Are you considering studying and migrating to Sweden? With world-class universities, bustling cities, diverse cultures, and natural beauty, Sweden is a great choice for those looking to broaden their horizons beyond the traditional university experience. Here are ten reasons why Sweden should be your top pick for moving abroad to study.
1. Quality of Education.
Sweden is home to some of the best universities in Europe, most notably the University of Stockholm and Uppsala University. Both are renowned for their courses in engineering, science and technology as well as humanities. What’s more, the Swedish education system provides an excellent support network for international students, with opportunities such as language study to help integrate into Swedish society during your time there.
2. Affordable Tuition Fees.
Public universities in Sweden have relatively low tuition fees, allowing international students the opportunity to take advantage of its great education system. In many cases, universities will even provide study loan assistance as well as job opportunities to help with living costs during your studies. Further, many bachelor’s and master’s courses are taught in English making it easier for international students to enrol in courses best suited for their academic careers.
3. A World-Renowned Reputation.
Sweden is known for its high-quality education, with universities such as Lund University and Stockholm University consistently ranking in the top 150 of the QS World University Rankings. Plus, there are a range of other respected institutions that offer internationally recognized qualifications in some of Sweden’s most prestigious fields, including medical science or early childhood education.
4. Diverse Student Population.
One of the best parts of attending university in Sweden is that students come from all over the world. If you move to Sweden to study, you can expect to find yourself studying and living amongst people from across Europe and indeed, the world. This means you will be exposed to many different cultures, languages and points of view, giving you a truly global education experience.
5. Opportunities for Professional Growth.
Sweden consistently ranks highly in global surveys for quality of life and business competitiveness, making it a great place to study and find professional opportunities. In addition, there are many chances for students to receive financial aid for their studies in Sweden and take part in internships and research that will help them gain valuable skills. This makes Sweden an attractive option for those looking to pursue career opportunities after graduating from university.
6. Easy access to the Local Job Market
The first step to finding the perfect job is to research the local job market. This can be done by looking up job postings online, networking with your fellow international students, or even attending a job fair in the area. Doing background research on the local labour market can help you get an idea of what kind of positions are available and easily accessible for international students in Sweden.
7. Can students work while studying in Sweden?
Yes, they can do so if they meet certain requirements. Foreign students need a work permit to be employed in Sweden after completing their studies. In order to obtain it without leaving the country, they must have a residence permit for studies at a university or college and must have completed at least 30 credits or one semester of postgraduate studies in Sweden. Additionally, the student should submit their work permit application before the expiration of their residence permit for studies. If these requirements are not met, the student will need to apply from their home country or any other country where they have legal permission to reside.
8. Requirements for obtaining a residence permit
To obtain a residence permit after you have completed your studies
you must submit your application before your current permit expires
you must have a passport that is valid throughout your stay in Sweden (if your passport is about to expire you need to extend it since you cannot be granted a permit for a time period that exceeds the validity of your passport)
you must have completed a higher education programme that has lasted for at least two semesters – that means that you must have passed all of your courses
your last residence permit must have been a residence permit for higher education in Sweden. You can also have had a residence permit for mobility studies issued by another EU country where at least two semesters of the educational programme took place in Sweden
you must be planning to seek employment or explore the possibilities of starting your own business
you must be able to support yourself during the time for which you are applying for a residence permit
you must have, or have applied for, a comprehensive healthcare insurance policy that is valid for healthcare in Sweden.