Study in Sweden 2020. A complete student guide.

Let’ s explore the 29 Student Guide of Sweden.

1. Introduction  

Out of 195 countries in the world, 193 countries are the members of the United Nations and the other two are not members. In this big world of opportunities, Sweden turns out to be one of the best options for studying abroad, because of its high quality and unconventional education. 

• Sweden comes in the top three countries when we talk about English proficiency.

• One of the most developed countries in the world, 

Especially in terms of-

• Gender Equality

• Wealth 

• LGBT progressiveness 

due to its diverse, friendly and fair nature.

With its high quality of life and the breathtaking beauty of the northern side with its count safety and cleanliness, makes it even more appealing. This is why Sweden is chosen for studying abroad.

2. Top-Ranked Universities

Sweden is the highest-ranked nordic country, at a rank of 14, in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings. Sweden has a number of top universities, some of them are the University of Gothenburg, Royal Institute of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, Linköping University, etc, in no specific order. Among the most respected universities, Lund University of Sweden ranks the seventh place in the US for higher education system ranking all over the world. This is why Sweden is a suitable choice for students who are looking for abroad education systems. Sweden University is the best in European countries.

3. Creative Environments

The education system in Sweden is somewhat different from the other countries as here the creative skills are given importance, where students are encouraged to think independently and critically. 

Many non-technical courses are also encouraged among the students which are as important as the technical ones. Students will have the capacity to question the existing state of affairs by evaluating information, investigating new perspectives and arising with well-informed impressions and opinions.

Swedish society is friendly, informal, and non-hierarchical in nature. That is why the students always get the chance to use their creativity, innovative ideas that are much appreciated by all. They will be allowed to put their thoughts in front of everyone and start thinking out of the box.   

4. Safe Country

Rates of crimes in Sweden are much lower than that of most European countries. If one follows the basic safety rules, tips, and common sense, the person won’t encounter any problem while staying in Sweden. If a person or student ever loses their way, they can inquire for help from provincial people as nearly all Swedes have knowledge of the English language. That makes it the safest European country for higher education. 

5. Fees Structures 

European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland citizens don’t have to pay any tuition fees and can carry on with their higher studies at no cost at all. A student who is coming within the student exchange program also doesn’t have to pay tuition fees, unless their home university asks for it.

Nevertheless, citizens from outside the above-mentioned countries may have to pay their respective tuition fees. The amount of these fees relies on the university and program that students are opting for. For more information regarding this check out the official website. 

6. Study loans

The first concern is that, whether you are eligible for loans or not. You must be a citizen of your respective country for a loan confirmation. Your academic record must be strong. A professional, technical or another course of study can only be granted for loans. Most of the banks ensure that the course you are studying must have job opportunities. That means you must study a job-oriented course. Your admission should be granted by a foreign university or institution. Students of 18 years or above can only be granted for the loan. You need to keep in mind the points for getting a loan.

All banks have different requirements for documents. The common ones are listed:-

• An acceptance letter from the International university

• The course details that you are opting

• The scheduled fees structure

• The mark sheet of the last exam that you qualified

7. Repayment of study loan

Once the course period is completed, the repayment starts. The repayment starts immediately at the end of the first month from the date of employment.

The employment is almost guaranteed because as per the rule if the student does not get employed till one year after he completes the course, he will anyhow have to repay the loan amount to the bank.

At this time the banks don’t concern about your employment status. The loan is generally to be repaid within 5-7 years after the starting of repayment.

In case if the student is not able to manage to clear the university exams within the stipulated time frame, he will maximum get the grace of two years and he has to confirm paying back the loan to the bank within a maximum period of 10 years from the time of approval.

8. Health Insurance

For availing health insurance you need to qualify the following points:-

• The duration of your degree course must be longer than one year. Only then you can experience the same health benefits as the Swedish citizens. If the residence permit is not valid for more than a year, the student will not be eligible to apply or hold any kind of government-approved insurance. 

• The registration has to be made with the Swedish Tax Agency who will provide you with the Personal Identification Number.

• When you have a Personal Identification Number, you can use all sorts of personal healthcare benefits.

 However, the university may provide health insurance coverage for international students through the Swedish State Insurance Agency’s (Kammarkollegiet) plan. You must check with your university for more

9. TOEFL and IELTS Test Scores for English Courses 

If a student does not have English as their mother tongue, then they may have to sit for an English test and submit the English test scores with the university application. All main and important English tests are accepted here such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL, Cambridge and Pearson PTE. Most universities in Sweden set their English regulations to levels that they name “English 5”, “English 6” or “English 7”, which associates to the process that how English is taught in the Swedish school network. For English language bachelor’s degrees, English 6 is regarded as the standard marking in the Swedish board of education. If one knows the grade required by the university, they can effortlessly find out the required English test scores. For Indians, those who had English in secondary and higher secondary level do not need to appear for IELTS or other examinations. Check the latest rule here.

The marking rates are.

10. Challenging Coursework

The academic excellence of Sweden is long and proud, as its history is glorious. Despite its small population relatively, it is the center of excellence where the best universities in the world are incorporated. Sweden has the highest level of top-quality universities in the world.  Several Swedish universities have achieved the best rankings by the Academic Ranking of World Universities and Times Higher Education.

In Sweden, one will discover a strong focus on rationality, reasoning and applying knowledge so that it makes a real discrepancy. The Nobel Prize is the closest instance, the world’s most prestigious award, and academic significance, for a description of the Swedish method or approach.

As a student, one will become part of the ritual or tradition of academic quality and excellence. Just expect to actively receive information: one will be motivated and challenged to participate and contribute, speak your mind and take their education into their own hands. Swedish universities are well-maintained and well-adapted to meet up to the needs of the students coming from different countries. Sweden invariably and constantly ranks within the top three positions in the world. This ranking is based on the English proficiency of these universities. One will be able to utilize this English among common people and everyone on the way, from the city center to the classroom.

11. Student Accommodations

At first, one needs to determine whether they want to live in university-managed lodging and accommodations, or with a private proprietor. Selecting university-managed accommodations can also provide you with a self-catered or serviced accommodation. Serviced accommodation gives the advantages of the meals being cooked for the student and a degree of validity with meal expenses.

If the student lets the university office know about the type of accommodation he/she is looking for, the office will inform about the current facilities they have and the stuff that can be offered. If the student is pondering over the cost of leasing or renting from a private proprietor or if the chosen university can’t provide them with anything of its own facilities, the office will provide the student with the list of landlords in the area to get connected with regarding the accommodation. 

Wherever the student wants to live, the office should make sure that the student knows their system and get well acquainted with the contractual rights. In most cases, the student will be asked to sign or associate with a tenancy contract. Before signing, one should read completely and attentively.

12. Orientation

Orientation week is necessary for all the international students to assure that the student arrives before it starts. This is the time when the student will be acquainted with the university and its assistance and services, also get enrolled in the classes. It is crucial that one reads their guidebook, that has been provided by the college. The guide clarifies and explains every part of the admission process.

13. Weather Conditions

The people of Sweden enjoy a commonly or normally temperate weather with the northern portions of the country encountering frigid winters and cool summers. In parts of the south, the winters are short-termed and summers experience the maximum hours of broad daylight. -2°C to -22°C is the average temperature in winters. In summers, the temperature goes from 13°C to 17°C. That makes Sweden the perfect place to reside and pursue higher education.

14. Sports and Outdoor Activities  

The country-side scenic appearance of Sweden is naturally beautiful that will encourage and impel students to be close to nature.

People of Sweden are a fitness enthusiast and so, students will discover that they enjoy outdoor activities very much, irrespective of what it is, maybe it’s through sports, hiking, biking, or just an occasional or casual picnic by the side of a pond or lake.

In every university, a fitness center is a must that caters to the athletic learners among the students and trains them for competitions such as football, handball, hockey or band. Water activities are one of the main outdoor activities in Sweden.

The country is covered with 100, 000 lakes, lush greenery, tropical rainforests, and long coastal line, makes it perfect for splashing water activities.

Sweden, with 29 national parks, is covered in lush green greenery that makes it a good spot for hiking and camping for the courageous and adventurous students.

15. Requirements for Admission

Sweden is a country where there is an abundance of degrees that are taught in the English language, as English is the second language of the country. That implies the course alternatives that are almost endless for students.

For every course, the required score in standard XII is the lowest academic record of 60% and above. Diploma and foundation programs are usable or accessible for students who have ensured around 50%. The student should have reached or completed the age of 18 years before being enrolled in a degree program. It is crucial to keep in mind that the standard of Swedish universities is very high. But still, the eligibility criteria are lower at these universities. So one needs to think carefully before the selection whether they will be able to adjust to the high standard of education and go through them or not.

16. Specifications

The basic requirements for all the programs available at Swedish universities are listed below. For specific regulations and requirements, one must refer to the university’s website mentioned.

Bachelor’s Degree requirements:

• One Should have completed higher secondary education (up to class XII)

• The proficiency in English should be the main lookout as per the Swedish requirements which are equal to the English 6/English B, the Swedish upper secondary course. 

• For admission in a mathematics course, the student is to attain the level of Mathematics A or approximately 10 years of mathematics. This is a special requirement for students who have graduated from the school in 2010.

Master’s Degree basic requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree is a must either from an international university or a university that is equivalent to the Swedish Kandidatexamen. 

• The proficiency in the English language has to be good, i.e. a good score is required in IELTS or TOEFL examinations.

Ph.D. Degree basic requirements:

• The student Should have a university completion master’s or bachelor’s degree in the same field as the intended field of study from an internationally recognized university

• The previous education should include a degree thesis as they need to present the thesis at the time of the application process

Not only Proficiency in English, but the Swedish language is also important as some lectures and seminars might be conducted in Swedish languages as well.

17. Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria of Swedish Universities are different for different institutions. The same is the basic requirement. Basic requirements are:-

• A result of the last examination required must be 75-80%

• If you are taking up English as the course you need to pass the above mentioned. For other courses, the markings will be something else.

• For diploma and technical degrees, the asking percentage will be 80-85%

• For other courses such as non-technical ones, the asking percentage is less.

These requirements can be changes as per the university is concerned.

18. Documents Required

The documents needed are listed below, these documents have to be submitted:

• Results or certificates of Standard X and above, or the graduation certificate (if applicable) is expected 

•  International test scores are required as per the table mentioned above

• In the case of taking Swedish as a course, a test score of TISUS is needed.

• Regarding work experience, letters from employer/manager, who can guarantee their professional abilities, two letters of recommendation (LOR) is often asked for.

• A Motivation Letter/SoP

• Resume

• In the case of students applying for art and design courses or architecture programs Portfolio is a must.

• Any achievements or certificates at the national or international level are appreciated.

• Documents that gives or provides funds

• Health insurance

• A copy of your passport

Photocopies of these documents should be certified by the educational institution or by a notary translated in English. 

19. Admission Process

One can apply to Swedish universities through this site Universityadmissions.se, which is an online enrolment system.

The student will have to register on Universityadmissions.se to provide their basic information, to submit the soft copy of the documents, the score of TOEFL/IELTS and then to pay the desired application fees. They will be notified during the application process through this brief account.

 Steps:- 

• Search for colleges as well as the desired courses

• Contact universities and visit websites for more data and knowledge 

• Shortlist the schools

• Take the language exams like TOEFL, IELTS or TISUS

• Basically, writings like Motivation letters or an Essay or a Letters of Recommendation are frequently asked for

• Register at Universityadmissions.se

• Apply to the colleges of your choice

• Attend the video conference interviews of the colleges that shortlisted you( if that’s held)

• If approved, apply for a Temporary Residence Permit

20. Intake Seasons 

Swedish universities enroll students two times in a year: once in mid-January and the other is in the middle of August. The admissions start in October 2019 for entry in August 2020.

21. Cost of Living

The cost of living relies heavily upon the region of Sweden. The students will be living in along with their personal expenses in Sweden currency or Swedish Krona. The basic elements for living for an international student to live in Sweden are listed below:

• Lodging rent (on-campus or off-campus)

• Groceries and food

• Basic Utilities like power, water, internet, etc.

• Phone bills

•  Reference books as well as textbooks

• Airfare for traveling back to their country

And accordingly, the following elements which may vary would be:

• Dining out

• Travel and vacation

• Car rental and car insurance
• Cable TV connection

22. Language Exams

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the logical, systematic and standardized language tests, that are required to be taken for the objective of receiving admission to colleges. These types of tests are all different in numerous ways but most colleges ask for anyone of the results. So, in that case, the student makes the decision.

23. Repetition of English Language Exams

No limitations occur for appearing in IELTS as well as TOEFL but can’t be taken more than once within 12-days. The student must wait to receive their evaluated scores before they can book for the next test.

 Fee

The total fee for this kind of exam is 1500 (153 USD) Swedish krona for IELTS and Rs. 1520(155 USD) Swedish krona for TOEFL.

 Time to Apply

If someone is planning to join during the August admissions, he/she needs to get prepared and submitted the admission form by the end of December. The preference for results will be updated by the universities. The choice to opt for a single intake depends upon the student. The time expected to prepare for the exams of IELTS/TOEFL would rely or depend upon the existing proficiency in the English language. A period of 2 to 4 months is required for the preparation.

24. Visa

For a chance to study in Sweden, you will need a visa called Residence Permit. The application for the permit takes almost 3 months. The final decision of the permit is taken by the Sweden Migration Authority in Sweden.

On paying the first tuition fee or installment to the University, the student will be eligible to avail of the residence permit by the government. He also should make the necessary documents and copies of the same to get the things done smoothly. Then submit the online application to your desired institution with the asked application fee.

The following documents are required for the Residence Permit:

• The student should provide two passport photographs
• He must submit two of his passport’s blueprints

• He should be able to provide a letter of acceptance by the university where he is going to take admission.

• He must produce two photocopies of all the academic results he has achieved so far.

• The person or the bank whichever is sponsoring him for the studies must provide a letter to him, that he should submit.

• He must produce the bank statements of two months where he has to manage to show around 7300 Swedish Kronor as a monthly sponsorship to him for the next 10 months during the study period.

25. Visa for Spouse

Spouses and children sometimes are permitted in special conditions, to stay in Sweden while you study.

You must be able to show sufficient financial background and living space. This is decided by the Swedish Embassy. So you need to have proper reasons to convince the consulate. Before submitting an online application for the spouse, make sure that the student has the Residence Permit.

The student during his stay must be registered with the Swedish Tax Agency and avail of a personal identity number.

26. Checklist Before Departure

• Book air tickets
• Buy travel and health insurance

• Arrange housing services in Sweden

• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in Sweden

• Check baggage, pack all the necessary items for your stay in a foreign country.

• Check all the rules and regulations of the customs department.

• Arrange all the required documents from your institution where you have studied, for the higher studies

• Need to arrange the permits for staying in Sweden

• The applications and permits by the university where you are going to take admission.

• Bank statements

• Previous academic results

27. Once You Land

When you land the main problem becomes homesick. You feel sick by remembering your home town and feel depressed. It may occur at the beginning.

Homesickness will pass. Be patient.

Give it at least two weeks.

If you are feeling depressed, explain everything to your friends. Homesickness might be made worse by frequent, long telephone calls home.

Cooking your own food can save money. Your country’s food is expensive in Sweden. You need to buy your staples and get going. Please check out our starting guide for Sweden.

28. Post Studies Options

If you are an international student, you must learn Swedish for quick job opportunities. Most universities will conduct personality development workshops along with the regular course curriculum to make you eligible to fetch a lucrative job after the course.

Swedish universities do not have campus placements. Students need to find jobs on their own. The college only helps you prepare for the job. Click here for a detailed job search guide.

29. Work Permit During Study Period

There is no work permit required during the study period. The only thing you need to make sure you are working part-time only. If you join somewhere as a full-time employee, you won’t be able to attend the classes and concentrate on your studies. There are lots of part-time opportunities available such as teaching, photography, consultation, gym partners, event promotions, etc. which one can easily continue along with his studies in college. The jobs are planned in such a way that doesn’t interfere with their studies.

Disclaimer:

Dear Reader all the information I have written is from the best of my knowledge if something is wrong or some information got updated it is not my intentional mistake. Please contact the respective university if you have any doubt.