Sweden, a country where technology meets tradition, a Nordic country in the northern Europe that transforms world education and introduces cutting-edge technology, if you are someone who doesn’t mind a little snow, its your option!
A long time ago a country known for barbaric Vikings, and nomadic life, nowadays Sweden, has changed its ways and manners. The Swedish higher education system ranks second in the world with cutting-edge research and real-world challenges in multicultural academic communities.
Let’s dig deep into what’s like studying in Sweden, you need to know that the education here is more about self-development and practical through student groups and independent studies than about listening to the typical theoretical study methods. Let’s get into the details
Why study in Sweden?
1. It’s free for most European students
That’s right! If you come from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you don’t have to pay any tuition fees to study at public universities in Sweden. And this is great news because you can use the money you save to cover living costs, which are above the European average.
2. Freedom, equality, and sustainability
These are the three values of Swedish society and citizens. These values are reflected in all aspects of life, including work, education, the natural environment, and so on.
Swedes will do as much they can to provide you with the support and resources you need to achieve your academic, professional, personal, or any other goal.
3. Sweden is the best example of eco-friendliness
If you’re environmentally conscious, you’ll love living here. Sweden has been investing in the well-being and preservation of nature for a long time now.
It represents an example of what any nation can do through involvement and commitment. For instance, by 2040, Sweden aims to achieve 100% renewable energy production.
4. Open and progressive mentality
Sweden is one of those wonderful places where you don’t have to worry about being different or not fitting it. They embrace everybody regardless of their personal choices or backgrounds. Stockholm, for example, is often considered as one of the most open cities in the world.
5. English is widely spoken
Over 80% of Swedes speak English, which makes it super easy to interact with them whenever you need help or simply want to enjoy a small chit-chat.
Still, we recommend learning at least the basics of Swedish, the most common words, for those rare cases when you meet someone who doesn’t speak the English language.
6. Dependents Visa Policy
Student dependents can accompany along with student and dependents can work full time
Which universities and colleges to attend in Sweden?
Sweden is home to over 35 universities and university colleges, and they all offer degree programs according to European standards.
Start your search for a dream Swedish university with one of these universities we recommend:
- University West
- Mälardalen University
- Linnaeus University
- Jönköping University
- University of Boras
- World Maritime University
- Uppsala University
What is it like to study in Sweden?
Studying in Sweden is likely to make you feel relaxed. Yes, students need to work hard, and expectations are high, but the higher education system is also very flexible and informal.
Popular student pastimes include team sports, cultural societies, and outdoor activities (performed very well-dressed). There’s also great nightlife, with clubs and bars dotting Sweden’s cities, and student unions organising evenings out.
What to study in Sweden?
Swedes are great with cars, great with IT, and great with the environment. So, it’s not hard to guess which are some of the most popular study areas in Sweden. These are:
- Computer Science degrees in Sweden
- Engineering degrees in Sweden
- Arts degrees in Sweden
- Environmental Studies in Sweden
- Cultural Studies in Sweden
Where to study in Sweden?
Sweden is a great place to live and study. From buzzing larger cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, to cosy university towns like Uppsala and Lund, there’s a place for every taste in Sweden.
Whether you end up close to the Arctic Circle in Luleå or bumping shoulders with continental Europe in Malmö, you’ll find accessible towns with extensive public transport and bustling student scenes. So, check and pick one of the Swedish cities below, like:
- Study in Stockholm
- Study in Göteborg
- Study in Lund
- Study in Linköping
- Study in Uppsala
How to apply
In Sweden, applications for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are processed through a central application service, Universityadmissions.se. Still, you can also apply directly through the university and program websites. The general application documents required are:
- Identification document
- Record of completed upper secondary education (translated into English)
- University records (translated into English)
- Proof of language proficiency
Additionally, most universities also tend to ask for:
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Sample of academic writing
- Recommendation letters from professors and employers
If you’re attending a degree program in Sweden, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require Swedish, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
English is a must-have in Sweden, seeing how many Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are taught in this language. Swedish universities accept as proof of your language skills:
- High school studies taught in English/Swedish
- Previous university studies taught in English /Swedish
- English-language certificates: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Living in Sweden
Let’s take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Sweden:
Tuition fees in Sweden
In Sweden, students from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or other Nordic countries do not have to pay tuition, but only an application fee of around 100 EUR.
Students from non-EU/EEA countries pay tuition fees of 7,500–25,500 EUR per year. Some Business degrees can cost over 30,000 EUR per year.
Naturally, fees vary depending programme and degree type, so be sure to check them when looking for study options in Sweden.
Accommodation, housing, food and other expenses
Living costs in Sweden are not exactly a bargain, but in this country, paying more really means getting more in return, in terms of quality of life. The monthly student budget here is around 700–1,200 EUR/month, out of which some of the most common expenses are:
- Monthly rent: 250–700 EUR
- Utilities: 90–130 EUR
- Monthly shopping cart (groceries): 210 EUR
- A meal at an affordable restaurant: 10 EUR
- A beer: 6 EUR
- Monthly transport pass: 80 EUR
Student visas for Sweden
If you’re from India, you’ll need to apply for a visa to study in Sweden. The following information is taken from embassy and consulate websites. The student visa that you need to enroll in a complete degree program in Sweden is displayed below.
Residence Permit
Application description
Be sure your passport will be available for the duration of your study. You can apply online or submit the Application form for a residence permit for students – First-time applicants, in person at the Embassy of Sweden or consulate general. If you are applying at an embassy or consulate-general, you pay the fee when you hand in your application. Contact the embassy or consulate-general before you submit your application. You will have your picture and your fingerprints taken. Not all embassies or consulates-general can photograph you and take your fingerprints. Read more at the website of the embassy or consulate-general before your visit.
Blocked bank account
NOT REQUIRED
No blocked bank account is required.
Visa interview
NOT REQUIRED
No interview is required.
Travel abroad
NOT REQUIRED
No travel abroad is required
Visa duration
THE DURATION OF THE STUDY
Other information
The processing time is shorter if everything needed is included from the beginning than if the application needs to be supplemented afterwards.
Visa fee
1500 SEK
The standard price for the Residence Permit is 1500 SEK
Proof of minimum funds
REQUIRED
You need proof of funds of SEK 8,694 per month.
Other expenses
NONE REQUIRED
Health insurance
REQUIRED
The insurance must cover costs for emergency and other medical care, dental care and hospital stays. It must also cover expenses for transportation home for medical reasons.
Proof of language skills
NOT REQUIRED if holding 4 year bachelor
Otherwise IELTS is mandatory
Medical check
NONE REQUIRED
No medical check is required for residents of India.
Biometrics
REQUIRED
Biometrics are required
Criminal records
NONE REQUIRED
No criminal records are required
Proof of accommodation
REQUIRED
Proof of accommodation required
Work while studying in Sweden
If you’re from India, you will need a work permit if you want to combine studying with working in Sweden.
Here you see the rules for getting a part-time work permit.
Student Residence Permit
You do not need an official document to work as a student in Sweden.
How can I apply?
You do not need an official document to work as a student in Sweden.
Application requirements
You can apply for the work permit if you have:
- a valid student visas.
Duration of work permit
Your work permit will be valid for as long as you have a valid student visa.
Max. hours of work per week
NO LIMIT
You can work as many hours as you like with this work permit. However, you must dedicate at least 40 hours per week for your studies.
Work after graduation in Sweden
Want to work in Sweden after graduation? If you’re from India, you will need a work permit to get a full-time job in Sweden after finishing your studies.
First things first! In Sweden, you can choose a work permit like the Residence Permit for Seeking Work or Work Permit to remain in the country and work full-time. Read our work permit info below and start planning!
Residence Permit for Seeking Work
How can I apply?
ONLINE, AT LOCAL AUTHORITIES
You can apply online with the Swedish Migration Agency or the Agency’s local offices. You will pay a fee. You will need to have you are biometrics taken at the local offices.
How long does it take to get the permit?
7 DAYS
After applying for the work permit you will have to wait 7 days for a decision.
Application requirements
- You can apply for the work permit if you have:
- a residence permit in Sweden;
- a valid passport;
- your last residence permit must have been for studies;
- a completed degree from Sweden;
- health insurance;
- proof you can support yourself: 8,064 SEK/month.
When can I start applying?
You can start applying for the work permit after you have completed your studies and passed all your exams.
Work permit fees
11,918 INR
You will have to pay 11,918 INR for your work permit.
Required documents
You will need a few documents to apply for your work permit:
- Passport copy;
- A certificate from your university;
- Examination certificates;
- Bank statements showing that you have enough money to support yourself;
- Healthcare insurance.
Work Permit
If you want to work in Sweden after finishing your studies, this permit will allow you to work here for up to 2 years.
How can I apply?
AT LOCAL AUTHORITIES, ONLINE
Your employer in Sweden initiates the work permit application by completing an offer of employment which also includes your email. You will receive an email about how to apply. Gather the necessary documents, pay the fee, and apply online or at the Swedish Migration Agency. You will need to have you are biometrics taken at the local offices.
How long does it take to get the permit?
120 DAYS
After applying for the work permit you will have to wait 120 days for a decision. Depending on the industry you will work in, and on whether you apply online or in person the work permit processing can take as much as 11 months. If you apply for a work permit before your residence permit for studies expires, you can work while your application is processed.
Application requirements
You can apply for the work permit if you have:
- a valid residence permit;
- have been offered employment in Sweden;
- a job offer of a minimum salary of 13,000 SEK/month;
- your employer intends to cover your insurance and pension.
When can I start applying?
You can start applying for the work permit when you found employment.
Duration of work permit
2 YEARS
Your work permit will be valid for up to 2 years.
Work permit fees
15,891 INR
You will have to pay 15,891 INR for your work permit.
Max. hours of work per week
40 HOURS/WEEK
You will be allowed to work 40 hours per week.
Minimum wage per month
103,290 INR/MONTH
The minimum salary whilst working in Sweden is 103,290 INR per month.
Required documents
Required documents LIST
You will need a few documents to apply for your work permit:
- Copies of the pages in your passport showing your personal information;
- A certificate of at least 30 credits or one semester of postgraduate studies in Sweden;
- Employment related-documents uploaded by employer.
Disclaimer
The information about work permit is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or publisher. The author and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.
How to Apply to a Master’s in Sweden
If you’ve decided to study a Master’s degree at a university in Sweden, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Sweden?
To apply to a university in Sweden you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor’s degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master’s, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Sweden so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you’ll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Sweden
The deadlines for applying to a Master’s in Sweden are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.
Helpful information