Study in Sweden

Types of higher education institutions
Universitet –
institutions that offer academic courses on all the three levels
Hoegskola - institution offering academic courses on the 1st and 2nd level only
Fackhoegskola - specialized institutions offering academic courses on the 1st and 2nd level only
Vaardhoegskola - colleges of health sciences

Structure of university studies
Academic year in Sweden starts in August and ends in mid-June. The language of instruction is Swedish, some postgraduate courses are instructed in English.

1st level
– there are three general degrees at the undergraduate level:
* Högskoleexamen - 2-2.5 years full-time study (80 credits)
* Kandidatexamen (Bachelor's degree) - 3-3.5 years full-time study (120 credits)
* Magisterexamen (Master's degree) - at least 4 years full-time study (160 credits)

Note: - some courses lead to special degrees; technical courses lead to Magisterexamen degree in the first place

2nd level - graduate studies
* Licentiatexamen/Licentiate - 2 years full-time study (not offered in all the courses)

3rd level – doctoral studies
* Doktorsexamen/Doctor - at least 4 years full-time study and research

[top]

Application procedures

- all foreign students are urged to apply directly to universities
- forms and deadlines for applications may differ; in some cases students have to apply before December 1 for courses starting in August of the following year
- proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL, IELTS)
- where the lectures are held in Swedish, a good command of Swedish is necessary - Test in Swedish for University Studies (TISUS) is required

Financing of university studies
- there is no tuition at Swedish universities
- the total monthly living expenses in Sweden average about SEK 6,300
- the student unions charge an annual membership fee of about SEK 300-400; student health services are included in this fee
- Svenska Institute (SI) awards a large number of individual scholarships for study and research at the postgraduate level; contact National Academic Mobility Information Centre for details
- universities award scholarships for students at postgraduate level in the form of fellowships or assistantships (see Financing Your Study chapter for details)
- other possibilities of financial aid can be found in the Scholarships for Study and Research in Sweden brochure
- as a foreign student with a resident permit, you may not take up any gainful employment during the university terms, only during the summer months (May 15 - September 15). Citizens of EU countries do not need a work permit

[top]

Health insurance

Health services are included in the student union-membership fee. In case the length of stay exceeds 12 months, students can register with the civil registration authorities at the local tax office (lokala skattemyndigheten). Consequently they will be entitled to the same medical benefits available to all persons resident in Sweden through the Swedish National Public Health insurance System.

Visa
Citizens of non-EU and non-Nordic countries must apply for a permit for visiting students (issued by the Swedish Immigration Board - SIV). Visa and residence permits can be applied for at the Swedish Embassy in student's home country. Students also have to prove that they posses a guaranteed sum for the entire duration of their studies (SEK 6,3000 per month). Students from EU countries are exempt from the above procedure but must apply for a residence permit within 3 months of their arrival in Sweden. To apply, contact the SIV (tel.: +46 (11) 15 61 79, fax: +46 (11) 15 66 91).

Important addresses
Ministry of Education and Science
Drottninggatan 16
Stockholm-103 33
tel. +46 (8) 4051 000
fax +46 (8) 7231 752

[top]

National Agency for Higher Education
P.O. Box 7851
Birger Jarlsgatan 43
Stockholm-103 99
tel. +46 (8) 56 30 85 00
fax +46 (8) 453 7050
e-mail: HsV@hsv.se
- analyses of higher education system, acreditations, credits

Svenska Institute/Swedish Institute
P.O. Box 7434
Kungstraedgaarden
SE-103 91 Stockholm
tel. +46 (8) 789 2000
fax +46 (8) 207 248
e-mail: order@si.se
- information on universities study programs and scholarships

SFS - Sveriges Foerenade Studentkaarer
P.O. Box 6476
St Eriksplan 2
Stockholm-113 82
tel. +46 (8) 5457 0100
- student union

Useful publications
title: A Student Handbook for Visiting Students and Researchers
published: Swedish Institute 1996
title: Courses in English at Swedish Universities & University Colleges
published: Swedish Institute 1996
title: Scholarships for Study and Research in Sweden
published: Swedish Institute 1995
title: Study Abroad - Study in Sweden (A Guide for Foreign Students)
published: Swedish Institute 1995

Internet addresses
http://www.si.se - Svenska Institute
http://estia.educ.goteborg.se/sv-estia/edu/edu-univ.html - informace on Swedish universities
http://www.abo.fi/norden/uniinf_e.htm - information on Scandinavian universities

[top]