Study abroad : Study in Sweden [1]

Country Facts

Capital: Stockholm

Religion: Protestant, Roman Catholic

Population: 8,878,085

Language: Swedish, English

Area: 449,964 sq km

Continent: Europe

Why Sweden?

Volvo, Ericsson, H&M and Saab or Nobel prize!!!! Are these words known to you!! Oh then you must know these are all Swedish brands. Sweden is a safe and modern country in northern Europe, and it has accrued a spectacular reputation as an innovator and creative force. Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize, the world’s most prestigious academic distinction.

What is Medium of Instruction?

Swedish universities offer hundreds of bachelor and master’s degree programs in English, ranging from human rights law to mechanical engineering. All programs are modern and structured in response to student demand. You can study both English and Swedish. If you speak fluent Swedish then Swedish courses are open to you as well which will give you even greater choice.

Do they speak English?

Swedish speak Swedish but almost all Swedish speak fluent English. You will find English in many Swedish companies as their official working language. Learning Swedish with Swedish people is a great fun too.

Really!!! No tuition fees!! Free Education!

Yes, it’s a rare exception is that higher education tuition fees in Sweden are fully subsidized by the government. It is applicable to you as well as Swedish students. However, you need to cover your living expenses during your study period, which is approximately SEK 7300 per month; please keep in mind it is also a pre-requisite for acquiring a residence permit. (1 USD=  7.10  SEK on 29 th August,09)

What are Other fees?

Student union fees

You have to pay a membership fee to the local student union and it range from SEK 150-400 per term depending on the union.

Literature and textbooks

You will get rich library everywhere but still you have to buy your own books as library copies are limited and reading is often extensive. You need to spend SEK 750 per month on books in an academic term on average. If you are a Law student then you might need to spend a little more. You can also buy second hand or old books at cheaper price.

Any idea of living expenses?

There is not approximate figure about living cost for international students in Sweden. The cost may vary according to place of stay and living standard. Big cities like Stockholm are more expensive than the small towns. However, in average, Swedish living cost for international students will be about Swedish Krona SEK 6500 to 7300 per month.

You can use your student card for discounts and on-campus restaurants are good value. You can also cook your own food; most student accommodations have some form of kitchen facility open to residents.

The general estimated living budgets for International students are:

Food: SEK 2,000.

Accommodation: SEK 3,200.

Local travel: SEK 500.

Telephone/internet: SEK 300.

Insurance, medical care and hygiene: SEK 250.

Student union fee: SEK 60-70.

Clothing, hobby/leisure, other: SEK 750.

Total: SEK 7,070, or about EUR 750.

Attention please:

While applying for a residence permit you must prove to the Swedish Migration Board that you will have a guaranteed sum of money (SEK 7,300 per month for ten months of the year; this amount is set by the Migration Board) at your disposal throughout the entire period of your studies. If you wanna bring your family you have to show additional SEK 3,000 per month for your spouse and SEK 1,800 per month per child at your hand.

Can I apply for scholarship?

Swedish government agency “The Swedish Institute” is the supreme authority over 500 scholarships per academic year which are awarded to the students and researchers coming to Sweden to pursue their objectives at a Swedish university. [More in part two]

Can I do part time job?

Don’t worry! You can work and earn money too:

If you are an enrolled Swedish university or university college student you can work in Sweden without a work permit. However, a residence permit is required if you stay more than three months. If you are from Nordic, EU and EEA area then no need of residence permit, but need to register at the Swedish Migration Board. More information about work in Sweden.

Where to get residence permit?

Need information to get residence permit, contact your nearest embassy or consulate or the Swedish Migration Board directly.

How many semesters in one academic year?

The Swedish academic year is divided into autumn and spring semesters. The majority of courses and study programmes start in the autumn semester.

Autumn semester:

Autumn semester starts at the end of August and continues until mid-January of the following year.

Spring semester:

Spring semester usually starts in January and finishes at the end of June.

Summer session:

Many higher education institutions (HEIs) have a short summer session in between the spring and autumn semesters. You will be awarded a maximum of 15 HE credits for courses taken during the summer session.

Any information on Courses or study programmes?

When applying to study in Sweden, you have options to apply for self-contained courses or full study programmes.

If you choose to study a self-contained course or a range of courses, credits will be given to you on completion of these courses. You will be awarded a diploma or degree if you accumulate the necessary number of credits in required patterns.

Or you can apply for a full study programme. Study programmes are made up of compulsory and optional courses. Some of the study programmes lead to professional or vocational qualifications. Study programmes vary in length from 2 to 11 semesters.

Credit system

In normal schedule it is 30 HE credits per semester/60 HE credits per academic year.

Swedish higher education institutions awarding credits compatible with ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) intended to facilitate the recognition of higher education from other countries.

So you have got a good introduction about study abroad in Sweden. Now if you wanna move further, read more details in  Study abroad : Study in Sweden [part 2]

You may need: List of universities and colleges in Sweden

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