Sweden
A lot of freedom is granted to higher education institutions by the government, making the largest country in Scandinavia a thriving nation for postgraduate study. A great port of call if you're looking for a world-class education at a fraction of the price
Higher education in Sweden is based on research and teaching. Institutions are free to structure courses and programmes according to their own needs, using a credit system. This allows students to have more control over their learning and education.
Universities and university colleges operate via an agreement with the government, which allows many of them to be self-governing and independent.
Masters programmes in Sweden collaborate closely with local industry and many institutions are obliged to interact with the surrounding society by specialising in specific subject areas. In Sweden, there are some 600 postgraduate degrees taught in English with 52 institutions offering various forms of higher education.
The only prerequisite for entry on to postgraduate study programmes is that you have previously taken an undergraduate course or equivalent. This will usually equate to a three-year Bachelors degree.
Exact guidelines for language requirements will vary at each university. If you are a native English speaker or can prove a level of proficiency, namely through the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you should be fluent enough for the English-language programmes.
To study courses in Swedish, you will need to prove your language skills are equivalent to the secondary level (high school). This can be done through the Tisus - Test in Swedish for University Studies .
Students from within the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees. Non-EU nationals will have to pay, but there are substantial scholarship funds available to Bachelors and Masters students that fall into this bracket.
There are scholarships available for international students coming from outside the EU area. It's normal for Swedish students to complete their studies without scholarships or funding. The Swedish Migration Board estimates that you will need around (Swedish Krona) SEK 7,070 per month for living costs, which currently corresponds to around £630. Stockholm and Gothenburg will be slightly more expensive than smaller towns. Visit your international office for more information as there is likely to be discrepancies at each university or town.
Students attending a UK university can take part in the EU's flagship educational exchange programme Erasmus . This scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.
Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in another EU country. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.
It isn't always necessary to speak the language of your host country and you can arrange intensive language courses before you go. Speak to the Erasmus coordinator at your university about available opportunities.
As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:
Some countries require you to register with the local authority after three months. Find out how to register at Europa - Rights, Conditions and Formalities .
Sweden has one of the highest standards of living in the world with subsidised public services and Swedish laws protecting equality and tolerance. There is an open and accessible society and a rewarding work-life balance...
Sweden is recognised for its good work conditions and practices. It combines a capitalist economy with a strong public sector and welfare system. The job market is among the strongest in the world. There is always a demand for skilled workers, especially in the IT, engineering, public health and education sectors. If you are a qualified and highly skilled worker, check out the Swedish Migration Board's Sweden - Labour Shortage List .
There are several multinational companies based in Sweden, namely AstraZeneca, IKEA, SAAB and H&M.
Teaching English as a foreign language is one of the most accessible jobs for native English speakers living abroad. You don't need to be fluent in your host country's language to do this, as it is preferable to create a strictly English-speaking classroom environment. To begin looking for English teaching roles in Sweden, go to British Council - English Language Teaching Centres in Sweden .
For jobs in Sweden, search:
You can make speculative applications directly to individual companies and ask them about training opportunities. For contacts and resources, go to Export Radet - The Swedish Trade Council .
Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by:
Voluntary work is a great way to build your skill-set and learn a new language. It will help to have some money saved before you set off, as the vast majority of voluntary positions are unpaid. Volunteer positions look great on your CV and give you the chance to network and build contacts.
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) , funded by the European Commission, is a scheme aimed at people aged 18 to 30 wishing to volunteer abroad. It offers young people the chance to volunteer for up to 12 months in a number of European and non-European countries.
Opportunities vary from placements concerned with sport and culture to others focuses on social care and the environment. For successful applicants, accommodation, travel, food and insurance are all covered by a European grant and you even receive a personal allowance each month.
Make sure you thoroughly research all volunteering opportunities and always check the terms and conditions before committing yourself to a scheme.
On arriving in Sweden, you won't need much knowledge of the language, as English is widely spoken. Swedish people are taught English from a very young age and subsequently much of the population speak it fluently. However, learning Swedish will improve your chances of finding a job and it will also help you to settle in. It is worth learning some before you go.
There are Swedish language courses in the UK and many good websites exist to help you learn a language or improve your skills. To test and then sharpen your skills, visit BBC Languages - Swedish .
According to the European Commission, European Union (EU) citizens have the right to:
For more information and to check what conditions and restrictions apply, see:
As an EU national, you will adhere to the same rights and regulations as Swedish nationals. Non-European nationals must obtain a written offer of employment before they can apply for work and residential permits.