– What makes Sweden different?

Every country’s educational system has its own distinct profile and higher education in Sweden stands out in several areas. The open, informal relations between students and teachers are often cited as typical of university studies in Sweden. This does not only mean that you are on a first-name basis with your teachers and professors, but perhaps more importantly it means that you are expected to think for yourself and argue for your cause. Students should develop their own academic intellect and not just repeat the teacher’s words. Hence, personal initiative and critical thought is expected of you if you are to do well on your exams and papers. At the same time there is also an emphasis on group work. Expect to be thrown into different constellations where you will apply methods and theories in practical situations.

(You can read more about the nature of Swedish higher education in our section called “Why Sweden?”.)

– What and where do you want to study?

Some students have a clear image of what they want to achieve through their studies, and some have even focused their attention on a specific study program at a specific university. Most students however are a bit in the dark when it comes to making the choice. Our program database and university map may hopefully be of assistance, but even after reading up on program descriptions and university profiles it may be difficult to differentiate between the multitude of available programs and educational institutions. Sweden has a mix of universities — large and small, old and new, research-oriented and student-centric, more academically grounded and more practically focused — and the variations between faculties within the universities may sometimes be more distinct than between the universities themselves. What to make of all this? Look into what you want to get out of your studies and try to find the program that suits you — but don’t always expect the choice to be evident. At least it never was for me.

(If you want to talk to someone with first-hand experience of the program or university you are considering — check out www.swedenintouch.se.)

– The application

After the deadline passes, your application will undergo a selection procedure determined by the individual university, usually based on criteria such as your grades and results of previous degree projects and academic theses. The decision on whether to accept an applicant ultimately rests with the academic institutions themselves as long as you fulfill the general requirements.

If you are accepted to any of the programs you have applied to, you will need to confirm that you will attend the program in question. At this point you will also need to pay the tuition fee for the first year of study.* If you have received a scholarship that will cover your tuition fees, just make sure to confirm that you will attend the program.

Next up is to apply for a residence permit from the Swedish Migration Board (unless you are an EU/EAA citizen, in which case you only need to register with the Swedish Migration Board upon arrival). As the application process can be lengthy, you should apply as soon as you have received your acceptance letter. Generally speaking, in order to obtain a residence permit for studies you will need to show that you:

• have been accepted to a full-time study program (if you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland this includes paying tuition fees for the first year of study)
• can support yourself financially throughout the entire period of study (you must show proof that you have access to funding of SEK 7,300 per month of your stay)

– The final step (which really is the starting point)

Come to Sweden.

*Swedish and EU/EEA citizens (and Switzerland) are exempt from application and tuition fees. If you are in doubt whether you need to pay tuition fees — check out the ‘personas’ at Studera.nu

Develop skills for tomorrow

Studying in Sweden is different. Swedish universities have an open climate, with a strong focus on group work. This will give you valuable skills for the future. The global job market values ambitious, innovative and perceptive team players. Swedish universities foster these qualities through a forward-thinking culture where you’re close to the latest ideas and trends.

Swedish master’s degree programs offer unusual opportunities to turn theory into practice. Many programs also cooperate closely with the industry, offering students the possibility to mix study and practical work. This gives you distinct advantages over your peers when entering the job market.

Sweden has three universities in top 100 and eleven in top 500 of the 2010 edition of the Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Reach your full potential

Swedish universities will encourage you to discover and develop your true strengths and talents. The education system is student-centric and relations between students and teachers are informal. As a student in Sweden you’re expected to address your teachers by their first name.

Personal initiative and independent thinking are prized. You will be required to take an active role and contribute with your opinions and ideas at lectures, seminars and in group discussions.

Taking the initiative and questioning old presumptions is rewarding, especially in the long term. It will give you the opportunity to develop your individual strengths and refine your academic abilities.

Experience a culture of innovation

One of the world’s most modern countries, Sweden is the birthplace of many successful international corporations.

Innovative research at Swedish universities and companies has resulted in a number of successful inventions. Some examples are: the computer mouse, Bluetooth for internet mobility, the pacemaker, the ball bearing, the Tetra Pak beverage packaging system, the dialysis machine and internet applications such as the online music streaming service Spotify and the free internet calling service Skype.

Skype is an intriguing example. It was founded by entrepreneur Niklas Zennström in 2003. The exact number of Skype users is difficult to estimate, due to its rapid growth. But at peak times, up to 23 million people are online using Skype simultaneously.

These fairly recent inventions build on a long history of excellence in academia and research. Sweden is the home of the prestigious Nobel Prize and has highly acclaimed universities dating back to the 15th century.

Sweden has a number of large multinational corporations, such as telecom provider Ericsson, automotive companies Volvo and Scania, household appliances corporation Electrolux, bearing manufacturer SKF, and high-tech engineering groups Sandvik and Atlas Copco.

The deep-rooted creative environment has made Sweden a strong nation within design, fashion and music, with well-known international brands such as furniture giant IKEA and clothes retailer H&M. Sweden is also one of the largest music-exporting countries in the world.

Photos: Hans Bjurling and Ellinor Hall

Non-EU/EEA countries

If you are intending to stay in Sweden for less than three months, you will need a visa if the country that issues your passport is on this list [PDF file]. You should also confirm possible visa requirements with the Swedish consulate or embassy responsible for your home country.

If your studies in Sweden will take longer than three months, you will need a residence permit before arriving in Sweden. Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Board, and the Board has collected what you need to know before applying for a residence permit. Applications are to be made at a Swedish consulate or embassy.

Please note that you cannot apply for a residence permit unless you have been admitted to full-time accredited university studies in Sweden. This includes paying the first installment of tuition fees.
The residence permit application fee, which is not refundable, is SEK 1,000.

When applying for a residence permit, you must prove to the Swedish Migration Board that you will have a guaranteed sum of money at your disposal throughout the entire period of your studies. The amount, SEK 7,300 per month for ten months of the year, is set by the Migration Board. If you wish to bring your family you must show that you have at your disposal an additional SEK 3,500 per month for your spouse and SEK 2,100 per child and month. Remember that you also need to pay the first installment of tuition fees before applying for a residence permit.

If you can prove to the board’s satisfaction that that you will receive free lodging during the whole or part of your study period this sum will be correspondingly reduced. Students who have been awarded a scholarship through the Swedish Institute or another program should supply proof of this. You will also need to show a valid passport and a letter of admission from the institution at which you will be studying. To be sure of obtaining your permit in time you should submit your application 6-8 weeks prior to your departure for Sweden.

Please note that residence permits are limited to the duration of the study period, or to one year, whichever is shorter. Your permit will be renewed annually, provided you receive the number of credit points required and can produce evidence of continued financial support. Renewal requests are processed by your local Swedish Migration Board office. If you have any questions please contact the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country or country where you currently live. You can also contact the Swedish Migration Board. Also, make sure you have adequate medical insurance.

EU/EEA countries

If you are a citizen of a non-Nordic EU/EEA country you have the right to reside in Sweden. The term “right to reside” means that an EU/EEA citizen is permitted to stay in Sweden for more than three months without a residence permit. However, you must register with the Migration Board no later than three months after entering the country.

To register, you must enclose proof of enrolment for a course or program which is at high school level at the minimum, assurance that you have sufficient funds for your upkeep, and proof that you have comprehensive medical insurance valid in Sweden. You can read more about the requirements for registration at the Swedish Migration Board’s website. They have collected what you need to know.

Please note that if you are a citizen of Switzerland you must apply for a residence permit (see above).

Nordic countries

Citizens from Nordic countries do not need a visa or residence permit to study in Sweden.

Photo: Johan Erikson