Are you curious about studying in Sweden? Sweden is Home to one of the best education systems in the world, as well as several top-ranking universities offering high-quality education.
Sweden is known as the happiest country on earth, so why not choose Sweden as your study abroad destination. Let’s explore what makes Sweden one of the best places to study abroad.
1. A World-Class Education System
With one of the best performing education systems in the world every year more and more students are choosing Sweden as the study abroad destination.
Sweden continues to be one of the Top most destinations today followed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Australia as of 2020. Some Swedish Universities stand within the top 100 universities in world ranking.
Some of the Top ranked universities are:
- Lund University
- Uppsala University
- Karolinska Institute
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
- Umea University
- University of Gothenburg
Swedish schools aim to prepare students for the real world and give them the tools to live a meaningful life. Students are taught through a multi-disciplinary approach that combines self-study, problem-solving and self-development.
2. Affordable Tuition Fees
While tuition at Swedish universities is free for students from the Sweden and other EU countries, tuition fees for international students range anywhere from SEK 90,000-SEK 150,000 per year.
However, there are several funding opportunities for international students in Sweden. Some universities award generous scholarships to international students, which are primarily based on academic merit. Some universities may offer a full ride, but scholarships for a percentage deduction on tuition fees are more common.
Sweden SCHOLARSHIPS
The Sweden Scholarships are aimed at gifted non-EU/EEA students who are liable to tuition fees and apply for international master’s programmes at Swedish universities. Note that these scholarships are not applicable to undergraduate degrees.
Sweden Doctoral Fellowships for doctoral level studies and research at Swedish universities are also part of this programme.
SWEDISH INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIPS
The scholarship is intended for full-time, one- or two-year master’s programme, and is funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. SI scholarship covers full tuition fee, a monthly payment of SEK 11,000, Insurance against illness and accident, travel grant, membership of the SI Network Future Global Professionals and membership of the SI Alumni Network.
DOCTORAL / PHD LEVEL FUNDING
If you are coming to Sweden to do your Doctorate (PhD), there is research-related funding available. The universities also have paid doctoral research positions available, or doctoral funding schemes of their own.
3. Flexible system of Education
Equality and freedom are cornerstones of the Swedish education system. In Sweden, all students have equal opportunities to receive a high-quality education.
Swedish universities follow a flexible education system where students in Sweden have the freedom to decide which modules they’d like to study, ensuring that each student graduates with a diverse body of skills and knowledge.
4. A High Standard of Living
Sweden provides a high standard of living for students and families throughout the country. Not only are the Swedish education and healthcare systems top-notch, but the cost of living is quite low, especially since there are plenty of student discounts for food and transportation nationwide.
Work-life balance is also an important part of Swedish society.
5. Job Opportunities for Students
Most Swedish universities provide career support for international students. They’re available to lend a hand during your job search, whether you’re looking for a student job, or a full-time position for after you graduate.
In Sweden, it’s not uncommon to have a part-time job alongside your studies. Working was most common in connection with s5tudents pursuing both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Sweden. Yet, employment of students during studies varies by field of education.
As a student you are allowed to work full-time unlike any other country. Which leads us to our seventh and final reason why you should study abroad in Sweden…
6. Pathways to Permanent Residency for Expats
For international students who fall in love with Sweden and decide to stay post-graduation, you’ll be granted a 1-year post-study work permit which can be extended up to five years.
Once you obtain full-time employment, you can go ahead and apply for a work-based residence permit. And work-based residence permits are a foot in the door towards permanent residency — after you’ve worked in Sweden for five consecutive years, you’ll become eligible for a permanent resident permit.
Some of the most popular job sectors in Sweden are Teaching, Nursing, IT, etc. The average wage for a person working in Sweden is around 46,000 SEK per month. The in-demand job roles in Sweden are Accountant, Kindergarten Teacher, Nurse, Programmer, Electrical Engineer, etc. The in-demand job roles in Sweden are Accountant, Kindergarten Teacher, Nurse, Programmer, Electrical Engineer, etc.
Admission Intake: August of each year
The application period to studies starting in autumn (September) is arranged annually in mid-October to mid-January following year. Some degree programmes may however have an additional application schedule, so-called late application.