To study in Sweden

Published

Monday 6 February 2012

Last updated:

Monday 6 February 2012

A brief description of the Swedish educational system

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The Swedish education system – admission, graduation, etc.?

Higher education in Sweden is generally free of charge. Educational fees are charged for certain foreign citizens studying in Sweden. Education remains free of charge for Swedish citizens and citizens of an EU or EEA country. Higher education also remains free of charge for foreign citizens with a permanent residence permit in Sweden based on a factor other than studies.
Learn more about application and tuition fees.

The Swedish education system

The Swedish education system follows the level divisions of the Bologna System, with degrees issued at the first-cycle level (Bachelor's degree), second-cycle level (Master's degree) and third-cycle level (doctoral degree). In Sweden the title university or college are not protected. However, only those organizations that have been granted degree-awarding powers by the government are authorized to issue a degree at university or college level.

More information on the Swedish education system can be found at the the Swedish Council for Higher Education's website, www.uhr.se. They has been mandated by the government to serve as the supervisory authority for universities and colleges.

Application

The easiest way to apply for a study program in Sweden is to use www.studera.nu. This website is run by the Swedish Council for Higher Education, which is the government agency that handles admission to higher education programs in Sweden. Admission is based primarily on your final grades from upper-secondary education.

The Swedish Council for Higher Education Services also assesses foreign secondary qualifications. Thus, a foreign grade from an upper-secondary school/equivalent can qualify you for higher education in Sweden. Swedish proficiency at the upper-secondary level is often also required.

If you lack any qualification for higher education in Sweden, such as a grade in Swedish, you can study to obtain the qualification through Komvux (adult education centre). Contact Komvux in your municipality to learn more about how to supplement your upper-secondary studies. You can find more information on different ways to learn Swedish under "Learning Swedish".

Study and career guidance

Turn to a study and career guidance councellor (studie- och yrkesvägledare) for assistance with your application or if you wish to learn whether you need to supplement your studies in order to study in Sweden. Councellors are found at any Swedish university, college, Komvux (adult education centre) and upper-secondary school.The unions affiliated to Saco are experts on the professions/educations they organize. Contact your union for recommendations on whether you need to supplement your studies or not and for other types of guidance on your way to finding a job! Read more about Saco-affiliated unions here.

For help and information with your application to a higher education institution, you can turn directly to the Swedish Agency for Higher Education Services, www.vhs.se.

Financial aid

If you are accepted to a course or study program, you may be eligible to apply for financial aid for the length of the program. Financial aid consists of a grant portion and a loan portion.

If you are a foreign citizen, you may be eligible for financial aid under certain conditions. Examples of such conditions include if you are a permanent resident, have right of residence in Sweden, are an EU citizen and have been living with a Swedish citizen for a longer period of time or if you have a job in Sweden and intend to continue your studies in your field.

Centrala Studiestödsnämnden (CSN [the Central Financial Aid Board]) is in charge of evaluating whether a foreign citizen is entitled to financial aid.
More information on the conditions for receiving financial aid and how to apply can be found at www.csn.se.

Learning Swedish

Swedes are generally known for having good proficiency in English. If you speak English, you will be able to manage many situations without being able to speak Swedish. However, knowing Swedish will make things easier, both in your day-to-day life and in your career.