How to Study in Sweden for Indian Students? The birthplace of the Nobel Prize winners and some of the most important companies such as Volvo, IKEA, Spotify, Soundcloud and Oriflame, it has one of the most efficient and respected education systems in the world.
Studying in Sweden from India is easier than you think. With thousands of programs taught in English, an innovative teaching method and few admission requirements.
You will find that after reading this guide, you will have no doubts about choosing Sweden as an academic destination.
How to Study in Sweden for Indian Students? What do you need?
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Studying in Sweden as Indian has so many advantages that it is difficult to mention them all.
Sweden is an academic dream destination from being one of the fairest and most equitable countries in the world to one of the most outstanding in terms of human development and environmental conservation.
This Nordic country, with just over 10 million inhabitants, tops the charts regarding energy efficiency, education and satisfaction.
In addition, it is internationally recognized for its equality of wealth, as it has the lowest salary difference between men and women globally.
Moreover, let us not even talk about its natural beauty because Sweden has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern Europe. Its Baltic forests, Scandinavian Alps, numerous lakes and medieval cities attract tourists yearly.
So, if you are thinking of studying in Sweden from India or would like to offer this experience to your child, here are 5 excellent reasons to do so:
- Numerous prestigious Universities and Institutions. Many Universities in Sweden are among the best on the planet, such as Stockholm University and Lund University.
- Efficient educational system. From pre-school to university, all levels of education in Sweden enjoy an excellent reputation. Studying at a Swedish Higher Education Institution means that everything is focused on learning and not judging failure.
- A just and inclusive nation. All Swedish couples, both heterosexual and homosexual, have the same rights. In addition, all Swedish citizens have access to public healthcare and education.
- The best life rates. Sweden scores highly in almost all categories in the OECD’s Better Life Index. Not for nothing is it considered one of the best places to live.
- Fewer people, more opportunities. Despite being the fifth largest nation in Europe, it only has 22 inhabitants per km². In the labour market, the employment rate is 82%.
As a citizen of a India, you may need to apply for a visa or residence permit to study in Sweden. According to the Swedish Migration Agency, the visas and permits you may need are:
- Residence Permit for Higher Education. Aimed at all foreigners from countries that do not belong to the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). If you want to study in Sweden for more than 3 months at a Higher Education Institution, you must have a Residence Permit.
- Visa to enter Sweden (Schengen). Nationals of some countries need a visa to enter Sweden and stay in the country for up to 90 days.
This means that if you are from a visa-exempt country, you can study in Sweden for less than 3 months just by having a passport. Pretty interesting, right? If you want to know if you need a visa or not, go to this link.
Why should I Study in Sweden?
Although Sweden is excellent at speaking English, many options are available to learn Swedish. There are a whole repertoire of summer, intensive and online courses to study the country’s most widely spoken Germanic language. Do you dare to be the next international student in Sweden?
Then keep reading as this guide is just beginning.
Cost of Study in Sweden for Indian Students
We start this article about studying in Sweden as a foreigner by discussing the cost of living in this Scandinavian nation. As you can see from the table above, the estimated cost for a single person is $2,394 per month. Of course, this amount can vary concerning several factors.
One of them (and perhaps the most decisive) is the location. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, and Gothenburg are two of the most expensive cities to live in.
In addition to the prices, the two cities receive the most international students, so finding a room can be complicated.
The rent of an apartment or a shared room depends a lot on the area of the city and the type of housing. If you want to save as much as possible and reduce expenses as much as possible.
The best option is to live in a student residence. Some universities offer this service, but there are also independent organizations that do it.
Living and studying in Sweden is relatively affordable, although it depends on one’s resources. No one can deny that it is a smart investment that will mark your future and open hundreds of doors for you.
University tuition costs an average of $15,198 per academic year. This does not make it the most expensive destination to study, but it does not make it the cheapest either.
To balance the scale a bit, there are programs that pay only $9425 a year.
You can find more information on this topic on this page.
Can you Study in Sweden for free?
If your heartbeat quickened when you read the approximate costs of living and studying in Sweden… Do not worry! Do not be discouraged because there are alternatives to studying for free as a Indian.
There are plenty of scholarships for international students sponsored by different institutions and organizations.
Most only cover part or all of the tuition, but some even help students with living expenses.
On the other hand, if you have the nationality of any of the EU or EEA countries, you are lucky because, like Swedish citizens, you will not have to pay tuition. If this is not the case, we will show you the best scholarships you could enjoy later.
Benefits of Studying in Sweden for International Students
The experience of studying at the University in Sweden is somewhat different from what we are used to seeing in India or other academic destinations.
That is precisely why it is so popular. Rather than pressuring students to pass, Swedish Universities are true centres of inspiration and motivation.
Focused on learning and bringing out the best in every student, Universities in Sweden are recognized worldwide for offering one of the most pleasant environments in which to study.
To help you understand what your life could be like studying in one of these institutions, we present some of its main characteristics:
- They are based on a semester system, from August to January and January to June.
- They offer Bachelor’s, Master and Doctoral programs in many areas of study. It is estimated that in total, there are about 1,000 programs in English study in Sweden.
- Full-time programs involve studying about 40 hours a week, but they are distributed into different activities to make them more dynamic.
- Unlike other countries, Swedish Universities do not mix several subjects or “courses” in the same academic year. You may just work on one subject for several weeks, take an exam at the end, and then move on to the next subject.
- Teamwork is important because it prepares you to carry out your career in the labour market.
- Goodbye to formalities, because in these institutions, teachers are called by name, all to generate a sense of equality.
Several Swedish Universities are among the best in the world. International rankings such as QS Top Universities and Shanghai have listed Stockholm University, Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University as some of the most prestigious Swedish institutions.
What will universities ask of you?
Swedish universities are not very demanding with admission requirements to show their interest in receiving international students.
In general, what you need to have to study for a Bachelor’s is:
- Have completed your secondary studies. If you finished your secondary studies and have a diploma or title that proves it… That is it! You can apply to a Swedish University. Of course, you may have to do some paperwork so that this document can be valid in Sweden.
- Study in Sweden IELTS requirement: Demonstrating your proficiency in English is vital to be accepted into a program taught in English. To do this, Swedish Universities accept different types of documents, depending on whether you received full English training in high school, have previous university studies or took an exam such as IELTS. You must generally show that you have a level equivalent to Swedish upper secondary “English 6”.
If you want more information about the requirements to study in Sweden according to the level of study and the program, open the following link.
What will they ask you in college?
Among the Higher Education Institutions in Sweden, there are also Colleges. The vast majority of these institutions are part of a University and share the same admission requirements. Others, such as the Stockholm University College of Music Education, are independent.
Generally, independent colleges are dedicated to training in a particular area, such as music and art. For this reason, besides having a high school diploma and proving your English proficiency, you may be required to take an entrance exam such as an audition.
What is the process to be accepted?
Sweden makes things very easy for you so that you can study with them as soon as possible. This country has a platform called University Admissions to streamline selecting a program and institution.
In a few words, it is a database with all the programs available for foreigners, where you can apply for up to 8 different careers or programs.
Do you want to do it now? Then watch the step-by-step.
- Create an account on the website UniversityAdmissions.se. Step number 1 is to register on this platform with your email. At the time of registration, you must enter personal information such as your name, surname, country of residence and telephone number. Remember that you can only create 1 account with the same information. To do so, click here.
- Sign in and start the program search. With your user created, enter the web database and start looking for the program you want to study. Use all the relevant filters to find the courses that interest you much faster. To access the search for courses, open this link.
- Organizes the selected programs according to their priority. For the Bachelor’s level, you can select up to 8 different careers. In the Master’s programs, you can only choose a maximum of 4 courses. You must organize the programs according to their priority, from the one you like the most to the one you like the least. It is also important to remember that the programs you add cannot add up to a total of more than 45 credits in the case of Bachelor’s degrees. More information about it is here.
- Attach the necessary documents. The next step is to attach all the relevant documents according to the level of study you selected, the type of program, the university and the country where you studied. You can find more details about these documents on this page.
- Pay the application fee. Using the UniversitiesAdmissions.se website to study in Sweden requires paying a fee. This applies only to international students outside the EU/EEA. The price of this rate in 2021 is $106.
Important. Most programs in English start in the fall semester (August), so you should start the application in January.
On the contrary, if the program starts in the spring semester (January), you must apply in August.
Visas to Study in Sweden
Do you want to study in the First World? Below we tell you about the types of visas, their requirements and the process you must carry out to achieve your dream and develop your academic potential.
Residence Permit for Higher Education
Would you like to study for a Bachelor’s, Master or PhD in Sweden? Not a national of an EU/EEA country? Then you need a Residence permit for Higher Education. This permit is required if you plan to study in Sweden for more than 3 months.
When we say “Residence Permit for Higher Education”, we include all kinds of studies at that level, from programs in universities and colleges to vocational and post-secondary training.
Nationals of countries that require a visa to enter Sweden must apply for a Schengen Visa in addition to this permit. Later we will explain what you will need to obtain this Visa.
What I need?
- Have a valid Passport or Travel Document. You must present a clear copy of this document where you can see your data, the signature, the validity period, and the visas and permits that are in force to live in another country.
- Proof that you have been accepted to a Swedish Higher Education Institution on a full-time (face-to-face) programme. A letter of acceptance is signed and stamped by the educational provider where you will study.
- Show that you can care for your expenses during your stay in Sweden. To do this, you must provide bank statements or other documents to prove that you have enough money for your living expenses in Sweden. If you have been selected for a scholarship or student loan, you must show a letter in your name explaining the monthly amount you will receive and the validity period. As of January 2021, the support requirement is at least $1,011 per month.
- Have valid Travel Medical Insurance or be able to contract one. One of the requirements to apply for this permit is to have Health Insurance or demonstrate that you have already applied for a valid all-risk policy in Sweden. If the Higher Education Institution where you are going to study in Sweden offers you health insurance, then a document that certifies it will be necessary.
- Have paid a registration fee before starting the application (if applicable). You may need to present some documents showing that you have paid the tuition fee for the program you will study in Sweden.
- Have a credit or debit card to pay the application fee. Since the process is done online, you will need a bank card to pay the $177 fee (equivalent to 1,500 Swedish kronor).
Important. This list of requirements is indicative, and there may be changes depending on the country you apply to or the type of program you will study in Sweden.
Process
- Register in the online system of the Swedish Migration Agency ( Migrationsverket ). The easiest way to apply for a Residence Permit for Higher Education in Sweden is through the Migrationsverket online platform. To create your account, click here. If you do not want to do the process online, you must fill out this form and present it at the Swedish Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Follow the steps and attach the documents. After registering, the Swedish Migration Agency platform will tell you to step by step what you need to do to apply for your permit. They will also tell you what documents you must attach and what characteristics the images must-have for the system to accept them.
- Wait for the decision. If you apply online and are not asked to attach additional documents, the decision takes 3-4 months. Please note that this average is calculated based on requests resolved in the past but is not entirely accurate.
- Permit approved? Study in Sweden! You are now ready to live the most unforgettable life experience and start your higher studies in this beautiful and ancient Viking land.
More information about this permission is here.
Work after Study in Sweden
Yes, a Residence Permit for Higher Education also allows you to work in Sweden as long as this permit remains valid.
Visa to enter Sweden (Schengen)
Some foreigners need to apply for a visa to enter Sweden, like all the member states of the Schengen Area. This Visa is commonly known as a Schengen Visa and is valid for up to 90 days. If you want to know if your nationality requires a visa to study in Sweden, go to this link.
Remember that if you are from a nation that requires a Schengen Visa and you are going to study for more than 3 months in Sweden, you need to process the two documents that we mention in this guide: Residence Permit for Higher Education + Visa.
On the other hand, if you checked the list of countries that require a visa and yours does not appear, you can study in Sweden for at least 3 months just by carrying a valid travel document.
What I need?
- Valid passport. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and not have been issued more than 10 years ago. In addition, it must be valid for your entire stay in Sweden + 3 months.
- A passport-type photo, facing forward and not more than 6 months old.
- Have an invitation to study in Sweden. As the main reason for your visit is supposed to be to study, you must have some document to certify it, such as a letter of acceptance or invitation.
- If you are enrolled in University in your country, the corresponding institution will issue a Certificate of University Studies.
- Proof of financial solvency. The Swedish authorities need to check that you have enough money to support yourself during your visit to Sweden and that you can return to your country of residence. For this reason, they ask for documents proving the possession of at least $53 for each day you plan to be in the Nordic country.
- Medical insurance with minimum coverage of $35,861. You must have travel medical insurance valid for all the Member States of the Schengen Area, which covers all expenses related to urgent medical attention, hospitalization or repatriation.
- Family or work ties that show that you must return to your country. The Swedish authorities may ask you for these documents to prove that you have reasons to leave Sweden before your Visa expires.
- $96 to pay the consular fee.
Process
- Identify the Swedish Consular Representative in your country. Another may represent this Scandinavian country, so we recommend you open this link to clear up any doubts.
- Fill out the form and submit your application in person. Unlike the Residence Permit for Higher Education, the Visa to enter Sweden must be processed in person. You can start the process up to 6 months before the date you plan to travel. To view the application form, click here.
- Wait for the authorities to give you an answer. Swedish authorities usually decide on visitor visas within 2 weeks. However, depending on the circumstances of each request, the process may take longer.
- Travel to Sweden. Buy your plane ticket and prepare your bags because now that your Visa to enter Sweden has been approved, nothing prevents you from taking a short course in the country that lasts less than 3 months.
Can you study and work?
No, the Schengen Visa does not give you the right to work or look for a job in Sweden or any other State of the Schengen Area.
Study in Sweden University
Among the universities where you can study are:
- Stockholm University.
- Lund University.
- Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm).
- University of Uppsala.
- University of Umea.
- Instituto Karolinska.
- The Chalmers University of Technology.
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
- Stockholm Higher School of Economics.
- Lulea University of Technology.
- University of Linköping.
- Malmo High School.
- Halmstad University.
- University of Gothenburg.
The most sought Public Universities in Sweden
- University of Gothenburg
- Linköping University
- Instituto Karolinska
- Private Universities with the best international agreements
- Chalmers University of Technology
- Lund University
Study Swedish Language in Sweden
Do you want to learn Swedish in Sweden? This is great! However, at the moment, there is no specific visa for it. As you know, whether or not you need a visa will depend on your nationality.
If you have studied this language for more than 3 months, you will also need a Residence Permit.
However, the requirements to apply for this permit may differ from those mentioned above since it would not be a permit for Higher Education.
Where can I Study Swedish in Sweden?
The range of schools, academies and universities teaching Swedish in Sweden to foreigners is extensive.
There are courses for all tastes and levels, and you can even start from home if you want to learn the language before travelling. Some of the institutes available are:
- Linkoping University . If you are interested in studying a program at Linköping University, you can access their intensive Swedish course for foreigners. The course lasts 1 year and focuses on learning the language for future university studies.
- Folkuniversitetet. Center with a long history of teaching Swedish to speakers of other languages. The courses have a more practical approach towards specific objectives such as work. You can choose between studying intensely every day or doing it at a leisurely pace so you can dedicate yourself to other activities.
- Medborgarskolan. Educational Association is dedicated to teaching various study programs to adults in Sweden. Among its course offerings are Swedish courses for foreigners.
More information on studying Swedish in Sweden is here.
What are the language institutes or academies going to ask you for?
To study this Germanic language in Sweden, the only general requirements are to pay the corresponding fee and apply for a visa/permit if necessary.
If you have never studied Swedish in your life, the most logical thing is that you enrol at the beginner level.
On the other hand, if you have previous language knowledge, you should likely take a test to find out what level corresponds to you.
What is the process to be accepted?
As with Higher Education Institutions, getting accepted into a language school or academy in Sweden is quite simple.
Start the application on the official website of the institution you are interested in, provide the necessary documents, pay the fee and start the process of your visa/permit (if applicable).
Study in Sweden Scholarships
Sweden loves international students so much that they offer hundreds of scholarships for them. Many Swedish universities you saw in the previous list have scholarships you can apply for if you meet the requirements.
There are also support programs funded by other organizations and Swedish Institutes.
- Scholarships of the Technological Chalmers University for Masters’ studies. Aimed at prospective students applying for admission to a Master’s program from the UniversityAdmissions.se website. The scholarships are valid for 2 years of study, under some conditions.
- Lund University Scholarships and Awards. Different support programs are aimed at international students outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland for different levels of study. The university also offers specific scholarships for Colombia, Chile and Mexico.
- Halmstad University Scholarships. Halmstad University offers scholarships annually for international students who must pay tuition. They are valid for Master’s studies and cover 25% or 50% of the tuition of the chosen program.
Study and Work in Sweden
Your Residence Permit for Higher Education allows you to work in Sweden while you study, as long as the document is valid. The best part is that, unlike in other countries, there are no restrictions on the hours you can work.
That sounds very good, but you must not forget that the main purpose of your trip is to study in Sweden. Also, finding a part-time job in this nation is not exactly easy.
If you want to go out and find a part-time job, there is nothing to stop you, but keep in mind that it is very difficult for the salary to be enough to cover all your expenses.
On the other hand, if you want to get to know the Swedish work culture, you can always do an Internship. There are organizations such as AIESEC that offer internships to international students in order for them to gain experience and put into practice all the skills acquired in the classroom.
In addition, most universities also have internship programs at each faculty. Whatever the case, the best thing is that you prepare a good resume, update your LinkedIn profile, apply in advance and… Be charismatic and sure of yourself!
Have you finished your studies and want to stay and work in Sweden?
Congratulations Graduate! If you have already completed your studies in Sweden, surely you were fascinated with the country, its people, its customs and quality of life.
If we hit the mark, you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of options for staying in this Scandinavian nation and finding a job.
The first step would be to apply for a Residence Permit Extension to seek Employment after Graduation. This extension gives you an extra 12 months to find a job in Sweden after completing your studies.
You can even start preparations to create your own company if you wish.
