Sweden is a Northern European democracy with a highly developed educational system, with world-class research and where a tradition of cooperation between industry and academia creates great opportunities for those starting an international career. Sweden is also a place of great natural beauty, with vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness that inspired old Nordic folklore. Yet its cities are among the world’s most cosmopolitan, boasting the latest trends, music, theatre and restaurants.
In Sweden you can study in a peaceful and internationally oriented environment, where everyone speaks English. Swedish universities offer around 250 master’s programmes in English that build on their cutting-edge research and close ties with the international commercial world – providing you with the tools you need to excel at your career
A university education should open doors – to career possibilities, new knowledge, personal insights, friendships and international experience. A Swedish higher education has an advantage in providing you this, for two main reasons:
An education based on cutting-edge research
Swedish universities are renowned for their innovative research climate
and
first-rate research within areas such as biotechnology, IT and medicine.
This
link between research and education provides students with the skills
international knowledge-based companies, organisations and research
institutions require. With technology advancing faster with every
passing day,
learning though the internet and gaining online degrees are becoming
easier and
more accessible. Sweden is at the forefront of developments like this,
and
their universities situated on campus and not online are also fully
internet-savvy and ready for the new age.
An education for the global job market
Sweden’s reputation for innovation is also built on the success of its many famous multinational companies, such as Ericsson, IKEA, Volvo, Saab, Astra Zeneca, Electrolux, ABB, Atlas Copco and H&M. These companies have a tradition of collaborating with universities in Sweden, which ensures that new graduates possess the skills most in demand by international businesses.
Swedish master’s programmes almost always combine theory with application; many students complete the practical components of their degrees in commercial organisations.
An international career
National strategy objectives for the internationalisation of higher education.
1. Sweden must be an attractive country for foreign students to study in.
2. Higher education graduates must be attractive in the labour market in Sweden and internationally.
Sweden allocates a higher proportion of its gross domestic product on education and research than any other country in the world, according to the OECD. Intent on keeping its high standard, Sweden maintains a comprehensive educational evaluation system. A special government agency performs recurrent quality audits and the results are made available to students. It has the power to strip failing institutions of their ability to issue degrees.
Among the finest educations in the world
Some Swedish universities specialise in fields such as microelectronics, vehicle and aircraft technology, or information and communications technology (ICT), and are considered to be among the best in the world at it. Others conduct world-class research in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and on the environment. Civil engineering programmes integrate research into their course content, and are highly ranked.
Financial prerequisites
There are no tuition fees – higher education is fully subsidised by the state, both for Swedish students and for foreign students. (Proposed legislation may introduce fees for non-EU students beginning in 2008 or later.) When applying for a residence permit as a foreign student, you must however be able to show that you have access to 6,300 SEK ($790 US) per month to cover your living expenses.
Academic prerequisites
Very good skills in English and a relevant bachelor’s degree are basic prerequisites. Good grades and letters of recommendation are needed to meet competitive entrance requirements.
Standardised Tests Required
All students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the IELTS. For more information on registering for the IELTS and the TOEFL, please visit http://www.ielts.org and http://www.toefl.org
Course length
The length of the master’s programmes is at least one year of full-time study, but a number of programmes take up one and a half years of full-time study. A few institutions have introduced two-year programmes.
Visa Procedure
Two sets of application forms duly completed and signed (Form No. 105031) .The forms can be downloaded from the site www.migrationsverket.se
- Three passport size photographs (latest specification given below).
Instructions concerning photographs which are to be used for visa and permit stickers - 1. Valid passport along with two photocopies (of pages 1,2 and last)
- 2. Educational certificates (last exam/degree) – original for perusal and return. Two sets of photo copies
- 3. Admission letter from university/college plus two copies. Study should be fulltime.
- 4. One must be able to show a minimum of SEK 7 300 per month for 10 months in a year. Applicant is requested to show proof of financial support for the entire planned study period. Bank certificate and transaction statement original plus two copies. If your stay is one year or less than one year. Please enclose the insurance papers
- 5. Accommodation must be arranged for in Sweden.
- 6. Demand drafts for Rs.5900 (application fee, subject to change without prior notice) and Rs.300 (courier fee) being the application fee and courier fee drawn in favour of Consulate of Sweden payable at Chennai.
- 7. Submission of application between 10.00 am. To 12.30 pm. from Monday to Friday at the Consulate.
- 8. The application is forwarded to the Migration Board in Sweden for decision.
- 9. The application must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to departure for Sweden
- 10. Please note, photocopies of all documents submitted with the application must be on A4 size paper
- As soon as you have received your admission letter and are ready with the above mentioned documents, please email the consulate for an interview date.