Study in Sweden
Sweden, a Scandinavian country known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Its picturesque scenery includes vast lakes, majestic mountains, and dense forests, while cities feature stunning architecture and striking coastal views. Cultural enthusiasts can explore fascinating galleries, museums, and the renowned Liseberg amusement park. Despite its many attractions, Sweden remains a relatively underexplored destination for students considering studying in Europe. It is a hidden gem offering affordable tuition fees, excellent career opportunities, world-renowned universities, diverse cultures, and relaxed residency policies for international students. Recently, it has begun to attract more international students, particularly due to the widespread use of English.
Reasons for Sweden’s Growing Popularity Among International Students:
- Cutting-Edge Courses and Research: Swedish universities offer programs that integrate the latest technology and high-end research, ensuring students receive a top-tier education.
- Generous Scholarships: Students can benefit from liberal scholarships, covering up to 100% of tuition fees.
- English Proficiency Exemptions: Indian STEM graduates are exempted from IELTS and GRE, as per the country’s requirements.
- Beautiful and Efficient Environment: Sweden's cities are beautiful, with efficient public transportation and a peaceful atmosphere with minimal pollution.
- Industry-Centric Courses: The curriculum focuses on practical experience and skill development, making students competitive in the job market.
- English-Taught Programs: All programs are taught in English, providing an excellent international study environment.
- Top-Ranked Universities: Three Swedish universities are listed among the world's top 100 universities.
- Strong Economy: Sweden boasts one of the strongest economies globally, offering robust job prospects for graduates.
Requirements for Studying in Sweden
| Degree | Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 12th standard certificate
English language proficiency (IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL - 100) SOP |
| Master’s Degree | Bachelor’s degree recognised in Sweden.
English language proficiency (IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL - 100) GRE/ GMAT SOP LOR & CV |
| Doctorate Degree | Bachelor's degree
Master's degree in the subject intended for PhD degree English language proficiency (IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL - 100) Research experience may be needed |
By choosing to study in Sweden, students gain access to a high-quality education system, a welcoming international community, and a country that values innovation and sustainability.Education system of Sweden
Bachelor’s Degree– which is a full-time undergraduate program that lasts for three years (180 ECTS Credits);
Masters Degree– which is a postgraduate program that takes one year (60 ECTS Credits) or two years (120 ECTS Credits) to complete
Doctorate Degree– which takes between two and five years to finish.
Universities in Sweden
The Swedish Education system is highly regarded and offers a diverse range of courses to international students. The following section provides a thorough overview of the many types of higher education institutions in Sweden:
University: Offer professional degrees as well as qualifications in applied, fine, and performing arts.
University College: Professional, applied, fine and performing arts degrees, Masters degrees, and PhD degrees are available.
Top Universities in Sweden
- Lund University
- Stockholm University
- University of Gothenburg
- Linköping University
- Umea University
- Uppsala University
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Chalmers University of Technology
- Karolinska Institute
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Top Courses taught in Sweden:
| Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Fishery | Art, Design and Media | Business, Administration and Economics |
| Computer Science and Engineering | Education, Educational Sciences and Didactics | Health and Medical Care |
| Humanities | Journalism, Communication and Information | Law and Legal Studies |
| Materials, Construction and Manufacturing | Mathematics | Technology |
Intakes:
There are two intakes for universities in Sweden – the Autumn Intake and the Spring Intake.
| Intake | Application Open | Application Deadline | Acceptance | Session Starts |
| Autumn | October | January | April | August - September |
| Spring | June | August | October | January - February |
Tuition fee and Living expenses:
| Category | Fees in SEK | Fees in Euros (approx.) | Average Fee (Euros) |
| Application Fee | SEK 900 | €82 | €82 |
| Average Tuition Fee | SEK 129,000/year | €11,800/year | €11,800 |
| Social Sciences & Humanities | SEK 80,000 – 110,000/year | €7,300 – €10,000/year | €8,650 |
| Technical & Natural Sciences | SEK 120,000 – 145,000/year | €11,000 – €13,300/year | €12,150 |
| Architecture & Design | SEK 190,000 – 295,000/year | €17,300 – €26,900/year | €22,100 |
| MBA | SEK 80,000 – 400,000/year | €7,300 – €36,400/year | €21,840 |
| Engineering | SEK 80,000 – 200,000/year | €7,300 – €18,200/year | €12,740 |
Living Expenses
Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö are among the most expensive cities in Sweden to live in. In these cities, the cost of living can be significantly higher than in other areas of the country. However, they also offer a wide range of amenities and cultural experiences that may be worth the higher price for some students.
| City | Average Monthly Cost |
| Växjö | SEK 8,000 – 9,000 ($768 – $864) |
| Örebro | SEK 8,000 – 10,000 ($768 – $960) |
| Karlstad | SEK 8,500 – 10,000 ($816 – $960) |
| Uppsala | SEK 8,500 – 10,500 ($816 – $1,008) |
| Linköping | SEK 9,000 – 11,000 ($864 – $1,056) |
| Lund | SEK 9,000 – 11,000 ($864 – $1,056) |
| Gothenburg | SEK 9,500 – 11,500 ($912 – $1,104) |
| Stockholm | SEK 10,000 – 12,000 ($960 – $1,152) |
| Umeå | SEK 10,000 – 12,000 ($960 – $1,152) |
Scholarships:
There are 3 types of scholarships you can find in Sweden. Sweden Government scholarships for international students, University specific scholarships, and other scholarships. These scholarships go up to 100% of the Tuition fee, depending on the calibre of the applicant.
- Swedish Government Scholarship for Global Professionals
- University Scholarships – specific to the university you apply to. For. Eg. Halmstad University Scholarship, Dalarna University Scholarship, Karlstad University Scholarship etc.
- Other Scholarship – specific to an industry/community – Rotary International district and global grants, UNESCO fellowship etc.
Post study Visa and Permit:
Study Visa (Short-Term)
- Duration: Valid for studies, research, or internships lasting less than 3 months (90 days).
- Application Process:
- Online Form: Download the application form online.
- Submission: Submit the completed form in person at a Swedish embassy in India (subject to drop-off availability) or at a VFS Global visa application centre (VAC).
Residence Permit (Long-Term)
- Duration: Required for undergraduate, postgraduate, post-secondary, or higher vocational education that lasts more than 3 months (90 days).
- Application Process:
- Online Submission: Complete and submit the application online for a quick and easy process.
In summary, Sweden offers two distinct paths for international students: a short-term study visa for stays under 90 days and a long-term residence permit for studies exceeding 90 days. The application process for a residence permit can be conveniently completed online, while the short-term visa requires an in-person submission at an embassy or VAC.
Work Visa for Graduates
Students from non-EU countries who wish to stay and work in Sweden after completing their studies must apply for a work permit through the Swedish Migration Board. This can be done without leaving the country, provided the application is made before the student residence permit expires. The criteria for obtaining a work permit are:
- Current Residence Permit: Must have a valid residence permit for studies.
- Application Timing: Must apply before the current residence permit expires.
- Educational Requirements: Must have earned at least 30 higher education credits or completed one semester of postgraduate studies in Sweden.
- Employment Terms: Must be offered employment terms that meet the industry standard in Sweden.
- Salary Requirement: Must be offered a pre-tax salary of at least SEK 13,000 per month.
- Valid Passport: Must have a valid passport.
Permanent Residency
Obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Sweden requires a continuous stay of five years. For non-EU students, this means proving continuous employment over the past five years. While the process can be challenging, it is achievable with consistent employment and adherence to Swedish regulations.
