Study in Sweden: A Complete Guide for International Students

At Kompass Education & Visa Consultancy, we help international students navigate the process of studying in Sweden. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary details, from academic qualifications and CGPA requirements to visa application steps, scholarships, job opportunities, and living costs. Whether you're applying for a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program in Sweden, this guide will ensure you understand each step of the process.

Intakes and Application Deadlines

• Autumn Intake: Begins in September

  • Application Period: Mid-October to Mid-January

  • Document Submission Deadline: Mid-February

  • Admission Results: March-April

  • Visa Application: April-June

  • Semester Starts: August

• Spring Intake: Begins in January/February

  • Application Period: Mid-June to Mid-August

  • Document Submission Deadline: Mid-September

  • Admission Results: October

  • Visa Application: October-November

  • Semester Starts: January

Academic Qualifications & CGPA Requirements

Bachelor's Program Requirements:

• Eligibility: Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with a minimum GPA of 2.50/5.00 in both SSC and HSC separately, or a combined GPA of 6.00.

• English Proficiency:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.0 overall. No Band less than 5.5 

  • Alternative tests: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic.

Master's Program Requirements:

• Eligibility: A 4-year Bachelor’s degree or 3-year Bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s degree.

  • CGPA: A minimum of 60% or 6.0 CGPA (varies by university and program).

• English Proficiency:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 (no section below 6.0).

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90 (no section below 20).

  • PTE Academic: Minimum 58-60.

Note: Specific programs may have higher CGPA requirements.

Degrees Offered in Sweden

Sweden offers a range of degrees to international students:

• Bachelor’s: 3 years

• Master’s: 1-2 years

• PhD: 4-5 years (often fully funded with a stipend)

Popular and In-Demand Degrees

Some degrees are especially popular and highly regarded in Sweden and globally:

1. Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, IT)

2. Computer Science and Data Science

3. Sustainable Development and Environmental Studies

4. Life Sciences and Biotechnology

5. Public Health and Medicine

6. Business and Management

7. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

8. UX/UI Design and Digital Media

Admission Process for International Students: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose a Program: Visit Universityadmissions.se to find English-taught programs.

2. Check Requirements: Verify both academic and English proficiency requirements for your chosen program.

3. Prepare Documents:

   • Passport copy

   • Academic transcripts

   • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

   • Statement of Purpose

   • Letters of Recommendation

   • CV (for Master's and PhD programs)

4. Apply Online: Submit your application at Universityadmissions.se.

5. Pay Application Fee: SEK 900 (~€80/USD 85) unless you’re from an EU/EEA country.

6. Wait for Results: Admission results will be announced in April for Autumn intake or November for Spring intake.

7. Apply for Student Visa: Once admitted, apply for a student visa through the Swedish Migration Agency.

Job Opportunities for International Students

• During Studies: Students can work without restriction on hours during their study period.

  • Average pay: SEK 120–150/hour (~$11–$14).

  • Common student jobs: Retail, hospitality, internships in tech/startups, university assistant roles.

• After Graduation:

  • Students can stay for 12 months after graduation to search for a job or start a business.

  • Graduates in tech, healthcare, and engineering fields are highly employable.

Spouse & Dependent Visa Facilities

Sweden allows international students to bring their spouse and children, provided the student’s program lasts longer than 3 months.

• Spouse Benefits:

  • Spouse can work full-time.

  • Children under 18 receive free schooling and healthcare.

Documents for Dependent Visa:

• Marriage certificate (translated and legalized)

• Proof of relationship

• Passport copies of dependents

• Proof of financial support

Documents Required for Study Permit (Student Visa)

To apply for a student visa, you need to provide the following documents:

1. Valid Passport

2. Admission Letter from a Swedish university

3. Proof of Payment of the first semester’s tuition fee

4. Proof of Financial Means (at least SEK 9,500/month for living expenses)

5. Health Insurance (if staying for less than a year)

6. Accommodation Proof (if available)

7. Bank Statements or Scholarship Letters (If applicable)

Budget-Friendly Universities and Programs

While Sweden is not the cheapest country to study in, there are affordable universities and scholarships available for international students.

Affordable Public Universities:

• Lund University: €10,000–€17,000 (Tech, Business, Humanities)

• Uppsala University: €9,000–€13,000 (Sciences, Law)

• Linnaeus University: €8,000–€11,000 (IT, Business, Engineering)

• Dalarna University: €7,500–€10,000 (Education, Tech)

• University of Skövde: €9,000–€12,000 (Game Development, AI)

Scholarships Available:

• Swedish Institute Scholarships: Covers both tuition and living expenses.

• University-specific scholarships.

Living Costs in Sweden (Monthly Estimate)

Intakes and Deadlines

• Autumn Intake: Apply by mid-January, semester starts in August.

• Spring Intake: Apply by mid-August, semester starts in January.

Pros of Studying in Sweden

• World-class education

• English widely spoken

• Progressive, inclusive society

• Focus on sustainability and innovation

Other Things to Know

• Health insurance is mandatory for students staying less than a year.

• Student unions and housing queues can help with accommodation.

• Student discounts are available for transport, food, and books.

Kompass Education & Visa Consultancy is here to guide you through the entire process of studying in Sweden. From application support to visa assistance, we ensure you make the most out of your study abroad experience.

Address:
56 Siddeshwari Road, 2nd Floor, Dhaka 1217
Phone: +880 1736 720908, +880 1877 424034
Email: info@kompass.cc
Website: www.kompass.cc

Start Your Journey to Sweden Today with Kompass Education & Visa Consultancy. Let us help you unlock the world-class education opportunities that Sweden has to offer.