For more information about study Natural Science in Sweden, visit us at masterofscience.se

Master of Science

Practical guide for studying in Sweden

1. Am I eligible?
Every applicant for a Master’s programme must hold a Bachelor's degree and fulfil the programme-specific requirements. Please make sure that you meet the entrance requirements for the programme(s) of your choice. The entrance requirements for each programme is stated in the programme description supplied by each higher education institution, and also in your selection list at www.universityadmissions.se. Applicants must also prove proficiency in English.

2. Do I have enough language skills?
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. Check the website of the programme you would like to study for more information about language requirements.

3. Apply online before January 16th
The website www.universityadmissions.se provides a central application system that enables you to apply, on a single occasion, for up to four programmes run by different universities.
https://www.antagning.se/en/All-you-need-to-know1/Finding-out-more/Key-dates/

4. What documentation do I need to submit?
You must submit several documents (stamped and signed copies) once you have completed Your online application.
Supporting documents

5. Where do I send the documentation?
Sign the cover sheet, enclose all supporting documents and send the application to:

University Studies in Sweden
FE 1
SE-833 83 Stroemsund
SWEDEN

6. Do I need a residence permit?
Nationals of Members States of the EEA (EEA: Member States of the EU and Norway, Iceland and, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland do not require residence permits to study in Sweden. However, you must register with the Migration Board no later than three months after entering the country.

Nationals of non-EEA countries must apply for residence permits to study in Sweden for more than three months. You can apply for a permit at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country when you are admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden.

http://swedenabroad.se

7. What does it cost?

a. Tuition fee
International students from outside the EU/EES pay a tuition fee, which is set by the Swedish universities and university colleges. The fee will cover the full cost of studies; therefore, the levels may vary depending on the type and content of the course or programme.

b. Application fee
International students from outside the EU/EES pay an application fee, which is 900 SEK (Swedish kronor). The application fee will cover the costs associated with the processing of an admission application.

c. Cost of living
An average monthly budget for the cost of living in Sweden is around SEK 7 000. Remember however, that prices can vary considerably depending on where you live. Stockholm, for example, is more expensive than smaller towns. There are also a number of ways of making your money go further.
http://www.studyinsweden.se/Living-in-Sweden/Cost-of-living/

8. Can I apply for scholarships?
Each university offers a number of scholarships for nationals of non-EEA countries. The Swedish Institute, a government agency, administers over 500 scholarships each year for students from all over the world. The Global Grant website also provides information about other scholarships. However, most foreign students in Sweden fund their stays without scholarships.

9. Is it possible to be accepted as a PhD after graduation?
Although it is very competitive to gain admission to PhD programmes in Sweden, studying for a master’s degree in Sweden gives you a chance to show that you can excel in your studies. This will make it easier for you to gain admission.

10. Can I work while I am studying in Sweden?
If you are enrolled at a Swedish university or university college you can work in Sweden during the course of your studies without a work permit. You do, however, need a residence permit if you stay for longer than three months.

11. When will you let me know if I am admitted?
In middle of April your final notification of the selection result can be seen on "Your pages" of www.universityadmissions.se.

12. How do I arrange housing?
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. At the universities websites you can find information about housing. You can also contact the Student Union at the university where you wish to study.

13. Do I need health insurance?
Medical insurance for Nordic, EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland:
If you are a citizen of any of the Nordic, EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, you have access to essential health care if you register beforehand at a social insurance office in your home country and obtain a European Health Insurance card.

However, if the local tax office has entered you in the Population Register you are entitled to all health care and pay the Swedish patient fee.

Medical insurance for non-EU/EEA citizens who stays of one year or more:
As a visiting student, if you have a residence permit valid for one year or more, you are entitled to the same health benefits as Swedes. However, you must first register at the local tax office as soon as you arrive. Here you will be given a co-ordination or personal identity number.

14. When do the courses start?
Autumn semester 2011: 5 September 2011 - 22 January 2012. Spring semester 2012: 23 January 2012 - 10 June 2012. Sometimes courses and welcoming weeks start earlier. Please see the information from the university once you have been admitted.

15. Checklist before you leave home
When you have been admitted to a Swedish university, you should begin to prepare for your stay in Sweden. Below are some of the things you should prepare:

Passport most citizens need a valid passport to enter Sweden. Make sure it is valid!
Residence permit (Do you need residence permit? LÄNK)
Accommodation (see above)
Study Contact your contact person at the university where you are going to study (contact details should be noted on your letter of admission). Bring your original degree and transcripts. Conditional admissions for Master’s programmes means you must present a degree before registering for classes.
Insurance (see above)
Banking To open an account some banks request a bank statement. This should show that you have been a reliable customer at your local home bank.

16. Can I work after I have finished my studies?
If you have received a job offer after you have finished your studies you are allowed to stay in Sweden to work.

17. What do I need to do when I arrive?
Register at the local tax office as soon as you arrive and have a permanent address. This must be made in person. Here you will be given a co-ordination or personal identity number. This is necessary for insurance purposes and will help you if you want to open a Swedish bank account.
Housing If you have arranged housing you will need to get settled. Perhaps you have only got some temporary housing, and then it is time to search for permanent housing. Housing in Sweden is generally of good quality.
Open a bank account (in order to pay your bills without having to pay extra fees) The biggest Swedish banks are Nordea, SEB and Swedbank. Banks are open on weekdays. Most Swedes pay their bills through Internet banking.
Getting around What is the most convenient way to get around in the town you are staying? Do you need to buy a bike? A popular internet site to buy things second hand is http://www.blocket.se (in Swedish)
Learn Swedish? Contact your contact person at your department to find out if they offer courses in Swedish.

Property insurance Even if you live in a student room it is advisable to buy a property insurance policy. Housing companies do not cover theft, loss or damage to your personal belongings.