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Study in Sweden

If you want your opinions to he heard, you like taking initiative and a little snow doesn’t scare you off, then the go-to country for your studies must be Sweden.

Long-time ago a country of barbaric Vikings, nowadays Sweden, has polished its manners, and nothing proves it more than the fact that the Swedish higher education system ranks second in the world. Did we mention cutting-edge research and real-world challenges in multicultural academic communities?

To get a better picture about what’s like studying in Sweden, you need to know that the education here is more about self-development through student groups and independent studies, than about listening to the typical teacher lecture. Let’s try and see the details behind this big picture.

Why study in Sweden?

1. It's free for most European students

That's right! If you come from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you don't have to pay any tuition fees to study at public universities in Sweden. And this is great news because you can use the money you save to cover living costs, which are above the European average.

2. Freedom, equality, and sustainability

These are the three core values of the Swedish society and citizens. These values are reflected in all aspects of life, including work, education, the natural environment, and so on.

Swedes will do as much they can to provide you with the support and resources you need to achieve your academic, professional, personal, or any other goal.

3. Sweden is the best example of eco-friendliness

If you're environmentally conscious, you'll love living here. Sweden has been investing in the wellbeing and preservation of nature for a long time now.

It represents an example of what any nation can do through involvement and commitment. For instance, by 2040, Sweden aims to achieve 100% renewable energy production.

4. Open and progressive mentality

Sweden is one of those wonderful places where you don't have to worry about being different or not fitting it. They embrace everybody regardless of their personal choices or background. Stockholm, for example, is often considered as one of the most open cities in the world.

5. English is widely spoken

Over 80% of Swedes speak English, which makes it super easy to interact with them whenever you need help or simply want to enjoy a small chit-chat.

Still, we recommend learning at least the basics of Swedish, the most common words, for those rare cases when you meet someone who doesn't speak the English language.

What is it like to study in Sweden?

Studying in Sweden is likely to make you feel relaxed. Yes, students need to work hard, and expectations are high, but the higher education system is also very flexible and informal.

Popular student pastimes include team sports, cultural societies, and outdoor activities (performed very well dressed). There’s also a great nightlife, with clubs and bars dotting Sweden’s cities, and student unions organising evenings out.

What to study in Sweden?

Swedes are great with cars, great with IT, and great with the environment. So, it’s not hard to guess which are some of the most popular study areas in Sweden. These are:

• Computer Science degrees in Sweden
• Engineering degrees in Sweden
• Arts degrees in Sweden
• Environmental Studies in Sweden
• Cultural Studies in Sweden

Major cities in Sweden

Sweden is a great place to live and study. From buzzing larger cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, to cosy university towns like Uppsala and Lund, there’s a place for every taste in Sweden.

Whether you end up close to the Arctic Circle in Luleå or bumping shoulders with continental Europe in Malmö, you’ll find accessible towns with extensive public transport and bustling student scenes. So, check and pick one of the Swedish cities below, like:

• Study in Stockholm
• Study in Göteborg
• Study in Lund
• Study in Linköping
• Study in Uppsala

Universities and colleges to attend in Sweden

Sweden is home to over 35 universities and university colleges, and they all offer degree programmes according to European standards. That’s why five of them almost always come up in the global higher education rankings.

So, start your search for your dream Swedish university with:

• Uppsala University
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology
• University of Gothenburg, Faculty of Science
• Chalmers University of Technology
• Jönköping University
• Hanken School of Economics

Practical Information

In Sweden, applications for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are processed through a central application service, Universityadmissions.se. Still, you can also apply directly through the university and program websites. The general application documents required are:

• Identification document
• Record of completed upper secondary education (translated into English)
• University records (translated into English)
• Proof of language proficiency

Additionally, most universities also tend to ask for:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Sample of academic writing
• Recommendation letters from professors and employers

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Swiss university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programme. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Sweden, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require Swedish, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

English is a must-have in Sweden, seeing how many Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are taught in this language. Swedish universities accept as proof of your language skills: 

• High school studies taught in English/Swedish
• Previous university studies taught in English /Swedish
• English-language certificates: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency