Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize, the World’s most prestigious academic distinction. That indeed shows the countries attitude towards excellence. The highly industrialized country in northern Europe has a population little over 9 million. Swedish universities promote innovative research. The reputation is cemented with rigorous quality control. The educational system is student centric; personal initiative and critical thought are prized. The country is an innovator and creative force in the modern world. Look at the Volvo bus buses – a popular innovation admired the world over.
Nearly 30,000 foreign students are studying in Sweden. Their number is 8.5% of the entire student body. Swedish universities offer around 600 master’s degree programs in English, in a wide range of disciplines. There are PhD candidates from some 80 countries. Students have the freedom to work during their studies.
The Swedish Institute grants hundreds of scholarships every year to foreign students. For accommodation and other expenses, a majority of South Asian students receive from the scholarships Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). STINT, the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education, has a scholarship program for foreign students in international master's programs. The Ford Foundation’s International Fellowships form another source.
The tuition fees are fully subsidized by the State. However, foreign students (from countries outside the European Economic Area) may have to pay for their autumn term of 2011. There would be additional scholarships.
The local student union at your university may help you in finding suitable accommodation for you. There is plenty of accommodation available at schools in smaller and middle-sized cities or towns. The situation is difficult in the larger cities, especially in Stockholm. Many students prefer to live in student dormitories.
While applying for residence permit, you must prove to the Swedish Migration Board that you will have a guaranteed sum of money at your disposal throughout the entire period of your studies. Roughly SEK 7,300 per month for 10 months of the year. (One Swedish krona is a little less than seven Indian Rupees)
THE DEGREE STRUCTURE
The degree structure in Sweden conforms to the Bologna a European Process, standard. There are three levels, each with minimum requirements for entry. outcomes. Degrees awarded at each level are defined in terms of the expected learning
FIRST LEVEL
There are two degree options: (1) Achievable after two years of study, called Hogskoleexamen
(2) Bachelor's degree, achievable after three years, called Kandidatexamen
You can join this level after the higher secondary school.
SECOND LEVEL There are two degree options: (1) Degree of Master (Two Years) (2) Degree of Master (One Year)
You Can join this level after a three-year bachelor's degree or three years of Swedish first level.
THIRD LEVEL
A Degree of Licentiate, after two years of research, and a PhD after fours years of research.
You can join this level after a Degree of Master (Two Years) or a Degree of Master (One Year), OR four years of full-time studies — three at the Swedish first level and at least one year at the second level, OR a comparable international degree.
If you want to pursue studies in the Swedish language, you have to pass the TISUS test in Swedish. This includes reading comprehension, oral presentation and written composition.
A higher secondary certificate would normally be sufficient for admission to an undergraduate program in English. A certificate to prove your English language proficiency also may have to be produced (TOEFL, Cambridge EFL, or IELTS at the prescribed level). Further, additional requirements, if any, for specific courses would have to be fulfilled. There could be competition for admissions and therefore good academic history and fine performance in interview may be necessary. Your eligibility for admission for any program is to be decided by the concerned university or university college, based on your academic attainments. There is no age restriction for admission.
Some of the Reputed Universities and Institutions of Higher Education :
Chalmers University of Technology
Linkoping University
Lund University
Orebro University
Royal University College of Fine Arts
Stockholm School of Economics
Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences
Umea University
University of Boras
University of Gothenburg
Uppsala University
Vaxjo University
