Why study in Sweden- What you should keep in mind

Why study in Sweden? It is one of the most beautiful and reputed global study destinations worldwide. One of the top reasons to study in Sweden is the country’s good number of leading universities which are ranked high on several global educational lists. Sweden is steadily witnessing huge interest from international students due to its sound academic infrastructure and facilities.                           

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Reasons to study 

Some of the top reasons to study in Sweden include the following: 

• Globally reputed educational system- A key reason for choosing Sweden for studying is its globally acknowledged system of education, encompassing highly ranked universities and solid emphasis on teaching and research. Some of the top choices include the likes of Stockholm University and the Uppsala University. 
• Excellent Student Life- One of the benefits of studying in Sweden is its unique and enriching student life that fuses tradition and modernity. Most people prefer to study in Sweden’s cities like Lund and Uppsala where several student events take place. Every country offers its own special environment, and students can interact with other international and Swedish students alike. 
• Zero Language Hurdles- Choosing to study abroad in Sweden means zero language-related hurdles. Swedish is the official language of the country, although English is spoken widely here. 
• Great Location- Sweden offers travel opportunities to several European nations. Many such countries are readily accessible via ten international airports in Sweden or through the train network which links directly to continental European regions through the Oresund Bridge. 
• Charming Swedish Lifestyles- The country’s people are minimalistic and practical in their outlook. They prioritize work-life balance and value their traditions and holidays. The flexible, diverse, and welcoming ambiance is a major draw for students. 
• Nature-Friendly Living- Sweden offers several attractions from the Northern Lights to unlimited summer days and lovely landscapes. Recreational activities like hiking, ice skating, skiing, camping, and fishing are always possible here. 

Best universities to study 

Here is a list of the top universities in Sweden based on the QS World University Rankings 2023: 

Cost of study

The average study costs usually range between SEK 80,000-295,000 annually.  

Scholarships 

Some of the top scholarship options include the Swedish Institute Scholarships and the Swedish University Scholarships, along with several other universities, government and private scholarships. 

Requirements to study 

The study requirements for undergraduate programs are the following: 

• Completion of upper secondary education.
• English language proficiency. 
• Successful completion of Mathematics course as per Swedish Mathematics Course level 1A/1B/1C. 

The study requirements for postgraduate programs are the following: 

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of the Kandidatexamen in Sweden. 
• English language proficiency. 

Right cities to live and study 

Some of the major cities for students include the following: 

• Uppsala
• Lund
• Stockholm
• Umea
• Gothenburg
• Linkoping
• Galve 

Cost of living 

The cost of living in Sweden is approximately SEK 8,568, which is inclusive of rent. Monthly rentals usually vary between SEK 2,500-6,500. Students usually spend approximately SEK 750 per month on textbooks. Average fees usually range between SEK 50-350 for each semester. 

Stay back options 

Students can stay back in the country after graduation. International students can get their residence permits extended for a maximum of six months. Upon getting an offer of employment, students may apply for work permits in Sweden accordingly. The employer prompts the work permit application in many cases. The applicant will have to obtain a work permit which can be extended in the future. 

The requirements for the work permit include the following: 

• A valid passport. 
• Higher education or 30 higher education credits in Sweden or any other EU nation before the work permit application.
• Employment offer. 
• Insurance policies within the offer of employment. 
• Wage offer as per Swedish collective agreement level or the normal industry/profession wage. This should be a minimum of 13,000 SEK each month before paying taxes.