Challenge yourself. study in Sweden.

Transcription

1 Challenge yourself study in Sweden

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3 Did you know that since 1901, the Swedish Nobel Prize has been awarded to more than 800 outstanding men and women? Develop skills for tomorrow Studying in Sweden is different. Swedish universities have an open climate, with a strong focus on group work. This will give you valuable skills for the future. The global job market values ambitious, innovative and perceptive team players. Swedish universities foster these qualities through a forward-thinking culture where you re close to the latest ideas and trends. Swedish master s degree programs offer unusual opportunities to turn theory into practice. Many programs also cooperate closely with the industry, offering students the possibility to mix studies and practical work. This gives you distinct advantages over your peers when entering the job market. Sweden has three universities in top 100 and eleven in top 500 of the 2010 edition of the Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. 1

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5 Did you know that the World Bank ranks Sweden as no. 2 in the global knowledge-based economy, on account of our ability to generate, adopt and diffuse knowledge? Reach your full potential Swedish universities will encourage you to discover and develop your true strengths and talents. The education system is student-centric and relations between students and teachers are informal. As a student in Sweden you re expected to address your teachers by their first name. Personal initiative and independent thinking are prized. You will be required to take an active role and contribute with your opinions and ideas at lectures, seminars and in group discussions. Taking the initiative and questioning old presumptions is rewarding, especially in the long term. It will give you the opportunity to develop your individual strengths and refine your academic abilities. 3

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7 Experience a culture of innovation One of the world s most modern countries, Sweden is the birthplace of many successful international corporations. Innovative research at Swedish universities and companies has resulted in a number of successful inventions. Some examples are: the computer mouse, Bluetooth for internet mobility, the pacemaker, the ball bearing, the Tetra Pak beverage packaging system, the dialysis machine and internet applications such as the online music streaming service Spotify and the free internet calling service Skype. These fairly recent inventions build on a long history of excellence in academia and research. Sweden is the home of the prestigious Nobel Prize, awarded in Stockholm every year, and has highly acclaimed universities dating back to the fifteenth century. Sweden has a number of large multinational corporations, such as telecom supplier Ericsson, automotive companies Volvo and Scania, household appliances corporation Electrolux, bearing manufacturer SKF, and high-tech engineering groups Sandvik and Atlas Copco. The deep-rooted creative environment has made Sweden a strong nation in the areas of design, fashion and music, with well-known international brands such as furniture giant IKEA and clothes retailer H&M. Sweden is also one of the largest musicexporting countries in the world. Did you know that Swedish multinationals IKEA, Ericsson, Scania and H&M together employ more than a quarter of a million people worldwide? 5

8 Lu Peng, China Master s in International Supply Chain Management, Jönköping International Business School, Jönköping University, graduated in What did you know about Sweden before you arrived? The Nordic countries have always been mysterious to me. I knew they were very developed, famous for their welfare and stable education system. I was more acquainted with Sweden than the other countries because of its brands and music. I listened to ABBA and The Cardigans in high school and knew about companies such as IKEA and Volvo. What personal impact has Sweden had on you? It has affected me a lot, in many ways. Sweden is very different from China and so I came with Chinese roots but an open heart to embrace things. Swedes have many qualities openness, humility and friendliness and those will stay with me. So, what has happened since you graduated? Well, my story with Sweden continues. I m working at IKEA in Shanghai as a supply chain specialist. The company culture remains close to Sweden, so that makes me feel comfortable. I have returned on a couple of business trips and it s a homecoming. I take a deep breath the minute I step off the airplane and it makes me feel warm inside. I m working at IKEA in Shanghai Fernando Méndez, Bolivia Master s in Sustainable Energy Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, graduated in What attracted you to study in Sweden? I ve been asked this question in almost all the job interviews I ve had so far. Sweden is one of the most developed countries in terms of alternative energy and it s an issue I m passionate about. Swedes are a step ahead of many other Europeans, so I wanted to learn first-hand from their knowledge. How would you describe your two years? I d say it was one of the most exciting experiences in my life. The environment was awesome; lots of people from different countries learning from each other. The course was challenging, with plenty of study visits and lab hours, but it was the right mix of practical work and theory. It also gave me job opportunities I wouldn t have had otherwise, and now I m working at the British Embassy in La Paz as a climate change officer. What would you say to students who are considering Sweden as a study destination? My message would be that it s an overwhelming experience; you ve got to go there and see it with your own eyes. Sweden is a great choice as there s everything an international student would like to have. It was one of the most exciting experiences in my life 6

9 Alice Van, Australia Master s in Design, School of Design and Crafts (HDK), Gothenburg, graduated in How was studying in Sweden different from studying in Australia? I had a very technically based education in interior design from my university in Melbourne, which is an exchange partner with HDK. Sweden gave me a more liberal learning experience. And the teachers have great networks so you have the chance to work on real projects with real clients. What was your first impression of the Swedes? I had few expectations, but the Swedish people made a big impression on me. I found them genuinely helpful and honest. I was motivated to come to Sweden because I knew it was so different from Australia. Now I consider it my second home. What career advantages will your qualification give you? Any international experience is valuable because it distinguishes you and shows your level of motivation. Personally, I was engaged in the course because I could collaborate with students from different backgrounds. This has expanded my field of expertise and interest and given me a lot more future opportunities. Sweden gave me a more liberal learning experience. And the teachers have great networks so you have the chance to work on real projects with real clients 7

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11 Questions and answers about studying in Sweden Swedish universities offer a wide range of courses and programs taught in English. If you re curious about this country of high academic standards and innovative research, all you have to do is apply. Let us guide you through the process of coming here to study. Application How do I apply to a Swedish university? You apply to Swedish higher education via In certain cases, however, you apply directly to the university concerned. How do I pay the application fee? You pay the application fee of SEK 900* when you apply at with your bank card or via your bank. The payment service is due to go online at the beginning of December 2010, when the online application service for the fall semester 2011 will open. Residence permit Who needs a student residence permit? If you re from a country outside the European Union (EU)/ European Economic Area (EEA) or from Switzerland and plan to study at a Swedish university or college for longer than three months, you must have a residence permit. Swiss citizens are not required to apply before arriving in Sweden. Lund University Who doesn t need a student residence permit? As an EU/EEA citizen you automatically have a right of residence and can study in Sweden without a residence permit. But if you re staying longer than three months, you have to register with the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket). Nordic citizens are exempt from this requirement. 9

12 How does Sweden check if students are from outside the EU/EEA? The Swedish Agency for Higher Education Services (Verket för högskoleservice, VHS) collects citizenship data from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) and data on residence permits from the Swedish Migration Board. How and when do I apply for a residence permit? You apply for a residence permit through the Swedish embassy or consulate in your native country or other country where you live permanently. Citizens of certain countries may also apply online; check with Make sure to apply for a residence permit as soon as you ve received your letter of admission so that your paperwork is completed before classes start. Swiss citizens may apply after arriving in Sweden. Please note that obtaining a student residence permit is subject to conditions. 1. You must be admitted to full-time studies. 2. You must have sufficient funds for your study period; that is, at least SEK 7,300* per month for 10 months of the year. 3. You must have a valid passport. 4. In some cases, you also need to have a comprehensive health insurance. Go to for more information. How much is the fee for a residence permit? Applying for a Swedish residence permit costs SEK 1,000*, with exceptions for Swiss citizens, among others, who pay no fee. Go to for details. Can I work in Sweden while studying? Yes, as long as you have a student residence permit or are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen or resident you don t need a special work permit to work. The only requirement is that you manage to keep up with your studies, or your residence permit may not be extended. If you are working or have been offered work in Sweden, you can apply for a combined residence and work permit, provided that you have a student residence permit and have completed at least 30 ECTS credits or one term of postgraduate education in Sweden. See for more conditions for being granted a work permit. Tuition fees Who has to pay tuition fees? Students from outside the EU/EEA and from Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. 10

13 Tuition fees apply to bachelor s and master s programs and courses, but PhD programs are free of charge. Who doesn t need to pay tuition fees? Higher education is free of charge for citizens or permanent residents of EU/EEA countries and from Switzerland. Students from these countries study under the same conditions as Swedish citizens. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who possess a permanent residence permit, or who have permission to stay in Sweden for reasons other than studies, also study for free, just like Swedish citizens. All Swedish PhD programs are free of charge. Students in an exchange program pay no tuition fees. Check the conditions of your stay in Sweden with your home university. How much are the tuition fees? The tuition fees vary depending on the program/course and educational institution. They start at approximately SEK 70,000* per academic year. How do I pay the tuition fee? You pay the tuition fee directly to the university concerned. Check with your Swedish university for specifics regarding payment. The Swedish Ministry of Education and Research has specified that the tuition fee should be paid wholly or in part before studies begin. Please note that in order to issue your residence permit, the Swedish Migration Board requires that you have paid the tuition fee for the full-time study place you ve been offered. How much time do I have to pay the fees? Each university has its own rules in this respect. Check with the university you intend to study at. Scholarships Are any scholarships available? Yes, among others, the Swedish Institute (SI) offers several scholarship programs for international students. You ll find them listed at Other scholarships are available through some of the universities. 11

14 What do the scholarships cover? The SI scholarships cover the tuition fees (which are paid directly to the university) and living expenses, but not the application fee of SEK 900*. For further information about SI scholarships, visit Are there scholarships for EU/EEA students as well? Students from the EU/EEA are offered scholarships through, among others, the International Programme Office for Education and Training (Internationella programkontoret), Important dates Fall semester 2011 December 1, 2010: online application opens at (the application fee is paid in connection with the application) January 17, 2011: application deadline January 28, 2011: deadline for submitting qualifications End of March, 2011: admission decision End of August 2011: semester begins For important dates related to the spring semester of 2012, please check for updates at Useful links information about studying in Sweden and a searchable database with bachelor s and master s programs taught in English general information about Sweden a community for international students in Sweden information and online application to Swedish higher education visa and residence permit rules for Sweden your embassy *Currency conversion: SEK 900 = about USD 130 / EUR 100 / CNY 890 / INR 5,900 / RUB 4,100 SEK 1,000 = about USD 150 / EUR 110 / CNY 990 / INR 6,600 / RUB 4,500 SEK 7,300 = about USD 1,100 / EUR 800 / CNY 7,200 / INR 48,000 / RUB 33,000 SEK 70,000 = about USD 10,000 / EUR 7,600 / CNY 69,000 / INR 462,000 / RUB 315,000 (Figures from October As Sweden has a flexible exchange rate, it may fluctuate.) Aula Magna, Stockholm University 12

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16 Thilak Reddy Enugala, India Master s in Medicinal Chemistry, Stockholm University, graduating in What were your first impressions of Sweden? Before I came here, I knew Sweden as a country that encourages scientific innovation all over the world through the Nobel Prize, which has been awarded to highly qualified scientists every year since Coming here, my first impression was that it s a beautiful country. Swedes are very friendly. Everything is organized here, with for example trains and buses being on time. Stockholm is a nice city to live in and to visit. What makes Sweden an interesting study destination? Sweden is at the forefront of research and development, especially in the field of chemistry, which is developing at a rapid pace. Sweden is renowned for its high standards in education and research at institutions like Stockholm University, Uppsala University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Lund University and Umeå University. What are your future career plans? My ambition is to get a PhD in Organic Chemistry. Sweden is at the forefront of research and development Paula Guntaur, Canada Master s in Interaction Design, Institute of Design, Umeå University, graduated in Where did you find information before you arrived? The school had a really good website where you could read what it was like to be an international student in Sweden and I got contact details for international students already on the program. That was really helpful along with the Swedish Institute s website for foreign students, Studyinsweden.se. How will your education in Sweden help further your career? I see myself teaching in the future and I would take the Swedish teaching style with me. It was informal and the teachers put a lot of trust in the students. I feel like I m indebted to the school and still keep my ties. Now I m an interaction designer for Microsoft in Seattle and I did a project where I was able to teach a class from Umeå in northern Sweden at a distance. What are your favorite memories of Sweden? There s a lot of snow and the design students would make their own ice bar on a Friday. Traditionally, second-year students make the new students a surströmming welcome dinner. It s basically a very smelly fish and no one likes it, but we eat it together. Talking of cooking, thanks to my Swedish housemate I am known in Seattle for my Swedish meatballs! The teachers put a lot of trust in the students 14

17 Shuhan Shi, China Master s in General Management, Stockholm School of Economics, graduating in What were your first impressions of Sweden? I first came to Sweden as a tourist and was very much impressed by Swedish nature and the hospitality of Swedish people. I came back two years later as a student and got the opportunity to explore Sweden further from within. To me, Sweden is a very environmentally friendly, clean and safe country. Swedish society in general has very high moral standards and takes pride in respecting individuals and diversity. Did the school meet your expectations? Yes, perfectly! Stockholm School of Economics (SSE, Handelshögskolan in Swedish) is one of the top business schools in Europe and enjoys very high reputation for its leading academic research and for providing the Swedish and European business community with top talents. At SSE, I had the chance to learn from the best in the academic field and to work for the very top companies and people from the industry, together with a group of highly talented students from many different cultures and backgrounds. I will definitely value this experience for life. How valuable has your Swedish qualification been so far? Very valuable. During one year of studies in Sweden, I worked as China Day Manager in the biggest Swedish student project with international focus Project China and also carried out a five-week internship at the H&M headquarters in Stockholm. Without studying in Sweden, this would never have been possible. I had the chance to learn from the best in the academic field 15

18 Maryam Abdisaran, Iran Bachelor s in Computer Science, and Master s in Embedded Systems, Kristianstad University College, graduated in How well did the university meet your expectations? What was great was that the university was well connected to industry. We were really kept up to date with the market and that is extremely important. Half the course was done in collaboration with companies, so when I started working it almost felt like a continuation of my education. How valuable has your qualification been so far? I m now working as a software engineer in Gothenburg on the west coast of Sweden and I can honestly say that everything I learnt on the course I m now applying in my job. My education in Sweden was vital to getting a job here. When I finished my studies I got three job offers in two weeks I wasn t expecting that. If you could give one piece of advice to students, what would it be? It s all too easy just to mix with people from your home country and other international students. So I would say try to do small projects in each course with Swedes and get to know them. It really helped me to understand the country more and have a better experience. When I finished my studies I got three job offers in two weeks Bilgi Karan, Turkey Master s in Advanced Product Design, Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå University, graduated in Why did you choose to study in Sweden? Actually I chose the course before the country. I looked at the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, but the course in Umeå in the north of Sweden offered the best combination of facilities, teaching and atmosphere. And I had heard that everybody in Sweden speaks fluent English. It was also great to be so close to companies at the cutting edge of innovation. Did the course meet your expectations? Yes, because we worked on real projects with real industrial partners. There were very few full-time professors, which meant that those working in the industry taught the courses. It s teaching from the real world that really appealed to me. How would you sum up your time in Sweden and where did it lead you? I have to say it was a lifechanging experience. I m now working as a senior industrial designer at Sony Ericsson in Lund in the south of Sweden. I wasn t expecting to stay, but thanks to my education I was offered this exciting opportunity. Everybody in Sweden speaks fluent English 16

19 Sergej Kazatchenko, Russia Master s in International Business Admini s- tration, Umeå School of Business and Economics, Umeå University, graduated in In what way was studying in Sweden different from studying in Russia? The education in Sweden allows more freedom of thought. And for economy students the presence of business is noticeable, which gives the training a practical touch. What has your education meant for your future career? First of all, I am working as a stock analyst at one of the leading Swedish banks, Swedbank. With a degree from a Russian university, it would be more difficult to realize my interest in investments. The knowledge of the financial market is broader in Sweden. Swedish companies often aim to find staff from different countries, which opens many opportunities for foreign students, but the employers need to be sure of the quality of the education. Therefore an exam from a Swedish university is much more favorable. What are your career plans for the nearest future? My Swedish degree has opened many global career opportunities since it has a good reputation in many countries. My Swedish degree has opened many global career opportunities 17

20 W N S E 1 Sweden Finland Norway Estonia Latvia Denmark 23 Lithuania 18

21 Find Your Swedish university 1. LULEÅ UNIVERSITY OF technology 2. UMEÅ UNIVERSITY 3. MID SWEDEN UNIVERSITY 4. UNIVERSITY OF GÄVLE 5. Högskolan DALARNA 6. UPPSALA UNIVERSITY 6. SLU SWEDISH UNIVERSITY of AGRICULTURAL sciences 7. MÄLARDALEN UNIVERSITY 8. STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITY 8. STOCKHOLM SCHOOL of ECONOMICS 8. SÖDERTÖRN UNIVERSITY 8. KTH ROYAL INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY 8. KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET 8. Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design 8. KMH ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC IN STOCKHOLM 8. ERSTA SKÖNDAL university COLLEGE 9. KARLSTAD UNIVERSITY ÖREBRO UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY WEST UNIVERSITY OF SKÖVDE LINKÖPING UNIVERSITY JÖNKÖPING UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF BORÅS CHALMERS UNIVERSITY of TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF GOTHENBURG GOTLAND UNIVERSITY LINNÆUS UNIVERSITY HALMSTAD UNIVERSITY BLEKINGE INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY KRISTIANSTAD UNIVERSITY LUND UNIVERSITY MALMÖ UNIVERSITY 19

22 Sweden in brief Sweden is a very long country; from Treriksröset in the north to Smygehuk in the south it measures 977 miles, or 1,572 kilometers. It has a population of only 9.4 million though. The capital of Sweden is Stockholm, with a population of about 2 million in the metropolitan area. The Nobel Prize, awarded in Stockholm and Oslo every year, is the world s most prestigious academic distinction. It was established by Swedish scientist and inventor Alfred Nobel and was awarded for the first time in Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with acclaimed universities dating back to the fifteenth century. Sweden offers an international academic environment around 30,000 foreign students study at Swedish universities. Swedish universities offer more than 500 master s degree programs taught in English. While Swedish is the main language in Sweden, most people can speak English, often fluently. Many Swedish companies use English as their official working language. Almost one-fifth of the inhabitants in Sweden were born abroad or have parents who were born abroad. Sweden is a safe and modern country, offering a high quality of life. School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg EXPENDITURE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AS SHARE OF GDP (2007) Monthly student living expenses in sweden Israel 4.68% Sweden 3.60% Finland 3.47% Japan 3.44% Iceland 2.75% usa 2.68% DenmarK 2.55% EU-15* 1.90% Norway 1.64% *EU-15 includes: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom Source: Statistics Sweden Housing, including electricity and home insurance sek 3,600 Food (home-cooked) sek 1,600 Telephone/television/ newspaper sek 770 Clothing and leisure sek 900 Medical care and toiletries sek 250 Course literature sek 780 Total cost sek 7,900 * (Local travel costs have not been included since they vary a great deal between different study places.) Source: The Swedish National Union of Students (Sveriges förenade studentkårer) *SEK 7,900 = about USD 1,180 / EUR 850 / CNY 7,900 / INR 52,400 / RUB 35,400 (Figures from October 2010.) 20

23 2010 Swedish Institute. Graphic design: Igor Isaksson, Mu AB. Printed by: Edita Västra Aros AB, Västerås, Sweden, ISBN Images: front cover: Nicho Södling; inside front cover: Anders Kallersand/Karolinska Institutet; page 2: Johan Jeppsson; page 4: Volvo CE; interview photos of Shuhan Shi and Sergej Kazatchenko: Johan Jeppsson; other interview photos: private; page 8: Mikael Risedal/Lund University; page 13: Johan Jeppsson; page 18, map: Igor Isaksson; inside back cover: Johan Wingborg/University of Gothenburg. Do you have any views on this SI publication? Feel free to contact us at

24 start your future in the country of the nobel prize The Swedish Institute (SI) is a public agency that promotes interest and confidence in Sweden around the world. SI seeks to establish cooperation and lasting relations with other countries through strategic communication and exchange in the fields of culture, education, science and business.