pharma brands like Pfizer and AstraZeneca base their research in Sweden
Sweden promotes innovative thinking because of which there is a healthy startup setup. These have high growth opportunities
Renewable and non-fossil energy and the allied sectors are much in demand here
Information Technology sectors get a big boost here
Part-time work opportunities
Sweden is a country with a low and affordable cost of living and tuition. The exchange rate fluctuations still make some international students feel the pinch. To counter that Sweden has a very equitable work policy. Sweden doesn’t differentiate between international students working in Sweden or Swede citizens.
The laws and rules are very simple. There is no requirement for a work permit. No permissions required from the university. No maximum hours allowed to work policy.
The only rule the Swedish government has set is the need for students to complete a minimum of 40 hours of education in the week. They have the flexibility of choosing evening lectures, extra credits to make it up.
The students can work any job and at any level. It helps if an international student has prior work experience. It would enable them to get a better paying job.
Popular Courses
Innovative and creative thinking is how students define Sweden's education system. It enables students to problem solve, freely think and learn. The more popular courses are:-
- Renewable energy and other allied courses
- Automotive engineering
- Biotechnology
- Information Technology
- Pharmaceutical and medical courses
PSW Visa
Working in Sweden post-education is what every International student looks forward to primarily because:-
- Sweden has strong worker protection laws. The workers’ union strives hard to maintain the safety, health and mental well-being of the workers
- Sweden has an anti-discrimination legislature. This enforces every individual to have equal rights irrespective of their religion, age, gender, orientation or culture
- International students get comprehensive social benefits like health care etc
After their education is complete, international students need to:-
- Extend their residence permit to look for jobs. This permit can only be extended for 6 months
- Apply for a work permit before their residence permit expires
The extension of the residence permit shall only be granted to the students who:-
- Completed a course covering minimum to semesters
- Can support themselves financially during this period
- Should have applied 6 months prior to the permit expiring
Living Expenses
Including average fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, other programs
Tuition Fees for international students- range from 7,500 Euros per year to 25,500 Euros per year. Business administration and architecture are the more expensive courses.
Accommodation Expenses-
- Dormitories- 240- 460 Euros per month
- Apartments- 350- 750 Euros per month
- Food costs- 180- 350 Euros per month
- Public transport 45-65 Euros per month
- Personal Expenses 350-450 Euros per month
- Health insurance 30 Euro per month
Life & Culture
Student life
Swedes value openness and candour when it comes to education and life. They do not differentiate people in universities or colleges according to rank. It is an inclusive approach.
The libraries in Sweden cover the most diverse topics and are the place where students spend most of their time.
Swedish people are very welcoming to international students and go out of their way to make them feel at home. Outdoor sports like hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, biking are some of the preferred activities of the Swedes.
Students spend most of the time bonding over ‘Fika’. It is a tradition where people hang out together, bond over cups of coffee.
There are a lot of social clubs and events that take place for students.
Culture
Swedish culture is based on three values- freedom, equality and sustainability. Swedes believe in the concept of group work, community building and bettering society.
Swedes are an egalitarian bunch who believe in the concept of freedom - To live life and be how one wants to.
Swedes love their food. They love getting outdoors and picking berries, mushrooms, fishing and creating a simple meal with friends. Herring is a staple in the diet of Swedes. Swedes are very healthy eaters with an Achilles heel of candy. Sweden consumes Europe's largest amount of candy.
Swedes celebrate midsummer and Christmas with zeal and festivity. In some parts of Sweden, the sun never sets.
Scholarships
BTH SCHOLARSHIPS- The grant is awarded to meritorious students in any field. The quantum of the grant is the complete tuition fees.
Visa Requirements
- A valid passport having a minimum of two blank pages, which has been issued in the last 10 years and has validity for three months post the study visa expiry.
- Letter of intent.
- Proof of acceptance in a recognized university.
- Financial proof
- An individual medical travel insurance EUR 30,000(INR 25,80,000).
- Proof of intent to leave once study finishes.
- A passport photograph clicked in the last 6 months.
Linkoping university
Sweden
National Ranking : 7
FOUNDED IN
1969
INSTITUTION TYPE
Public
ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING
N/A
Chalmers university of technology
Sweden
National Ranking : 8
FOUNDED IN
1829
INSTITUTION TYPE
Private
ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING
N/A
Kth royal institute of technology
Sweden
National Ranking : 4
FOUNDED IN
1827
INSTITUTION TYPE
Public
ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING
113520 SEK
Swedish university of agricultural sciences
Sweden
National Ranking : 10
FOUNDED IN
1977
INSTITUTION TYPE
Public
ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING
N/A
Halmstad university
Sweden
National Ranking : N/A
FOUNDED IN
1983
INSTITUTION TYPE
Public
ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING
N/A
Jönköping university
Sweden
National Ranking : N/A
FOUNDED IN
1994
INSTITUTION TYPE
Public
ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING
N/A
Other Country
