STUDY IN SWEDEN
Name of the country: Kingdom of Sweden
Language: Swedish
Number of universities: 39 universities and university colleges
IELTS requirement: 6.5 (Not less than 6)
Job opportunities: There is no restriction on how many hours a student can work. Spouses can also work full-time.
PR facilities: It is a little bit complex to get permanent residence in Sweden. Students who will complete their doctoral studies in Sweden have the possibility of getting PR.
Range of tuition fees: The range is typically between SEK 80,000 and SEK 160,000 (approximately €7,800 to €15,600) per academic year.
Top Universities of Sweden
QS World University Rankings 2023:
- KTH – Royal Institute of Technology #89
- Lund University # 95
- Chalmers University of Technology #125
- Uppsala University #128
- Stockholm University #153
- Göteborg University #185
- Linkoping University #320
Sweden is an ideal destination for students seeking higher education with a wide range of programs offered by its 39 universities and university colleges. Sweden’s universities are renowned for their excellent quality of education in fields ranging from business and engineering to social sciences and humanities.
As an international student, Sweden offers a friendly and safe environment with a high standard of living and a strong social welfare system. Tuition fees in Sweden are relatively affordable compared to other popular study abroad destinations.
Studying in Sweden offers a unique and enriching experience that can open up exciting career prospects and personal growth. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, Sweden is a great option for higher education.
Top reasons to study in Sweden
- There are several scholarship opportunities available for international students studying in Sweden, including the Swedish Institute Study Scholarships and the Erasmus+ program.
- International students can apply for a work permit to work part-time while studying in Sweden, and a post-study work permit is available for up to one year after graduation.
- Sweden is a member of the Schengen Area, which allows international students to travel and work in other Schengen countries without a visa.
- According to the World Happiness Report 2021, Sweden is ranked as the seventh happiest country in the world.
- Sweden is known for its high quality of life, strong social welfare system, and progressive values.
- Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is often ranked as one of the most innovative cities in the world.
- Sweden is also known for its focus on sustainability and green initiatives, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2045.
For Bachelor’s or undergraduate studies in Sweden, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of their secondary education, equivalent to the Swedish gymnasium level.
- Proof of English language proficiency through an internationally recognized test such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL with a minimum score of 6.5 or equivalent.
For Master’s studies in Sweden, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university or college, with a minimum duration of three years.
- Courses in the relevant subject area to the program they are applying for.
- Proof of English language proficiency through an internationally recognized test such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL with a minimum score of 6.5 or equivalent. Some programs may require a higher score, so applicants should check with the university for specific requirements.
It is important to note that admission requirements can vary by program and university, so it is recommended that applicants check with their chosen institution for specific requirements. Additionally, some universities in Sweden offer programs taught in Swedish, so proficiency in the language may also be required for certain programs.
Students applying for international Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes in English have the following application periods:
- Mid-October to 15 January for studies starting in the autumn semester (August/September). This is the main application round for all international programmes.
- Early June to 15 August for studies starting in the spring semester (January). Note that only a few programmes start in the spring semester each year.
It can be challenging for international students to find part-time jobs in Sweden, as most require fluency in Swedish. However, it is possible for students to work while studying in Sweden as long as they have a student visa. While there is no official limit on the number of working hours, it is important to allocate at least 40 hours a week to your studies. Part-time jobs in Sweden for international students typically pay between 8000-10,000 SEK per month, but keep in mind that there will be a tax deduction of 20-30%. It’s important to note that part-time jobs alone may not be sufficient to cover all living expenses, so it’s advisable to not solely rely on them.
To increase your chances of finding work, you can start your job search early and use online job searching like Arbetsförmedlingen, Academic Work, The Local, and EURES. On-campus jobs are also available, although they may be limited and differ depending on the university.
Having savings before arriving in Sweden is important, as proof of funding is required for a student visa.
To sum up, while it is possible to work part-time as an international student in Sweden, it may take time to find a job. You can increase your chances by searching early, using job search engines, and considering on-campus jobs. Having enough savings is also crucial.
Sweden offers excellent post-study facilities for international students who wish to stay and work in the country after completing their studies. The Swedish government has introduced a number of policies to encourage international students to stay and work in Sweden, including extending the duration of residence permits and offering work permits to graduates.
Duration of Residence Permits
International students who have completed their studies in Sweden are eligible to apply for a residence permit extension of up to 12 months. During this time, they can look for work or start their own business in Sweden.
Work Permits
International students who have completed their studies in Sweden and have found a job in their field of study can apply for a work permit. The Swedish government offers a fast-track system for work permit applications from international students, which means that their applications are processed more quickly than those from other applicants.
Start-Up Visa
International students who have completed their studies in Sweden and want to start their own business can apply for a start-up visa. This visa allows them to stay in Sweden for up to one year to develop their business idea and apply for funding.
Job Opportunities
Sweden has a thriving job market with many opportunities for international students who have completed their studies. There is a high demand for skilled workers in fields such as engineering, IT, and healthcare, among others. Many companies in Sweden actively recruit international students for their skills and diversity.