FAQ

1. How do I apply for a Master’s degree programme?
2. When do I apply?
3. What kind of degree do I get after completing my Master’s Programme?
4. Do I need to pay tuition fees for a Master’s programme?
5. Are there any scholarships available?
6. What kind of language skills do I need?
7. When do the semster start?
8. What educational methods are used in the Master’s degree programmes?
9. Do I need a visa?
10. How do I arrange my accommodation?

1. How do I apply for a Master’s degree programme?
   The www.studera.nu website provides a central application system that enables you to apply, on a single occasion, for up to four programmes run by different universities. For obvious reasons, you may create one user account only. Should you create more than one, the processing of your application will be delayed and subject to errors. On completing all the steps in the application procedure, you will be required to print out and enclose a cover sheet for your supporting documents. This sheet, containing your personal particulars, is essential for assigning the documents in question to your application.
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2. When do I apply?
   The application period for the autumn semester of 2011 opens 1 December 2010 and the closing date is 15 January 2011. For students who are Swedish citizens the application deadline is 15 April 2011.
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3. What kind of degree do I get after completing my Master’s Programme?
   On completing your Master’s Programme, which normally takes two years, you will be awarded a Degree of Master of Science (Two Year).
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4. Do I need to pay tuition fees for a Master’s programme?
   With rare exceptions, no tuition fees are charged for higher education in Sweden. At present, all students’ tuition fees are fully subsidised by the state. However, every student must pay a small Student Union membership fee each semester. Total costs of living, including a student room, food and miscellaneous expenses, are approximately SEK 7,000 per month. This varies greatly, of course, according to individual lifestyle.
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5. Are there any scholarships available?
   The Swedish Institute grants hundreds of scholarships every year. The number available varies from year to year, and competition is keen. The Global Grant website provides information about other scholarships. However, most foreign students in Sweden fund their stays without scholarships.
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6. What kind of language skills do I need?
   Applicants must prove that they are proficient in the English language. A high standard of spoken and written English is required. Language proficiency may be attested by scores in international English tests. For English-language programmes, documentary evidence of proficiency in English, such as TOEFL, MELAB and IELTS certificates, must be produced.
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7. When do the semster start?
   Autumn semester 2010: 1 September 2010 - 18 January 2011. Spring semester 2011: 19 January 2011 - 6 June 2011.
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8. What educational methods are used in the Master’s degree programmes?
   The culture at Swedish higher education institutions is informal, creative and student-centred. Much work is left to the student’s own initiative. Such a system, with its lack of rigid scheduling, is often demanding. It encourages students to develop a critical attitude and an independent approach — two highly sought-after attributes in today’s knowledge-based employment market.
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9. Do I need a visa?
   Nationals of Members States of the EEA (EEA: Member States of the EU and Norway, Iceland and, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland do not require visas to study in Sweden. Nationals of non-EEA countries must apply for visas to study in Sweden. It can take a long time for a visa to be granted and, therefore, non-EEA nationals should apply for courses or study programmes with an application deadline of 15 January for entry the following autumn semester and 1 August for entry the following spring semester. For more information, please contact the Swedish Migration Board
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10. How do I arrange my accommodation?
    There is no national system in charge of student accommodation, and Master students are responsible for finding their own lodgings. Availability of rooms and flats varies from one place to another. Unfortunately, the number of students often exceeds the number of rooms an higher education institution has to offer. Before leaving for Sweden, you should allow plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements.
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