Students choose Sweden:
Sweden is a great country – transparent, equalitarian, and respectful of human rights. I’ll be back!” Virginia Mariezcurrena from Argentina studied environmental policy and management at Lund University. The very close interaction between my university and industrial partners in and around Göteborg was very positive. It worked both ways because students as well as companies benefited from working together. I found studying in Sweden a fulfilling experience. Seg Narayanan from Malaysia studied production management at Chalmer’s University of Technology in Göteborg. In Mexico, the relationship between teacher and student is more hierarchical. In Sweden, I think the teacher more takes on the role of a coach. Gerardo Montero Arizmendi from Mexico studied international economics and business at the Stockholm School of Economics.

Excellent and innovative:
Consistently receiving top marks in OECD statistics, Swedish education is regarded as among the finest in the world. Its excellent reputation has made Sweden a popular destination for students from all over the world. They come to Scandinavia to study in an internationally oriented environment that promotes both intellectual and social development. Inquisitive research and independent thinking are encouraged. Close cooperation between industry and academia contributes to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Competitive and international:
Sweden’s education policy is aimed at international competitiveness and recognizes a multicultural student body as a resource. Swedish universities and university colleges are active partners in a range of international exchange networks. As such, they have the services to make foreign students feel at home. Students, teachers and researchers are encouraged to spend parts of their studies or professional life abroad and visiting students from partner institutions add to the international buzz of Swedish universities. The Swedes are internationally oriented and most speak English very well.

Quality control:
Swedish higher education is kept to the highest standards by a rigorous system of quality control. Degrees are nationally certified. The quality of the education provided is monitored and regularly evaluated by the National Agency for Higher Education. The institutions themselves, however, decide on the content and focus of their education and research programmes. Degree certificates are always accompanied by an English-Language Diploma Supplement – describing the degree, level and specialization.

Master’s programmes in English:
Swedish universities constantly adapt their programmes to global demands and can now offer some 200 master’s programmes for international students. Most of these are in technology and business studies but other fields – such as human rights, health, European law and culture studies – are covered as well. Very good skills in English and a relevant bachelor’s degree are basic requirements. Good grades and letters of recommendation are required to meet the competition. Many foreign students come to Sweden as exchange students. Typically, their home university will have an exchange agreement with a Swedish partner and recognize the efforts made in Sweden as part of the student’s home degree. For exchange students, short courses in a wide range of subjects are offered in English.

PhD students from 80 countries:
Most international PhD students come to Sweden to perform research in medicine or in the natural and applied sciences. Applicants’ previous academic achievements, including theses or degree projects, are examined. Personal suitability is also assessed – some students are selected from the master’s programmes. A very good command of English is an absolute necessity. Students who are enrolled for doctoral studies at a university abroad may be admitted to Swedish postgraduate courses if these fit into the work on their theses.

Cost of Studying:
There are no tuition fees for students – higher education is subsidized by the state. This applies to Swedish as well as foreign students. Private institutions may charge fees for a few targeted programmes. Foreign students must, however, be able to cover all living expenses. They can have extra income from temporary work – no special work permit is needed. When applying for a student residence permit, applicants must prove that they will have SEK 6,300 (Euro 700, US$ 830) per month at their disposal for the duration of their studies. This figure is considered the minimum cost of living. The majority of international students are financially self-sufficient.

Scholarships for foreign students in Sweden:
The Swedish Institute offers a limited number of scholarships for highly qualified students at advanced/master’s or postgraduate level. Some of the scholarship programmes only serve students from particular countries and their studies in Sweden must always relate to degrees pursued at home. The scholarships are granted for one academic year at a time and cover living expenses. When applying for a master’s programme, prospective students must clearly indicate whether they wish to be considered for a scholarship from the SI. Students who have been accepted for other specialized studies or research send their application for a scholarship directly to the Swedish Institute. The stint foundation (see www.stint.se) supports selected master’s programmes by offering scholarships to students from countries with emerging economies in Asia and Latin America. Candidates apply for a stint scholarship through the organizing Swedish university.

Competitive:
Sweden’s education policy is aimed at international competitiveness and recognizes a multicultural student body as a resource. Swedish universities and university colleges are active partners in a range of international exchange networks. As such, they have the services to make foreign students feel at home. Students, teachers and researchers are encouraged to spend parts of their studies or professional life abroad and visiting students from partner institutions add to the international buzz of Swedish universities. The Swedes are internationally oriented and most speak English very well.

May I work?
You may work and you do not need a work permit to do that during your stay in Sweden as a student or a postgraduate student.

Permits for the family
Spouses/cohabitants and unmarried children under 18 accompanying a visiting university/college student or a postgraduate student may be granted residence permits for the same period as the principal applicant, providing they can show that their upkeep is assured. Your family is not allowed to work for their living.

Is the permit renewable?
To obtain an extension of your residence permit, you must show that you have performed adequately in your studies. You must also show that you have regularly received money for your upkeep during the time you have spent in Sweden, by producing a bank certificate, a statement of accounts or the like.
In addition, you must show that you have been accepted for further studies and that your upkeep remains assured.
You will also be subject to a fee if you apply for an extension of your permit.

The Schengen Agreement
The rules in the Schengen Agreement on travel within the Schengen zone apply in Sweden. This means, among other things, that people with Swedish residence permits can travel freely throughout the zone for a period of three months without first applying for a visa. All travelers must have a valid passport and be able to prove their identities.
The Schengen Agreement is in force in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Iceland,
Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

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