SWEDEN
Why Study in Sweden
There are compelling reasons why you should study in
Sweden:
Today, Sweden’s reputation for
innovation is built on close cooperation between industry and academia. Swedish
universities are renowned for their investigative research and independent
thinking, and this reputation is cemented with rigorous quality controls and
nationally certified degrees. Sweden has one of the most ambitious educational
evaluation programmes in Europe, aimed at maintaining this competitive edge.
Swedish universities offer over 150
Master’s programmes in English, ranging from human rights law to mechanical
engineering. Programmes are structured in response to student demand – the
result is a student-centric education system, with open, informal relations
between students and teachers, and where personal initiative and critical
thought are prized.
Many students studying in Sweden come
from abroad – 7.3% of the student body,
according to the OECD – making Sweden one of the world’s most
inclusive countries for education. But there is room for more: The number grew
by 64% over the last 3-year period. There are now PhD candidates from some 80
countries working towards their degrees.
Sweden’s educational policy is based on
recognition that a multicultural student body is a resource. Competition for
places is keen, but students of all nationalities may apply, given the right
credentials; and degree equivalency for past studies is granted on a flexible
basis.
In Sweden, tuition fees for students,
including graduate students, are fully subsidised by the state, regardless of
their nationality. Sweden’s public spending on education is the OECD’s highest,
at 4.9% of GDP. And because it costs to live in Sweden, foreign students can
work while studying.
Almost all Swedes speak fluent English.
Many Swedish companies use English as their official working language. Foreign
students find that this prevalence of English makes adapting to their new
surroundings much easier.
Living in Sweden
Sweden is an open, multicultural society with a long
tradition of welcoming foreign students. Some 26,000 foreign students currently
study in Sweden and many Swedish students take part in exchange programs of some
kind. This tradition has helped to create a vibrant, international study
environment.
In addition to individual courses, Swedish
universities and university colleges offer some 150 full Master’s programs, all
taught in English. You will find that most people, including schoolchildren,
speak good English.
Many foreign students find these aspects of life in
Sweden helpful to them during the first part of their stay, a period that can be
as challenging as it is exciting.
However, as you get used to being a student in Sweden
you will find that the country itself has a lot to offer and you will have ample
opportunity to make new friends and learn about Swedish society and culture.
Features Peculiar to Sweden
Every country has its own distinctive
characteristics. What you find most peculiar about Sweden will obviously depend
on your own cultural background. Sweden has long been an open and accepting
society and international influences have shaped and enriched Swedish culture.
As in all cultures, however, many old customs and
usages remain; foreigners may at times find these unusual, puzzling or even
amusing.
Swedes are generally held to be punctual, law abiding
and respectful of rules and regulations. Smoking, for instance, is not permitted
in public places such as banks, post offices or in shops. These restrictions are
respected. When Swedes wait for something they form queues.
Queuing systems have been installed in many shops and
most banks and post offices. Customers take numbered tickets from a dispensing
machine and wait until their number comes up on a display. Bank clerks will
simply ignore you if you don't have a queue ticket. If you're in a large store
and there is no queue, look for tickets and a number display. This may seem
strange at first but it usually ensures quicker service.
The habit of forming queues may in part stem from the
importance attached to egalitarianism in Swedish political thought and practice
which, in turn, has permeated most aspects of Swedish society. This is reflected
in the large number of women represented in parliament and government but is
also apparent in everyday occupations.
For example, people are normally expected to pay for
their share when eating out with colleagues or friends, and tend to calculate
the exact amount they owe. As a foreign woman you may be surprised to find that
your Swedish date does not offer to pay for you. By the same token, Swedish
women may insist on paying for themselves. However, many Swedish women still
respond positively to a bit of old-fashioned courtship. On the other hand, it is
not unusual for men and women to form friendships without being romantically
involved.
At first, you may find Swedes a bit difficult to get
to know. They may seem distant and reserved. But they can also make loyal
friends once you get to know them. As a student living in a student dormitory
with access to various student activities, you will have ample opportunity to
make friends.
Swedes generally like hobbies and activities and
pursuing them together with others is probably the easiest way to meet and get
to know new people. If invited to someone's home it is customary to take off
your shoes, especially in the winter. This custom is upheld more strictly in
smaller towns and rural areas. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, it may be a
good idea to ask. It is also customary to be on time when invited to a dinner
party. Eight o'clock means eight o'clock.
Most people moving to a new country usually find many
things confusing or strange at first. This will probably be true of your first
time in Sweden. Remember, however, that if there is anything you are unsure of
the best thing to do is to ask someone. Swedes are informal and willing to help.
This is especially true of young people and students, many of whom have traveled
widely themselves.
A Note on Equality
The considerable degree of independence enjoyed by
Swedish women may come as a surprise to students from countries where conditions
in this respect may be very different.
It is important, however, to bear in mind that
Swedish law strictly forbids attitudes and behavior deemed offensive to women on
sexual or other grounds. Equal rights for women are well protected, both by law
and in practice, and their violation will not be accepted.
Sweden is also a diverse society with a history of
international solidarity. A generous refugee policy has turned Sweden into a
medley of different cultures, a process that has enriched its own culture along
the way. All world religions are represented in Sweden; in most cities you can
buy food from virtually anywhere in the world.
Newspapers and other media from many different
countries are also widely available. Successive governments have worked hard to
cement tolerance as a key value in Swedish society. The government has created
the Office of the Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination whose task it is to
actively oppose unfair or offensive treatment on the grounds of race, skin
color, national or ethnic origin or religious faith.
Moreover, as Swedish society has grown more diverse
and tolerant over the years, other minority groups have become more assertive.
Homosexuals live openly and self-avowed gay people occupy responsible positions
in public life. While pockets of ignorance and discrimination may remain, they
are few and far between. Sweden is a tolerant, modern society that for many
years has made it a key priority to secure minority rights through legislation
and in practice. Gay students are highly unlikely to encounter offensive
behavior or other problems during their stay.
All universities and university colleges are able to
provide some form of assistance to students with disabilities. Many of them have
also drawn up special programs aimed at helping disabled students to pursue
their studies regardless of their handicap.
There is a person responsible for matters relating to
functional disabilities on the staff of every university and university college.
It may be a good idea to contact this person before leaving for Sweden. You will
find a list with contact details
here. For more general information please see the
National Agency for Special
Educational Support. For European exchange students, additional information
can be found here.
On 1 March 2002, the Swedish parliament passed a law
aimed at combating discrimination in institutions of higher education. The law
affords protection to all of the above groups. If you have reason to believe
that you have been unfairly treated, you should contact your local student
union, which will advise you on how to proceed.
Social Life
Your options for leisure activities will depend on
where you choose to study. Bigger cities and towns will inevitably have more to
offer than smaller ones. On the other hand, the latter may have resources not
available to bigger cities, including opportunities for outdoor activities.
Where you choose to study will obviously depend on
you personal preference. However Swedes tend to be active and sporting
activities are popular among students. Sporting clubs and societies organize a
wide range of activities on campus at most universities and university colleges.
Taking part in these activities is probably the best way to meet new people and
get some repose from studying.
Other natural meeting points are clubs and pubs on
and around campus. Many of these serve drinks and food at affordable prices. The
legal age for drinking in Sweden is 18. Some establishments - mainly in the
bigger cities - may only admit people over 20 or 23.
Most people go out for a drink at the weekend, and
there are long queues from early on outside the more popular places. Some
nightclubs charge an entrance fee, usually ranging from SEK 50 to 100. It's a
good idea to get there early in the evening.
To find out where to go just ask a fellow Swedish
student or pick up a copy of your local newspaper. As a student, however, you
have an invaluable social resource in your local student union.
Accommodation
For many people, studying abroad will be their first
experience of living away from home for a longer period. This can be a daunting
prospect for anyone, especially in view of the demands associated with being a
full-time student while trying to gain a foothold in a new culture.
It is therefore important that your living
environment is comfortable and affordable; you should give yourself plenty of
time to make all the necessary arrangements before leaving for Sweden.
There is no national system which handles requests
for student accommodation. All applications must be made directly to the student
union at your chosen university/university college. However, availability of
accommodation varies considerably from place to place. In general, accommodation
is available at schools located in smaller and middle-sized cities or towns.
Unfortunately, the situation is more difficult in the larger cities, especially
in Stockholm and Gِteborg, and in
the traditional student cities of Lund and Uppsala. Often, the number of
students exceeds the number of rooms that universities and university colleges
have on offer and waiting times are long. However, there are alternatives.
You can rent a flat in the private market. Though
usually more expensive, this is a perfectly viable option for some individuals.
It is not uncommon for students to share a bigger flat with several rooms. You
may also be able to rent a single room privately. Visiting students arranging
their own accommodation should contact a student union directly, preferably
through their respective universities/university colleges.
The union will supply you with information on how to
look for accommodation in the private market. Other sources of information are
local newspapers and message boards at your university.
To sign a lease for a room or a flat, you must be
able to prove that you are already studying or that you have been admitted to
the university or university college. When you want to move out you must give at
least one month's written notice. Other rules may also apply.
Accommodation provided by and through the unions is
the option preferred by most students. There are several reasons for this.
Student flats or rooms tend to be less expensive than private alternatives; they
give you a chance to meet fellow students and participate in social activities,
and they are often close to lecture halls, libraries and other facilities.
Depending on availability, you can choose to live by
yourself or in a shared student flat where you will have your own room but share
a bathroom/toilet. Flats can be either furnished or unfurnished.
Most students, however, prefer to live in a student
dormitory. This can be an enjoyable experience. It gives students from all over
the world an opportunity to get to know each other and make friends.
But it can also be demanding. Students living in the
same corridor may have very different cultural backgrounds, different habits and
ideas about how to do things. Most dormitories have 10-15 single rooms in each
corridor. A kitchen is shared by 4-15 students. Female and male students live in
the same corridor. Often there is also a communal television room.
A single room must not be occupied by more than one
person - a rule which is strictly enforced. Students are responsible for
cleaning their own rooms and the communal kitchen. Although rooms are let with
basic furniture, there are no blankets, pillows, sheets, towels or light bulbs.
Some utensils may be available in the communal
kitchen but you will usually have to bring your own plates, cutlery, pots and
pans, etc. Some student unions rent these. Most student housing areas have
laundrettes. There is a booking list and a small fee is payable for the use of a
washing machine. All rent for accommodation must be paid in advance.
The cost of a student room varies according to the
location, but is usually around SEK 2,000-3000 a month. For availability and
price, contact the student union at your university or university college.
Below are some examples of the average monthly rate
for student accommodation across the country (Prices in SEK at 2003 levels. 1
Euro = approx. SEK 9):
Please note: due to the shortage of student housing
in the older university towns/cities (Uppsala, Lund, Stockholm and Goِteborg)
prices in the private market are likely to be higher.
Lund: 1,770-2,105
Stockholm; 2,363-2,653
Uppsala: 2,108-3,883
Gِteborg:
2,740-3,200
The situation with regard to accommodation for
students is problematic in many parts of the country, sometimes very much so.
There are simply not enough rooms and flats to go round. Fortunately, there are
still towns and cities where conditions are better and where all or most
students do get accommodation in time.
If you are not guaranteed accommodation as part of your exchange program or
through some other agreement it is vital that you approach your local student
union as soon as possible. Remember that the situation will vary according to
where you choose to study. Some universities or university colleges have more
rooms than others.
At some schools, the student union will guarantee you
accommodation if you apply in time; others have special queues for newly arrived
students. A good tip is to check for special offers for foreign students with
the international desk at your educational institute.
Banks and Post Office
Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday,
between 9.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Many branches have extended opening hours at
least once a week (until 6.00 p.m. in larger cities.). Banks are closed at
weekends. You will normally need a national registration number, personnummer
(See Civil Registration below) to open a bank account.
It's a good idea to check whether your bank at home
has a Swedish banking partner. Some banks may be willing to let you open an
account even if you don't have a Swedish identity card (see below). You will
need to show a valid passport, a receipt for your Student Union membership fee
and a letter stating that you are a visiting student.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Sweden. Commonly
accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard and American Express. Traveler's
cheques can also be used.
The Swedish Post Office has recently been
restructured. Mail and packets can now be picked up at a number of places,
including gas stations, supermarkets and kiosks. Look for the blue and yellow
sign above or by the entrance of outlets providing this service. You can also
buy stamps and conduct most other errands at these outlets, many of which stay
open late in the evening and at weekends.
There are also traditional post offices offering the
full range of services. They are usually open between 9.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.
and may have extended opening hours once or twice a week. Yellow post boxes are
for national and international letters and blue for regional letters.
Civil Registration
If you intend to stay for longer than a year in
Sweden, you can register with the civil registration authorities at your local
tax office, lokala skattemyndigheten. You will then be given a ten-digit
national registration number, or personal number (personnummer), based on your
date of birth plus four extra digits. For example, if you were born on May 25,
1982, it might look like this: 820525-1045.
To apply, take along your passport, a letter of
acceptance from your educational institution, documents from the Swedish
immigration authorities and, if you are married, your marriage certificate. On
registration, you will be entitled to medical benefits through the Swedish
National Health Insurance System. When seeing a doctor, for instance, you will
be asked for your personal number (see Medical insurance and medical treatment
below).
Currency
The Swedish Krona (plural kronor), is denoted by the
international currency symbol SEK. One Krona contains 100
ِre. Bank notes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500
and 1,000 kronor, coins in 50 ِre,
1, 5 and 10 kronor. All major bank and credit cards are widely accepted
throughout Sweden. (1 Euro = approx. SEK 9).
Drugs and Medications
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine are only
available at local state-run pharmacies called Apotek in Swedish. These are open
during normal shopping hours. A 24-hour service is available in the major
cities. If you take medication, it is a good idea to make sure that you have an
adequate supply before leaving for Sweden.
Emergencies and SOS Calls
In case of emergency, dial 112 to contact police,
fire brigade or ambulance. Emergency calls made from payphones are free of
charge.
ID Cards
An identity card, or an ID card (legitimation), is a
card on which the bearer's photo and personal number are registered. Having an
ID card will help in any contact you may have with Swedish authorities. It will
also make it easier for you to open a bank account. To obtain a Swedish ID card
you must be registered as a resident (see civil registration, above). Identity
cards are issued by post offices and banks.
To apply for an ID card, take the civil registration
certificate with your personal number, a passport size, black and white or color
photograph. Your application must be supported by a person already carrying a
valid Swedish ID card who can vouch for your identity. The cost is between SEK
240 and 300.
The SFS card is a national student card which gives
discounts on domestic travel by air, train and bus. More detailed information on
discount offers will be sent along with your SFS -card, which you will receive
about one month after you join a student union.
Local Transportation
Public transport -buses, commuter trains and (in
Stockholm) the underground - is available everywhere in Sweden and provides a
convenient, fast way to get around. Transportation is fairly inexpensive with a
30-day pass. Passes are valid for unlimited travel on the local network such as
the underground (T-bana), local buses and commuter trains. A monthly pass for
public transport costs SEK 500 in Stockholm and often less in smaller cities.
Medical Insurance
For non EU/EEA citizens: If you
are a citizen in a country that is not a member of the EU/EEA, there are certain
criteria you must fulfill to become eligible for medical care. As a visiting
student, if you stay for longer than one year, i.e. if you have a residence
permit valid for one year or more, you are entitled to benefits such as medical
treatment.
You must, however, be registered as a resident.
Application for civil registration (see above) is made at your local tax office.
The tax office will then contact the local social insurance office which, in
turn, will register you.
The application procedure may take time, but you will
be fully covered if you can show that you have already applied for registration
as a resident. Social insurance does not cover your journey to Sweden or the
time you spend in the country prior to registration. Thus, to be fully covered
you will need some form of travel insurance.
Stays of less than one year: If
you have a residence permit valid for a period of less than a year you will not
be able to register as a resident. Sweden has reciprocal agreements for public
medical benefits with some countries; to find out whether your country has such
an agreement, you should contact your local social insurance office.
Students from countries with this type of agreement
need only present their passport and a certificate from the social insurance
office in their home country. For the reciprocal agreement to apply, the need
for medical care must arise during (not prior to) your stay in Sweden.
Students who are not covered by any of these
agreements must arrange their own insurance coverage. Medical treatment is very
expensive without any form of insurance. This is best done in your home country.
Otherwise, check with your student union. It may have a special agreement with
an insurance company.
Opening Hours
Shopping hours are generally between 9 a.m. and 6
p.m. on weekdays. Shops close between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays. In larger
towns, department stores remain open until 8-10 p.m. and some are also open on
Sundays between 12 noon and 4 p.m. Shops generally close early on the day before
a public holiday.
Financing Your Studies
It is no longer very expensive to live in Sweden,
when compared with the rest of Europe, but it still costs money to live and
study there.
Although in almost all cases, tuition is free, there
are still
some costs associated with your education that you as a student will be
expected to carry. You will also need funds for day-to-day
living
expenses.
But there are ways in which you can mitigate the
financial strain. Sweden allows students to
work for
the duration of their studies. Also, you should try to obtain a
scholarship.
Fees and Costs
Tuition Fees
With rare exceptions, tuition fees in higher
education in Sweden are fully subsidized by the government. This applies to
foreign as well as Swedish students. Higher education is financed by the state,
a system common to many European countries. Please note that scholarships are
not awarded by institutions of higher education. The Swedish Institute
administers a limited number of scholarships.
More information
on scholarships.
Student Union Fees
Students are required to pay a small membership fee
to the local student union. Fees range from SEK 150-400 per term depending on
the union.
Literature and Textbooks
The required reading is often extensive and students
usually have to buy their own books as library copies are limited. Teachers also
prepare and hand out their own compendia.
On average, students can expect to spend SEK 750 per
month on books in an academic term. With some subjects such as law this figure
is likely to be higher. Many student unions organize book sales where students
can buy used textbooks cheaply.
Food, Transport and Leisure
Though most students live on a tight budget, there
are ways of making your money go further. You can use your student card for
discounts and on-campus restaurants are good value. You can also cook your own
food; most student accommodations have some form of kitchen facility open to
residents.
In most restaurants and bars, a beer will cost you
SEK 40-50 (EUR 4-5 ), a glass of wine perhaps a little more. Dinner starts at
around SEK 100-150 (EUR 10-15) drinks not included. An average monthly budget is
set out below to give you some idea of the cost of living in Sweden.
Food: SEK 2,400. Student accommodation: SEK 2,100.
Local travel: SEK 500. Telephone: SEK 300. Insurance, medical care and hygiene:
SEK 250. Clothing, hobby/leisure: SEK 450. Student union fee: SEK 60-70. Total:
SEK 6,070, or about EUR 600.
Remember however, that prices can vary considerably
depending on where you live. Stockholm, for example, is more expensive than
smaller towns.
The approximate prices of some items are listed below
(1 Euro = approx. SEK 10):
Milk: SEK 8/litre
Bread: SEK 10-20/loaf
Cornflakes (box): SEK 30
Margarine/Butter: SEK 20 /500g tub
Cheese: SEK 50/kg
Lamb: SEK 60-90/kg
Beef: SEK 70-140/kg
Chicken: SEK 30-50/kg
Eggs: SEK 2 each
Rice: SEK 30-35/kg
Pasta: SEK 12/kg
Soda: SEK 5/33 cl
Cigarettes: SEK 35.50/packet
Newspaper: SEK 12
Cinema: SEK 85
Who Can Work In Sweden
If you are enrolled at a Swedish university or
university college you can work in Sweden without a work permit. You do,
however, need a residence permit. Nordic, EU and EEA students need to get a
residence permit if they are staying in Sweden for longer than three months. All
other nationalities need to get a residence permit before they arrive in Sweden.
For information on obtaining a residence permit,
contact your nearest
embassy or consulate or the
Swedish
Immigration Board directly.
For further information on working in Sweden, visit
the Swedish National Labor
Market Administration's website.
Scholarships
There are a restricted number of scholarships
available to foreign students planning to study in Sweden. Competition is keen
and students need to make sure they satisfy all the necessary criteria before
applying. Incomplete applications, or applications from students not meeting the
specified requirements, will not be considered.
The Swedish Institute awards three kinds of
scholarships:
worldwide (with some exceptions),
regional
and
country-specific.
If your country is listed under one of the regional
scholarship programs you should apply for these, not for the scholarship listed
under worldwide.
Please also note that students applying for
scholarships for Master's level studies should apply directly to the university
or university college concerned.
The Guest Scholarship Program
This scholarship is extended in global competition.
It is open to students from any part of the world except for those from the
Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden*.
The scholarship is aimed at those wishing to come to
Sweden as guest students for a specific period of time. It is not aimed at
individuals intending to settle permanently in Sweden.
The Guest Scholarship is designed for students
seeking admittance to programs at Master's level and for those pursuing advanced
university studies at PhD or post-doctoral levels. No scholarships are awarded
for undergraduate studies.
Please note that all applications for funding of
Master's level studies must be sent directly to the institutions of higher
education concerned, not to the Swedish Institute.
Application deadlines for guest scholarships for the
academic year 2004/2005 are as follows:
For advanced university level part of Ph.D. or
post-doctoral studies the deadline is 15 January 2004. Applications received
after this date will not be considered.
For Master's level studies the deadline is the same
as the application deadline for the specific program. Applications are to be
sent directly to the university or university college concerned.
No scholarships are awarded for undergraduate
studies. Also, a scholarship cannot be granted for a complete course of study
leading to a Ph.D. degree; it is designed to fund parts of such a degree or
parts of post-doctoral studies.
Students who are eligible for any of the regional
scholarship programs should also submit their application to these programs
using the relevant application form.
The maximum scholarship period is three academic
years but scholarships are usually granted for one academic year (nine months)
at a time. They can also be awarded for study periods of shorter duration. The
scholarships are intended to finance a temporary stay in Sweden.
Good knowledge of English and/or Swedish is required.
Students already studying in Sweden are eligible to
apply if they are not permanent residents and if they do not hold a valid work
permit*. In addition, they may not have been living in Sweden for more than two
years when the scholarship is due to begin. (*Not applicable to EU citizens.)
At present the scholarship amounts to SEK 7,500 per
month for graduate and research students and SEK 9,000 for holders of a Ph.D.
degree. Each scholarship is designed to cover the living expenses of ONE person
only. There are no grants of any kind for family members. Scholarship holders
from developing countries can apply for a partial travel grant. The scholarship
holder is insured by the Swedish Institute against illness and accidents during
the scholarship period.
Scholarships for advanced university level part of
Ph.D. or post-doctoral studies: Prior to submitting an
application for a scholarship, the applicant must contact a Swedish university
or university college department willing to accept the applicant for the
proposed studies. This contact can also be made through a professor or academic
adviser at the applicant's home institution.
To enable the Swedish host institution to consider
issuing a letter of invitation, applicants must clearly indicate their intended
area of study or research and include a C.V. or résumé setting out their
previous studies or research. This is a minimum requirement.
The Swedish Institute's
application form should be used. Requests for application forms can also be
made by contacting the Swedish Institute either by regular mail, fax or email.
Contact details are at the bottom of this page.
The application form should be submitted to the
address at the bottom of this page. It must reach the Swedish Institute by
regular mail no later than 15 January 2004. Applications received after this
date will not be considered.
The outcome of the selection process will be
announced to candidates in May/June 2004. Individual questions concerning the
application procedure will not be answered.
Scholarships for Master's level programs:
Applications for a Master's level program should be sent directly to the
university or university college concerned. Students applying to a Master's
level program should clearly indicate in their application if they wish to be
considered for a scholarship.
The university or university college will recommend a
limited number of candidates for a Swedish Institute scholarship. The Swedish
Institute will then make the final selection of scholarship candidates. Students
who are not already pursuing a Master's level degree in Sweden are given
priority in the scholarship selection process.
All questions concerning the application procedure
for the Master's level program should be directed to the university or
university college concerned.
Please note that applicants to Master's level
programs should not apply for a scholarship directly to the Swedish Institute.
Applications sent to the Swedish Institute will not be considered. All questions
concerning the application procedure for the Master's level program should be
directed to the university/university college concerned.
The outcome of the selection process will be
announced to candidates in May/June 2004. Individual questions concerning the
application procedure will not be answered.
Studying in Sweden
As a foreign student you may find relations between
teachers and students at Swedish universities and university colleges
surprisingly informal. It is not unusual to see students and teachers
fraternizing outside regular lecture hours.
This makes for a comfortable and stimulating study
environment, in which students are encouraged to develop and apply their own
critical faculties. Students enjoy a large measure of independence and are
expected to do a substantial amount of work on their own initiative. This
approach can be demanding and you must be prepared to take a good deal of
responsibility for your own studies.
The academic year is divided into two terms. The
autumn term begins at the end of August and lasts until mid-January with a short
break at the end of December. The spring term runs from mid-January to the
beginning of June. Full-time studies correspond approximately to a 40-hour
workweek. Students normally study only one course at a time. Exceptions include
technology subjects, where several courses may be studied simultaneously.
The course structure varies with the subject area.
Technical programs normally feature a high proportion of scheduled hours.
Courses in the social sciences and arts involve 12-15 hours' attendance per week
but you will be expected to read in your own time.
Course activities include lectures attended by
several hundred students and smaller seminars where students are expected to
play an active part in discussions and express their own views. Classes -
composed of groups of 20-30 students (occasionally fewer) - are designed to
encourage interaction and discussion with the teacher. The aim is to help you
develop your polemical skills and to encourage critical thinking.
The required reading is usually extensive, and you
will be responsible for buying your own books, although teachers often prepare
and hand out compendia. Library copies are limited. Courses in technology and
the natural sciences involve substantial laboratory work. Practical exercises
are a feature of many study programs. Most programs conclude with a degree
thesis or project work.
Examinations are in the form of written and oral
tests. Laboratory work, group work and special projects may be the subject of
both oral and written reports. Students are expected to be able to use computers
and common word-processing programs, e-mail and the internet. Universities and
university colleges offer access to computer rooms and internet services.
All institutions of higher education are subject to
rigorous rules and targets aimed at maintaining educational standards. Students
are also expected to observe high standards of academic conduct. Academic
misconduct, such as cheating and plagiarism, is considered a serious offence and
a variety of sanctions can be applied if a student is found guilty. These range
from warnings to suspension for a specified period.
Plagiarism and cheating involve presenting as your
own work something you did not do yourself. Examples include the use of another
author's words or ideas without proper citation, turning in work which someone
else did for you, copying from someone else's paper during an exam, or using
notes during an exam (unless approved by the teacher). There are many other
examples; when in doubt do not hesitate to consult your professor.
What Degrees Can I Study Towards?
The Swedish higher education system offers courses
leading to a number of degrees. Sweden has a national degree system, though its
particulars may differ from what students in other countries are familiar with.
Recently, the structure of the system has been brought more closely into line
with that of other European countries. To be accepted for study towards any of
the following degrees you will need to satisfy general and specific entrance
requirements:
·
Hِgskoleexamen
(University Diploma) may be conferred on completion of appropriate studies of at
least 80 credit points. (Two years of full-time study.)
·
Kandidatexamen (Bachelor's degree) may be conferred on
completion of studies of at least 120 credit points. Sixty of these credit
points must consist of in-depth studies in the student's main subject; ten
credit points must consist of an independent thesis. (Three years of full-time
study.)
·
Magisterexamen (Master's degree) There are two types of
Master's degree:´
- A magisterexamen med is an option for those
students who wish to add to previous academic work by pursuing studies within a
different academic field.
- A magisterexamen med allows students to build on previous academic work
within their chosen area of study. To be eligible for this type of degree
students must have completed studies in a relevant discipline.
·
Yrkesexamina (Professional degrees). There are 50
professional degrees in Swedish higher education. Some entitle the holder to
practice professions requiring registration or special authorization.
Professional degrees may be awarded in such fields as law, social work, art,
medicine, odontology, engineering, education, agriculture and forestry, and
veterinary medicine.
·
Licenciatexamen (Licentiate degree) is awarded after
postgraduate studies of 80 credit points and an academic essay or thesis of 40
credit points.
·
Doktorsexamen (Doctorate or PhD) is awarded after
postgraduate studies of 160 credit points and a dissertation of 80 credit
points.
Study Requirements
Before you decide to apply for a course or full
degree program in Sweden you should make sure that you satisfy the general
entrance requirements. There may also be a number of specific requirements,
depending on whether you want to do research, enroll in a Master's program or
apply for courses at undergraduate level. (You can read about these under the
relevant headings.)
Students must also show that they have attained a
level of written and oral proficiency in English equivalent to that required on
completion of Swedish-upper secondary education. You will need to support your
application with an international proficiency test certificate.*
If you plan to study in Swedish, you will need to
show that you have attained the required level of proficiency. You can do this
by taking the national Swedish test,
TISUS.**
Please bear in mind that these are the general
entrance requirements. Most courses and programs have specific requirements that
vary according to the subject area and type of course selected. For example, if
you apply for courses at intermediate or advanced level, you must meet the
requirements with respect to previous university studies in your chosen subject.
Entrance requirements are normally based on Swedish
upper-secondary school standards. Each university or university college assesses
foreign applicants' diplomas and qualifications in accordance with these
standards when deciding whether an applicant is eligible.
Most foreign students will also need to obtain a
visa and
residence permit before leaving for Sweden.
Examples of tests used and minimum scores:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Scores: 500-550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test)
- International English Language Testing Service
(IELTS). Score: 6.0 (no band lower than 5.0)
- Cambridge EFL examination/tests (Grades A or B)
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery
(MELAB). Score: 90 points
** Students
whose mother tongue is Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic or Faeroese are
deemed to have adequate knowledge of Swedish. The same applies to Finnish
students who have studied Swedish at upper-secondary level for three years or
more.
Undergraduate Studies
Most foreign students come to Sweden as exchange
students; their home university has an exchange agreement with a Swedish
institution - either as part of an EU exchange program or as a bilateral scheme.
As the regulations governing residence permits are
strict and study places are in short supply, opportunities for students from
other parts of the world to come to Sweden as free movers, i.e. students who
apply on an individual basis, are limited.
Careful planning, the right educational background,
personal funds and strong motivation are needed. If you are a free mover, make
sure to plan ahead and set aside plenty of time to make all the necessary
arrangements.
Admission Requirements
Students must satisfy general as well as specific
entrance requirements to be eligible for courses at undergraduate level. The
general requirements are:
·
Completion of an upper-secondary school program
conferring eligibility for university studies in the same country and
corresponding in level to the equivalent program in Sweden.
·
Proficiency in English (both written and oral) equivalent
to that required on completion of Swedish upper-secondary education.
Universities and university colleges will normally require verification in the
form of an international proficiency test certificate.
·
Examples of tests used and minimum scores:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores: 500-550
(paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test)
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Score: 6.0 (no
band lower than 5.0)
- Cambridge EFL examination/tests (Grades A or B)
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). Score: 90 points
·
Written and oral skills in Swedish corresponding to the
level of Swedish required on completion of Swedish upper-secondary education.
This is generally assessed by the national Swedish test,
TISUS.*
Note: students applying for courses or programs taught in English are normally
exempt from this requirement.
Entrance requirements for a particular course or
program are established independently at each university or university college.
These requirements will vary and you will need to contact the institution
directly for exact information. Admission to all undergraduate education is
limited.
All study programs and courses have a fixed number of
places, which are usually exceeded by the number of applicants. Every university
and university college has its own procedure for selecting among eligible
applicants. The criteria applied include: grades obtained, results from previous
courses, assessment of work samples, interview results, special admission tests
and work experience. These criteria vary from institution to institution.
To participate in the SOCRATES/ERASMUS program you
must satisfy the following requirements:
·
You are a student and enrolled in a formal program of
study at university level leading to a degree or diploma (including doctoral
level) in one of the participating countries.
·
You are a citizen of one the participating countries (or
are recognized as having the official status of refugee, stateless person or
permanent resident).
·
You have completed at least the first year of your
university studies.
* Students whose
mother tongue is Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic or Faeroese are deemed to
have adequate knowledge of Swedish. The same applies to Finnish students who
have studied Swedish at upper-secondary level for three years or more.
How to Apply?
While the application process may vary slightly
depending on which university or university college you apply to, the general
procedure is as follows:
If you want to apply for admittance to an individual
course, you apply directly to the university or university college. Application
deadlines may vary but are usually set in mid-April for the autumn term and in
mid-October for courses starting in the spring term. Information and application
forms are available from the institutions themselves.
If you want to apply to an undergraduate degree
program, in most cases you need to apply via the
National Admissions Office for
Higher Education, which processes your application. You do not apply to
individual institutions. Application brochures and forms (in Swedish only) are
available for the spring term from August (deadline: 15 October) and for the
autumn term from February (deadline: 15 April).
Please note that only students with attested
proficiency in Swedish should apply. The first notices of admission are sent out
in July and December. Students from outside the European Union may have
difficulty obtaining residence permits in time for the start of the term.
Master's Programs Taught in English
A large number of Master's programs - around 150 -
are taught entirely in English. Engineering and technology account for about 40,
but many other subjects and disciplines are also represented. These are open to
all students with the necessary qualifications and offer an opportunity for
those who wish to focus more specifically on their chosen area of interest. You
can search
for programs online, or
download a booklet with the information [PDF, 880kB].
With a few exceptions, all courses and programs are
financed by the government and are thus free of charge for Swedish and foreign
students.
Magisterexamen — The Swedish Master’s Degree
Some 150 Master's programs leading to a
magisterexamen - the Swedish equivalent of a Master's degree - are taught in
English. To be admitted to a Master's program, students must have completed a
course of study leading to a degree or diploma equivalent to 120 credit points
in the Swedish higher education system.
The final decision on whether to accept an applicant
will rest with the institution concerned. Moreover, some programs may have
specific entry requirements which students will also need to satisfy.
Master's programs normally require one year of
full-time study, or 40 credit points. A number of programs, mainly in the field
of engineering, confer 60 credit points and require one and a half years of
full-time study.
You can study towards a magisterexamen in one
of two ways, depending on your interests and academic background:
A magisterexamen med
نmnesbredd is an option
for students who wish to add to their previous academic work by pursuing studies
in a different academic field.
A magisterexamen med
نmnesdjup allows
students to build on previous academic work within their chosen field of study.
To be eligible for this type of degree, applicants must have completed studies
in a relevant discipline. Students are normally required to write an independent
thesis of at least 20 credit points or two of at least 10 credit points each.
Civilingenjِr
- Swedish Master of Science
A civilingenjِr
degree is awarded on completion of studies of 180 credit points in the relevant
discipline. However, foreign students with previous studies or a degree in
science or engineering equivalent to 120 credit points in the Swedish system can
study towards a civilingenjِr
(M. Sc.) by completing studies of 60 credit points in the Swedish system.
Although programs vary in structure according to the
institution, they usually comprise a total workload of 60 credit points, 20 of
which may consist of thesis work.
Admission Requirements
As a general requirement, students must have
completed a course of study leading to a degree or diploma equivalent to 120
credit points in the Swedish higher education system.
In many cases a bachelor's degree will be regarded as
fulfilling this requirement. Students must also provide evidence of proficiency
in English. Universities and university colleges will normally require
verification in the form of an international proficiency test certificate, such
as TOEFL or MELAB.
Eligible applicants then undergo a selection
procedure determined by the individual university or university college and
based on various criteria, such as grades obtained and results of previous
courses and degree projects. All of these will influence the outcome of your
application.
How to Apply?
Applications must be made directly to each university
or university college. For programs starting in the autumn term, deadlines range
from December to April. Information and application forms are available from the
department responsible for the program.
In most cases you can also access this information
through the institution's website. Make sure that you satisfy all the necessary
requirements before submitting an application. If you are not sure, please
contact the university or university college directly.
Doctoral Programs
Swedish research is wide-ranging and well respected
internationally. Swedish researchers are especially prominent in the fields of
natural science, medicine and technology.
Unlike the case in many other countries, most
publicly funded research is carried out at universities and institutions of
higher education. Many teachers are involved in both education and research,
while also supervising PhD students.
Foreign students enrolled as PhD students at their
home universities can register for postgraduate courses and seminars in Sweden
for a limited period, provided there is an exchange agreement or some other link
between the Swedish institution and its foreign counterpart.
Otherwise, admission to doctoral studies is
restricted and universities and university colleges may only admit students who
have funding for the entire study period. Many departments have no formal
admission requirements with regard to Swedish language skills. However, it may
be helpful for students to take some classes in Swedish.
Some 18,000 people are enrolled as research students
in Sweden. Around 3,000 were granted doctoral or licentiate degrees in 2000. The
average age of enrolment is 29 and the average researcher is awarded his or her
PhD at the age of 35.
Research in Sweden has an international approach and
exchange is seen as an integral part of the system. About 20% of all research
students have a non-Swedish background. Research students from other countries
are primarily represented in the fields of medicine, natural sciences and
technology.
The Swedish Ph.D.
PhD students are required to undertake a research
assignment and pursue theoretical studies in the form of seminars or courses.
The research is intended to lead to a scholarly thesis; writing it will take up
most of a student's time.
Postgraduate science students spend a great deal of
time in the laboratory. If research findings are reproduced in scientific
journals the thesis may be a compilation of the published articles.
All doctoral students receive individual tutoring and
theses are publicly defended. Some departments may require that the thesis be
part of an ongoing project within the department. In the fields of technology,
natural science and medicine, researchers often work as part of a team.
The term "postgraduate school" is used in connection
with doctoral studies and research training with a clearly defined
organizational structure and offering a carefully designed range of courses,
often of a multidisciplinary character.
Studies towards a doctoral degree are worth 160
credit points and require a minimum of four years of full-time study. Licentiate
degrees - comprised of 80 credit points - require two years of study. This
program includes courses and a final major degree dissertation. The thesis often
accounts for more than half of the total workload.
Studying towards a PhD is a demanding commitment.
Much of the work is carried out independently and students need to be highly
motivated.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to a postgraduate research position, a
student must hold a university degree equivalent to a Bachelor's degree or
higher, with a major in the same subject as the intended field of study. The
major must have included a degree thesis presenting the results of independent
research.
In some cases a Master's degree may be required.
Foreign students wishing to study for a PhD in Sweden are advised to prepare for
a magisterexamen (or the Swedish equivalent of a Master's degree) in
Sweden first, if a relevant program is available in English. A magisterexamen
is likely to improve a student's chances of being admitted to a PhD program.
Specific requirements are set for each subject. For
information about these you should contact the department you are interested in.
An assessment will also be made of the applicant's suitability and his or her
ability to complete doctoral studies. Students must also have a good command of
English.
Many departments have no formal Swedish language
requirements for admission to doctoral studies or research training. However, a
good command of the language is essential in many subjects as lectures and
seminars are often conducted in Swedish.
In some cases, students will be advised to attend
Swedish language courses parallel to their doctoral studies.
Admission to doctoral studies and research training
is restricted and competition is keen. Universities and university colleges can
only admit students who are funded for the entire study period, or who have been
awarded a postgraduate studentship (doktorandtjنnst)
or a study grant (utbildningsbidrag) by the university.
How to Apply
When a wholly or partly funded position for a PhD
student becomes vacant it must be advertised so that all those interested can
apply. Many institutions of higher education also advertise externally-funded
positions.
Announcements on the websites of institutions are
common. Students considering doctoral studies or research training must obtain
specific information and application material directly from the institution and
the department where the subject is taught.
Applications for PhD studies must be sent directly to
the department along with officially certified copies of diplomas and/or
certificates or official transcripts, diploma work and letters of
recommendation. Authorized translations are often required. Some departments
have fixed application dates while others admit students on an ongoing basis.
Studying in English
Undergraduate programs and courses
Although a growing number of undergraduate courses
have been made available in English in order to make them more accessible,
embarking on a full undergraduate program is not an option for most foreign
students. This is because for the most part these programs require a very good
command of written and spoken Swedish.
There are some exceptions, however:
Jِnkِping
International Business School,
Malmِ
University College,
Mنlardalen University College and Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences offer undergraduate programs taught in
English. Most other courses at the undergraduate level offered in English are
intended for exchange students. If free movers are admitted, they must meet all
the normal requirements with regard to previous university studies and knowledge
of English. Universities and university colleges will normally require
verification in the form of an international proficiency test certificate.
Master's Programs
Some 150 international Master's programs are now
available in English. Around 40 of these are in the technology and engineering
fields, but many other subjects and disciplines are also represented. These are
open to all students with the requisite qualifications and English language
skills.
For example, most higher education institutions
require a minimum of 550 points for the paper-based test and 213 for the
computer-based test in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Other tests, such as IELTS, MELAB, Cambridge EFL examination and APIEL, may also
be accepted.
Doctoral Studies/Research Training
Although research departments often have no formal
Swedish language requirement, a good command of Swedish is often necessary as
many lectures and seminars are conducted in Swedish. Students may be advised to
attend Swedish language courses parallel to their doctoral studies.
In addition to the necessary academic qualifications,
applicants must be proficient in English. For specific information regarding
requirements and the availability of Swedish language courses, please contact
the institution you are interested in.
Studying in Swedish
With few exceptions, those studying towards a full
undergraduate degree must have attained a level of proficiency in written and
spoken Swedish corresponding to that required on completion of Swedish upper
secondary education.
The Test in Swedish for University Studies (TISUS) is
designed to assess eligibility for university studies in accordance with general
and specific entrance requirements.
TISUS, which is held several times a year, includes
tests in reading comprehension, oral presentation and written composition. The
examination fee is SEK 1,200. Please contact the
test providers
for applications and information about test dates.
With a TISUS certificate you can apply to courses
and programs offered in Swedish by Swedish institutions of higher education. A
comprehensive database of available courses can be found on
http://www.studera.nu/. This information is
only available in Swedish. Please note that you need to fulfill other academic
requirements, in addition to demonstrating proficiency in Swedish.
Only two universities, Linkِping
and Umeه, offer preparatory
courses in Swedish.
Linkِping
University offers a "college course" in Swedish designed to provide
non-Swedish-speaking students with sufficient knowledge of the language to
satisfy the relevant entry requirements for studies at the university. This is a
two-term course of full time study and cannot be counted towards a university
degree. On completion of the course, students take the TISUS. Students applying
to the course and undergraduate studies are normally granted a study place,
provided they pass the TISUS and have the right academic qualifications.
Umeه
University runs a Foundation Course in Swedish aimed at students
wishing to study towards a degree at Umeه
University. No prior knowledge of Swedish is required. The course is full-time
and lasts three terms. Students may therefore not enroll in other programs while
attending the foundation course. Formal requests to attend the course should be
sent in along with all other applications for undergraduate programs or courses.
Students may start their undergraduate studies if they pass the TISUS after
completing the foundation course.
Both institutions only admit between 15 and 20
students to each course. Competition is therefore keen.
Special courses in Swedish are offered to
exchange-program students who are already enrolled, and to visiting researchers
at universities.
Swedish Language Studies
Swedish is studied by many more people than the size
of the country would suggest - some 40,000 people worldwide. There are a number
of ways in which students with no previous experience of Swedish can improve
their knowledge of the language.
Please bear in mind, however, that learning Swedish
without any prior knowledge of the language to the level necessary for
admittance to university courses in Swedish can be a difficult and
time-consuming process.
For Beginners
In many cities you can find basic language courses in
Swedish organized by a number of study associations. These courses, however, are
intended for individuals already staying in Sweden for a specified period. It is
not possible to obtain a residence permit to attend basic Swedish language
courses. Furthermore, there are no scholarships available for basic language
studies. For an overview of the opportunities open to beginners please see the
booklet "Swedish
in Sweden".
Alternatively, you can prepare for courses with the
help of self-study material like Pه
Svenska!, a beginner's course in Swedish as a foreign language. Copies of the
course, complete with textbook and cassettes, can be ordered from the
Sweden Bookshop. For a selection of links to other options, in Swedish,
please see SI's information on
Swedish language studies.
Beginner's courses in Swedish are also offered by
private language consultants. These are normally designed for employees of
companies doing business in Sweden. Some are open to the public but can be
expensive. For further information contact
Sveriges Fِrenade
Sprهkutbildare. If already in Sweden, you
can also consult your local telephone directory, under the heading Sprهkutbildare.
Work is underway on an Internet-based beginner's
course in Swedish. The project, entitled
Lingua 2, is intended principally for university students. The course,
scheduled to come online at the end of 2003, will give students a basic
knowledge of Swedish and provide an introduction to Swedish social and cultural
life.
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