Are you interested in studying in Sweden? In this article, we will explore the study and work opportunities available in Sweden, along with some top scholarships for international students. We will also discuss the preparation and requirements for studying in popular Swedish institutions that admit international students, as well as the regulations regarding student work opportunities in Sweden.
Sweden has become increasingly open to foreigners who wish to participate in its culture and educational system. The country is known for its cultural diversity and has made significant efforts to provide a comfortable and interesting stay for international students. With its beautiful natural landscapes and the title of “Europe’s Most Innovative Country in 2020,” Sweden offers a thriving environment for both education and startups.
According to the Swedish Council of Higher Education, over 27,329 admissions were granted for the 2020-2021 academic year, and this number is expected to continue growing. If you are considering studying abroad, Sweden is an excellent choice that may fulfill all your dreams. Let’s dive into the details.
Study Opportunities in Sweden for International Students
Sweden has about 50 registered higher institutions, including colleges and research centers, out of which 30 are English-taught institutions. These schools admit international students in large numbers as long as they meet the admission requirements. Here are 10 universities worth noting:
- Stockholm University
- University of Gothenburg
- Lund University
- University of Skövde
- Linköping University
- University West, Trollhätan
- Malmö University
- Högskolan Halmstad
- University of Borås
- Karlstad University
These universities cover a wide range of fields, and more detailed information can be found on the Swedish Higher Education Authority’s website.
Tuition-Free Study and Scholarships in Sweden
In Sweden, higher education stopped being free for EVERY student in 2011 but remained so for Swedes, EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens. These institutions are run by grants from the government. Only a few institutions not receiving the grant are allowed to collect tuition fees from students.
As an international student, the tuition varies depending on the institution, course of study, location and other variables which can pool into 8000 EUR and above (approximately 4,000,000 Naira) annually.
The Swedish government understands that these fees though smaller than the American schools can still be a huge problem initiated different fully paid and partial scholarship schemes to help qualifying foreigners become beneficiaries too.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
Top Swedish Scholarships
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISG)
Widely known than most, this scholarship is given by the government offering a whopping 350 scholarships to international students.
Targeted at Masters students from 42 countries Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Bolivia; Belarus; Brazil; Cambodia; Cameroon; Colombia; Ecuador; Egypt; Ethiopia; Gambia; Georgia; Ghana; Guatemala; Honduras; Indonesia; Jordan; Kenya; Liberia; Malawi; Moldova; Morocco; Myanmar (Burma); Nepal; Nigeria; Pakistan; Peru; Philippines; Russian Federation; Rwanda; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Tanzania; Tunisia; Turkey; Uganda; Ukraine; Vietnam; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
This scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation allowance, insurance and travel accommodation.
Apply through the link: https://si.se/en/apply/sisgp-who-can-apply/
Chalmers University of Technology Scholarships
The Chalmers University of Technology offers a broad range of scholarships to different students in form of full tuition payments, partial and tuition waivers.
Scholarships under this broad umbrella targeted at students from different locations include;
- The Avancez Scholarship: All students.
- The IPOET Scholarships: All students.
- The Sievert Larsson Scholarship Fund: Thai citizens.
- The US Friends of Chalmers Scholarship: USA citizens.
- Alderbert Study Scholarship: 143 countries.
Learn More and Apply to Chalmer University of Technology Scholarships
Other Swedish University Scholarships
Halmstad University Scholarships
Karlstad University Scholarship
Jönköping University Scholarship
Please see our Scholarships in Sweden category to explore more lucrative scholarships to study in Sweden.
When Should/Can I Start Applying for Admission into Sweden Higher Institution?
Sweden operates a two-round admission process, meaning they open for admission in two separate sessions- the first and second for the Autumn Semester and Spring Semester respectively.
The Autumn Semester begins at the end of August to the middle of January while the Spring semester begins in January and ends in June.
International Students are advised to apply to the first round of admission as this is when all English-taught courses are open for admission.
Also, the deadlines and admission decisions are earlier (usually April) meaning you’ll know where you stand earlier before school resumes in August. You will also have ample time to plan other things like accommodation, resident permits etc.
Note: All Masters scholarships are offered to students beginning their semester in Autumn. If you want to be a partaker of these scholarships, you must not miss the first round of admission.
When Should I Apply for the First Round of Admission?
The application deadline for the first round of admission into Sweden Schools is usually mid-January while the second round is mid-August.
If you’re still a secondary school student, it is advisable to wait till the upcoming Autumn season to apply because the Spring Semester (application in August) will not favor you.
Waiting till the second round or missing the first round of admission means you’ll get mainly Swedish-taught courses and a few English-taught courses from Universities trying to meet their annual admission quota.
WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN SWEDEN
Sweden allows its international students to work as they study as long as they can still fulfil the school hours required of them.
The laws Sweden also allow international students to apply to extend their stay for an extra 12months to work after graduation if desired. This definitely tags them as an open-armed country. They are willing to even help students set up their own startup companies.
Not surprising, seeing as Sweden is called the startup capital of Europe because of the number of fast-growing startups it has.
Did you know that Stockholm, Sweden’s capital houses five of the fastest-growing startups in Europe?
How to Find Student Jobs in Sweden
To best way to find work opportunities in Sweden is to;
- Get right into the system by keeping your ears open as a student. Don’t be a lone wolf, instead build quality relationships with friends and others. When you inform them of your need, they’ll keep their eyes open for you.
- Many international students’ testimonies show that LinkedIn can be a big help in finding all kinds of jobs. As long as your profile is tailored to suit what you’re looking for.
- Bulletin boards, search engines, student meetings are also good places to start.
- Internship opportunities are available to international students through companies that reach out to higher institutions.
All in all, as an English-speaking student in Sweden, it may not be easy to find employment in small-time shops depending on your location, but you can surely find a good-paying job to support you.
To begin your preparation to study and work in Sweden, we advise you to take a careful tour through the different institutions’ websites to familiarize yourself with the available scholarships, internships and student job programs. Be sure you prepare and apply early in order to meet the first round of admissions. The studyinsweden.se platform contains some useful information too to help you.
