Study in Sweden
Table of Contents
Sweden has a position in Europe, and the world, as a modern and safe country with a reputation for being competitive and innovative. It has one of the highest standards of living in the world and a respected system of democracy, equality and individual rights. Most Swedes are able to speak English, being taught the language in school from early age in school. In Sweden, attention is always paid to animal Health and welfare, far beyond European standards. They are proficient in organic cultivation, and environmental thinking is noticeable everywhere in the society, from food production, to garbage handling and public transport.
Studying in Sweden
Almost 40 universities are located in Sweden, many of which make it into top ranks globally, such as Uppsala University, Lund University or Stockholm University. Sweden has been one of the European pioneers for switching to English-language and tuition fess
Reasons to study in Sweden
Sweden will inspire you with about 1000 programmes taught in English, at 40 universities, where creativity and independent thinking always come first.
Whenever creativity is involved, you should also expect a more informal environment, where you don’t have to worry about etiquette, and can even address professors by their first name.
Students who choose Sweden are attracted by the open-minded attitude Swedes have, their great English skills, but also by the eco-friendly and high standards of living. Add to that the fact that academic culture here dates back 500 years and the great social equality of it all, and it’s hard not to put Sweden on your studies map.
General Requirements To Study In Sweden
1- Valid passport
2- A short CV
3- Your school certificates and diplomas
4- Evidence of proficiency in the language in which you wish to study { IELTS – TOFEL}
5- Confirmation of having funds for studying and living in Poland
6- Health insurance
7- Passport photograph
Visa and work permit
Rules for visas and residence permits for international students in Sweden vary depending on country of citizenship. If your studies in Sweden will last longer than three months, you’ll need a residence permit before coming to Sweden. To be eligible, you must be admitted to full-time accredited university studies in Sweden and have paid your first tuition fee instalment.
To apply for a residence permit for studies, you’ll need to:
1.Pay your first tuition fee instalment.
2.Prepare your supporting documentation. This includes copies of your passport and letter of admission as well as proving that you can support yourself financially during your time as a student in Sweden. If you’ll be staying in Sweden for less than one year, you’ll also need proof of comprehensive health insurance.
3.Submit the online application. (Applying online ensures your application is dealt with as fast as possible.)
4.Pay the application fee.
On the Migration Agency’s website, you can see the current waiting time to get a residence permit. Make sure to apply for a residence permit as soon as possible after paying your first tuition fee instalment!
You can visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website for full details on applying for a residence permit for studies and to apply. Contact the Migration Agency directly with questions regarding your residence permit application.
Accommodation
Depending on where in Sweden you’ll be living, you’ll have different types of housing to choose between. After you’ve read through the basics, your first point of contact should be your university’s housing office. They’ll give you more information on the housing situation in your city and how you can start your search.
In some places (especially in larger cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, or in university towns like Uppsala and Lund) finding housing can be a challenge, so it’s a good idea to start your search as early as you can.
As an international student looking for housing, your first point of contact should always be your university. Most universities offer accommodation services for international students, which can include providing guaranteed housing or giving advice on where to find a room on your own. The exact offer will vary between universities. If you’re not sure how to find the accommodation service at your university, check with your programme coordinator or international office.
You can choose to live in student accommodation or find a home on the private market. Always investigate options for student accommodation through your university or related student housing companies as your first step, as rent costs are likely lower and student accommodation can be much easier to find than private.Student accommodation
Many students choose to live in a student residence hall, also known as a dormitory, or in a building of student flats. This is usually a fun experience that gives you the chance to get to know corridormates from around the world.
Most residence halls have 10-15 single rooms in each corridor, often with a shared television room and kitchen. In some cases, rooms will have en-suite toilets, while others may have shared facilities for the corridor. Female and male students live in the same corridor.
Transportation
Locally, you’ll find buses, commuter trains , trams and ferries almost everywhere in Sweden, making it convenient and fast to get around. In Stockholm, you can also use the underground (tunnelbana). Most regions have their own local transport company: e.g. in Gothenburg you’ll need to buy a ticket from Västtrafik, in Malmö/Lund from Skånetrafiken, in Uppsala from UL, in Stockholm from SL, etc. You might be able to get a student discount (see Student cards below).
For long-distance travel, trains are an excellent option. Nationally, there are two main train operators: SJ and MTR. Both offer 15-20% discounts for students.
Work during your studies
As an international student in Sweden, you are technically allowed to work alongside your studies. There’s no official limitation either on how many hours you can work. However, it’s crucial to remember that your studies should be your top priority: the Swedish education system is demanding. While you might not have many classroom hours, you will still be expected to spend the equivalent of a full-time, 40-hour work week on coursework, reading and assignments. This can make it difficult to combine studies with working in Sweden.
When you apply to extend your residence permit, the Swedish Migration Agency also demands proof that you have made progress in your studies and achieved acceptable grades. If your studies suffer because you work too much, you risk not being allowed to stay in Sweden any longer.58sites like Academic Work, StudentConsulting or StudentJob can also be a good place to look for postings.
Life after graduation
Sweden is a great place to start your career: innovative, international companies are found throughout the country. Check Working in Sweden for more information on starting your career or setting up a business in Sweden. After graduation, you can apply to extend your residence permit for up to 6 months to search for a job or start a company. If you receive a job offer that meets certain conditions, you can then apply for a work permit. For more information on requirements and how to apply for an extension or a work permit, visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.