Age 18 and above — university/university college
Sweden is one of the most inclusive countries in the world for higher education, with over eight percent of the students coming from abroad. Today, PhD candidates from some 80 countries are enrolled in post-graduate programs in Sweden. Swedish universities are well known for their innovative thinking and advanced research, and all residents attend free of charge.
Sweden has a student-centric educational system with open, informal relations between students and teachers. Courses focus on critical thinking and collaboration, often in small groups designed to encourage the exchange of ideas. This sharing of perspectives is especially valuable in a system where a broad range of ages, experiences and nationalities are represented.
Swedish universities follow strict quality controls and nationally certified degrees defined by the National Agency for Higher Education. Academic standards are world-class, and lecturers and professors are expected to remain committed to advanced research. In fact, Sweden spends more of its gross domestic product (GDP) on research than almost any other country, according to figures from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
While Swedish language skills are generally required for university programs at undergraduate level, more than 600 master’s degree programs are offered in English at Swedish universities. A large proportion of the course literature is in English, and many Swedish companies use English as their official working language. For international students, this can make it much easier to adapt and succeed in their new environment.
All universities and university colleges in Sweden are tuition-free. To pay for living costs, most students rely on a combination of state loans and grants. These funds are also available to anyone holding a long-term residence permit.
Find all information you need about higher education in Sweden at Studyinsweden.se
Read more about finding a university or a university college