Every year hundreds of thousands of students go to Europe for higher education. Among the major countries of Europe, Sweden is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations among international students for higher education. Sweden offers world-class infrastructure for research and professional training and quality of education. The QS world university rankings for 2023 have put five universities from Sweden under 200 top universities in the world. The QS rankings for 2023 ranked KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University 89th and 95th in the world, respectively.
Sweden is located on the Scandinavian peninsula in northern Europe. Thousands of students from India apply to Swedish universities. There are more than 50,000 Indians in Sweden. Sweden has become one of the most popular destinations for higher education among Indian students. According to the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, in the year 2022, the estimated data for Indian students studying in Sweden is 2,500.
Why Study in Sweden
Sweden is increasingly becoming popular among international students. Swedish universities rank among the top universities it the world. The universities in Sweden offer a world-class infrastructure for research and professional programs. One of the best things about Swedish universities is that they offer courses in the English language. Sweden is one of the most sought-after destinations among international students going to Europe for higher education.
Education System
The Swedish education system is ranked highly by international standards. Sweden is known for having one of the best school education systems in the world. In Sweden, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research outlines the governing policies and the Swedish Higher Education Authority evaluates the quality of higher education and research in Sweden. Sweden has some of the oldest and top-ranked universities in the world. There are more than 50 universities and university colleges in Sweden. Most of the higher education institutions are government funded but some are private universities. Some of the top-ranked private universities are Chalmers University of Technology, Jonkoping University and Stockholm School of Economics. Whereas, Lund and Uppsala are some of the oldest public universities in Sweden.
Education levels
Bachelor’s level in Sweden is known as the first cycle. The undergraduate courses in Sweden are called the first cycle courses. These courses are taught in the English language, so there is no issue of the language barrier for international students in their studies.
Similarly, the master’s level in Sweden is known as the second cycle and the doctorate level of courses is known as the third cycle. Professional courses in Sweden are offered either in the first or the second cycle. Professional courses in Sweden typically take 5 years of full-time studies to complete.
In an academic year, there are two semesters; autumn and spring. Most of the courses are offered in the autumn semester. The autumn semester starts in the last week of August and ends in mid-January of the next year. There is a short winter break in December in the autumn semester. The spring semester starts in January and ends in June. Swedish universities follow credit systems. So, to complete a course you have to acquire a minimum number of credits.
Top Universities
In this section, we will provide a list of some of the top Swedish universities ranked by QS and THE. QS and Times Higher Education (THE) are the most reputed and widely accepted world university rankings. Each year they publish world university rankings.
| University/College | QS Rankings 2023 | THE Rankings 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 89 | 155 |
| Lund University | 95 | 119 |
| Chalmers University of Technology | 125 | 251-300 |
| Uppsala University | 128 | 148 |
| Stockholm University | 153 | 176 |
| University of Gothenburg | 185 | 201-250 |
| Linkoping University | 320 | 251-300 |
| Umea University | 369 | 401-500 |
Cost of Studying in Sweden
Sweden is one of the most costly countries in the world. The tuition fees for international universities in Sweden are comparatively very high. The public and private universities, both are equally costly in terms of the cost of studying. Therefore, it is important that you plan accordingly before applying for Sweden. However, this should not disappoint you because there are various scholarships available for international students. Universities and external funding agencies offer various types of scholarships and fellowships for international students to promote higher education in Sweden.
Here we will provide a table of tuition fees for various courses offered in Swedish universities. From this table, you will be able to get an idea of the cost of studying in Sweden.
| Course | University | 1st year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| M.Sc in Computer Science | KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 12.06 Lakhs |
| M.Sc in Management (MiM) | Lund University | 10.10 Lakhs |
| Master of Arts | Uppsala University | 9.32 Lakhs |
| B.Tech in Software Engineering | University of Gothenburg | 11.11 Lakhs |
| BBA in Supply Chain Management | Jonkoping University | 10.10 Lakhs |
Cost of Living in Sweden
The cost of living depends on a number of factors like your lifestyle, size of your accommodation, location of your accommodation, and type of housing. Housing rent in big cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg is higher than in smaller cities. As a student, you can expect your monthly housing rent to be in the range of SEK 2,500 to SEK 6,500 per month. However, the best option for a student is the accommodation on the campus of their university. It is cheaper to live in university accommodations and easier to find. Universities offer various types of accommodations for students you can choose to live in the kind that suits you.
Sweden Student Visa
All international students except citizens of the European Union need a visa to enter Sweden. Sweden is part of the European Union and therefore citizens of other European Union countries are allowed to travel and live in Sweden without a visa. Visa rules and regulations for each country are different. You can apply for a visa both online and offline mode. For offline mode, you need to visit the nearest Swedish embassy. However, since Sweden is a member of the European Union, Sweden is represented by other countries in a number of places under the framework of the Schengen cooperation regarding visas. This means if the Swedish embassy is not in your country you can apply for a Swedish visa via an embassy of the European Union member country.
Also, Sweden issues visas for only 90 days. If you are visiting Sweden for something that requires you to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days then you need to apply for a visitor’s residence permit. We will discuss visa requirements for Sweden and the residence permit in detail.
Student Visa Requirements for Sweden
In this section, we will discuss in detail about the requirements for getting a visa for studies. To receive a visa for studies in Sweden a student must have the following documents:
- A valid passport that is valid for at least three months after the visa has expired and was issued in the last ten years and has at least two empty pages
- Declaration of the purpose of the visit to Sweden
- Proof of acceptance from a university/college in Sweden
- Sufficient money to support yourself in Sweden and return trip to your country
- You must have a minimum of SEK 450 for each day you stay in Sweden
- Medical travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment.
- Proof of intent to leave Sweden and the Schengen area on the last day before the visa expires
- Photograph no older than six months
- Other documents that the embassy may require
Sweden Resident Permit
If you need to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days and you are not a European Union Citizen then you need a residence permit. International students should apply for a residence permit as soon as possible because the permit must be issued before they travel to Sweden. Before you apply for the residence permit you will need to get accepted into your university/college in Sweden. Below we have mentioned some documents required to apply for a residence permit in Sweden:
- You need to pay the first instalment of your tuition fees
- Copies of your passport
- Letter of admission from your university in Sweden
- Proof that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Sweden
- Health insurance
- Submit the online application
- Wait for approval
Admission Requirements to Study at Swedish Universities
It is very important to learn about the requirements for admission at Swedish universities. The admission requirements can be categorized into two; general admission requirements and specific admission requirements.
General admission requirements are the entry requirements that are needed for almost all the programs offered by universities in Sweden. Besides, all the programs offered by the universities in Sweden have some specific admission requirements for that particular program.
General Entry Requirements
There are some general entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs taught in English for international students.
For undergraduate programs
- Successfully completed upper secondary education
- Able to demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Students who received their final school grade after 31 December 2009 must have successfully completed courses equal to the Swedish courses Mathematics 1a, 1b, or 1c.
For postgraduate programs
- 3-year bachelor’s degree with honours or 4-year bachelor’s degree
- Grades in English that are issued by CBSE from 2008 onwards
- Transcript of completed courses and grades for each semester included in your degree
- Proof that you meet the specific entry requirements
Specific Entry Requirements
Most of the undergraduate and postgraduate programs have specific entry requirements for admission besides the general entry requirements. These specific entry requirements for a particular program vary from university to university. The specific entry requirements for admission are given on the individual program pages that are available on the university’s website.
Top Cities Preferred by Students
Sweden is a country located in the Scandinavian region of Northern Europe. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. However, Sweden is a small country with a population of approximately 11 million. All the major cities in the country offer a high standard of living and the same level of security. Universities and colleges in Sweden are spread across Sweden. However, some of the most preferred cities in Sweden are; Stockholm, Lund, Gothenburg, Umea, Uppsala, Linkoping, and Galve.
Scholarships to Study in Sweden
Studying in Sweden is costly. As a matter of fact, Sweden is one of the most expensive countries in the world. therefore, if you are planning to study in Sweden then scholarships become very important for international students. Scholarships help students with their tuition fees and related expenses. There is a wide range of scholarships available for students. Some scholarships are funded by the university itself and some scholarships are funded by external agencies. Scholarships offered by universities may be merit based or need based. Universities provide detailed information on various types of scholarships on their websites.
Part Time Work Option for International students in Sweden
Since Sweden is very expensive so it is obvious to seek part-time work options in Sweden. Unlike in other countries, there is no limit to the number of hours one can work in part-time. However, getting a part-time job in Sweden is not easy. Even if you do get a part-time job, it will not be enough to cover your expenses. However, there are plenty of internships that are available but, again, you can not count on them to cover your expenses.
Post Study Work Permit in Sweden
Sweden is an absolutely beautiful country with a very high standard of living. Stockholm produces the most unicorns per capita after silicon valley. Requirements for obtaining a residence permit are as follows:
- Application before your current permit expires
- Valid passport throughout your stay in Sweden
- Must have completed a higher education program that has lasted for at least two semester
- Your last residence permit must have been a residence permit for higher education in Sweden
- You must be seeking employment or starting a business
- Must have a healthcare insurance
Job Prospects in Sweden
Sweden is one of the most dynamic, diverse and highly competitive economies in the world. Sweden is ranked 4th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2022. It ranks 63 economies and Sweden was just behind Denmark, Switzerland, and Singapore. Before the pandemic, Sweden was ranked among the top ten most competitive nations in the world in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 released by the World Economic Forum. As per the World Bank, the Swedish economy is doing so well because of its openness, liberal approach to trade and doing business.
Popular Job Sectors in Sweden
Sweden is one of the richest and most beautiful countries in the world, therefore it is obvious to get in love with the country and wish to work and live here. Sweden is home to some of the biggest multinational companies in the world, including Volvo, Ikea, Spotify, and H&M. Swedish economy is based on foreign trade and some of the major industries of Sweden are;
- Iron and Steel
- Motor vehicles
- Precision equipment
- Processes food
Average Salary in Sweden
The average salary for Sweden alumni and graduates by job is given below.
| Job | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Executive Management and Change | $126,000 |
| Financial Services | $107,000 |
| Energy, Chemical and Environmental | $89,000 |
| Finance Control and Strategy | $76,000 |
| Program and Project Management | $55,000 |
| Data | $54,000 |
Study in Sweden FAQs
Q. What is the student visa processing time for Sweden?
A. It takes time to process a student visa for Sweden. Sweden does not have a special kind of visa for students. Anyone seeking to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days is required to apply for a residence permit. The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for accepting or rejecting your visa application. Therefore, your student visa applications are sent to Sweden. It usually takes around 90 days to process your visa application. Students are advised to apply for a student visa as early as possible. A Paper visa application takes much longer than an online application, hence students are advised to opt for an online application.
Q. What is the cost of a student visa for Sweden?
A. The Embassy of Sweden in India only cooperates with VFS Global in India and Nepal. The Schengen visa application fee is tied to the euro. From April 15, 2021, the visa application fee for Adults is €80, whereas for children (age 6-12) the visa application fee is €40. Citizens of countries that have signed visa facilitation agreements with the EU pay a reduced fee or are exempt from payment. Visits longer than 90 days require D Visa. The revised visa application fee from April 4, 2021, is €60. However, the visa application fee for children (age 0-6) is nil. The visitor’s permit for Adults is SEK 1,500 and for Children under 18 is SEK 750.
Q. What is the quickest way to get a residence permit for Sweden?
A. Students who are non-EU nationals and their course of study require them to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days, need to apply for a residence permit. However, if your course of study requires you to stay in Sweden for less than three months and you are not an EU citizen then you may need a visa instead. The fastest way to get a residence permit to study at universities and colleges in Sweden is to apply online. Since all the visa-related decisions are taken by Swedish Immigration Authority in Sweden all the online applications go directly to the Swedish Immigration Authority and are given priority. Meanwhile, if you do not wish to apply online or wish to study other than at university or college, you can submit your application documents at the Swedish Embassy in person.
Q. Can I work while studying in Sweden?
A. Yes, you can work while studying in Sweden. If you are pursuing a course longer than three months, then you are required to get a residence permit for Sweden. The residence permit of Sweden allows international students to work while studying. However, you should keep in mind that your working hours should not affect your study and you are able to perform better academically. Working for 20 hours a week is advisable for international students, as this is the norm all over the world for international students working while studying.
Q. Is there any scholarship for international students in Sweden?
A. Sweden is not cheap, it is one of the very expensive countries in the world for international students in terms of cost of living and cost of tuition. Therefore, the scholarship becomes one of the most desirable things for international students going to Sweden for higher education. There are several scholarships available to international students. Universities provide scholarships at their level to international students. There are several merits and need-based scholarships as well. Besides this, there are several external agencies which offer scholarships to international students.
Q. What is a Schengen visa for Sweden?
A. If the duration of your travel to Sweden is less than three months, then you are required to apply for a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa is issued for a maximum of 90 days. Schengen visa allows you to travel across all the countries of Schengen region. All the travelers are responsible for verifying the travel restriction in place before departure. A Schengen visa is not a guarantee for entry to Sweden or the Schengen area. The Border Police of Sweden determines whether an individual meets the entry conditions or not.
Q. Is Sweden expensive for international students?
A. Yes, Sweden is expensive for international students. Actually, Sweden is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. The cost of living in Sweden is very high and that is because of its high standards of living. It is very hard to find any part-time job in Sweden and even if you do find a part time job, it may not be enough to cover all of your expenses. But you need to remember that you are there for study not for work. Also, there are a lot of scholarships available to international students.
Q. What is the average tuition fee in Swedish universities?
A. As we know, Sweden is very expensive and so are its universities. Swedish universities are very expensive for international students. Sweden is home to some of the best universities in the world. Swedish universities consistently rank feature among the top universities in world university rankings. Sweden is fast becoming the most sought-after destination for higher education among international students. Swedish universities on average charge ?10,00,000 to ?12,00,000 per year. However, the tuition fees depend on the course and program you to choose. Therefore for more information visit the course page on the website of the concerned university.