Study abroad in Sweden for students

When considering where to study abroad in Europe, Sweden emerges as substantially preferable choice for students because of top education quality and globally acclaimed higher education institutes. Apart from best academic facilities, Sweden has high standards of living, equal rights, gender equality, career opportunities and economical stability that attract foreign students from all over the world to study abroad in Sweden. Precisely, the best features of Sweden as a study abroad destination for students are being enumerated in the following article:

1. Top Ranking Universities and International Acclamation:

Sweden is home to a few of the world’s top ranking universities, known for innovation, remarkable in research based education and diversification of courses, providence of state of art facilities and advanced teaching methodologies. Karolinska Institutet ranks at top 40^th position, Uppsala University at 80^th and Lund University at 91^st position at THE world universities 2019 rankings list.

2. English Taught Courses:

Although, the official language of Sweden is Swedish but English taught courses are available in abundance at every academic level and study stream in Sweden. Swedish universities offer over 860 study programmes in English language to international students with no requirement of having Swedish language skills for getting admissions.

3. Geographical Importance of Sweden:

Sweden is a Nordic country that borders Norway and Finland. It is a Schengen state allowing its residents and visa holders to travel other Schengen stars without requiring an additional visa. Students while studying abroad in Sweden can travel to other European countries by train/by air for visiting or job search after completion of studies and add value to their passport for future travelling.

4. Best Standards of Living:

The Swedish believe in peace, freedom and equal rights for men and women alike. In terms of human rights, Sweden is one of the best countries in the world. The work and social life balance is well managed, civilians have access to health care facilities, law and order situation is excellent, justice and freedom is in approach of everyone and above all there is no discrimination in salary packages as it is the government who decides the wages based on skills and qualification regardless of ethnicity and nationality of the employee.

5. Six Months Visa Extension After Completion of Studies:

Sweden is quite generous when it comes to foreign students. After completing a post graduation course in Sweden, Students can extend their visa for six months for job search. In this duration, students can search job according to their qualifications and skills by the means of local employment agencies. As soon as the students get an appointment letter from Swedish firm or company, they can apply for work permit of Sweden.

6. Career Exposure:

Sweden is an economically well heeled country, 16^th richest in the world with booming IT, exports and industrial sector. Being an export oriented economy; Sweden is host to many international firms and multinational companies having there branch offices based in Sweden which a giant opportunities for employees to get their professional expertise recognized globally and level up their international CV’s.

7. Part Time Work Opportunities for Students and Minimum Wages:

The minimum wage per hour for full time or part time work in Sweden is set by the government itself based on person’s skills and qualification.  Students can work 20 hours per week during their semesters and 40 hours a week during semester holidays in June, July and August. The minimum wage per hour in Sweden as per 2019 is 177.10 SEK/Hour.

8. Scenic Landscape and Cultural History:

While studying in abroad in Sweden you can expect to have rich historical and cultural experience that will broaden your prospective and enhance your personal traits. Sweden has a tolerant society that inhabits multiethnic culture with peaceful and secure atmosphere for all. In terms of landscape, Sweden is a joy to behold; there are many islands, mountains, waterfalls, thick forests and natural wonders to be explored by adventure enthusiasts.

Sweden’s prestigious and highly esteemed universities are immensely popular among study abroad aspirants. High ranking universities, comprehensive and research based curriculum, international exposure, innovative teaching techniques, worldwide degree acclamation and larger career opportunities are few of the many factors making Sweden an attractive choice to study abroad for students. The Swedish top institutes have rather demanding and tight admission requirements at under graduate and post graduate level in sweden colleges. If you have decided to study abroad in Sweden, the following article explains admissions requirements in detail for your complete information:

Choosing a Study Programme:

The much of your academic success depends upon the selection of your course. If you are studying a course of your interest and mental aptitude, you always complete it with flying colors. While choosing a course, consider its potential of career growth, demand in global professional sector, it must enhance your existing skills and it must include subjects of your interest. Universities in Sweden offer plethora of study courses in all streams, finding an apt and suitable programme of your choice will not be an issue for you. While submitting an application for study course in Swedish university, make sure you meet the admission requirements and language of instruction is preferable for you.

Choosing an Apt University in Sweden:

Swedish universities are globally renowned and recognized for their high quality of education and academic expertise. To take admission in Swedish university you must meet the admission eligibility of the study course you have selected and fulfill language proficiency requirement. The tuition fee must match your budget and university offered accommodation is another point to be considered. If you have excellent academic record, ensure the university you select in Sweden offers any scholarship or fee concession opportunity.

Academic Requirements:

The academic requirements for admission in sweeden international universities in each study course and level is different from the other. The Swedish Universities have also specific admission eligibility criteria which vary from the other. The Swedish University at which you apply for admission will have its own set of instructions for the applicants in regards of merit, subjects and language proficiency level. In general, the admission requirements at Swedish Universities for under graduate and post graduate applicants are as follows:

For Admissions in Undergraduate Study Programme:

The students must have completed higher secondary school degree or equivalent certificate. They must be able to prove their proficiency in English language. The students must have completed equivalent Swedish Mathematics Courses in their home country I-e 1a, 1b or 1c which means they have studied the subject of mathematics for 10 years. Except these each study programme has specific subject wise requirements which must be fulfilled by the students at the time of submitting application. Some study courses may require higher grades in mathematics and science subjects for admission acceptance and some might not.

For Students Admissions in Postgraduate (Masters) Study Programme:

For admission in postgraduate study programme at Masters Level at Swedish university, students must have done Bachelors honors degree (4 years study course) in their respective field from an internationally recognized university. Each study programme in Swedish university will have specific grade requirements for merit of admission and some requirements might include taking entry tests but not for all study courses. It is best to check study programme admission requirements if your selected Swedish university to assess their merit.

For Admissions in Postgraduate (PhD) Study Programme for Students:

For admissions in postgraduate PhD degree programme in Swedish University, students must have Bachelor’s honors (4 years degree programme) and Masters degree (2 years duration degree programme) from an internationally recognized university. The subjects you studied at your bachelors and Masters kevel must be related to the course you are applying for at PhD level in Sweden. Thesis and recommendation letters from your professors are required.

Language Proficiency Requirements for Admission in Swedish Universities for Students

IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English language proficiency tests are a mandatory requirement for admissions in Swedish universities for students.

For undergraduate level admissions:

• IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
• TOEFL (paper based): Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test, total score of 575
• TOEFL (internet based): Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test, total score of 90

For Postgraduate (Masters) level admission:

• IELTS: an overall mark of 7.0 and no section below 6
• TOEFL (paper based): an overall mark of 7.0 and no section below 6
• TOEFL (internet based): Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test, total score of 100

For Postgraduate (PhD) level admissions:

• IELTS: an overall mark of 5.5 and no section below 5.0
• TOEFL (paper based): Score of 4.0 (scale 1-6) in written test, total score of 530
• TOEFL (internet based): Score of 17 (scale 0-30) in written test, total score of 72

NOTE: Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments, Pearson PTE Academic and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) tests are also accepted for admissions.

Other methods of meeting English language requirements at Swedish universities for admissions are university education and entry tests.

Required Documents for Students:

• Admission application form (completely filled)
• Transcripts of academic records (degrees, certificates and diplomas)
• Language proficiency test certificates
• Recommendation letters (for research students)
• Updated CV (for research students)
• Motivation letter
• Admission application fee (SEK 900) non refundable

Application Procedure:

• Select a university in Sweden
• Select a study programme
• Fulfill admission requirements of your chosen study programme
• Submit required documents and admission application along with fee
• The application must be submitted under admission deadline of your selected university
• All Swedish universities accept admission application via online means of their website
• You will submit application and scanned copies if required documents at your selected university in Sweden’s website by creating account.
• After application submission the university will process your application
• If you meet their admission eligibility criterion, the university will send an offer letter/acceptance letter and ask you to submit tuition fee.
• After getting acceptance letter and tuition fee payment you will commence student visa process of Sweden.