Application documents

Sweden University Application Process

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Fiona
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The first step for applying to a University in Sweden would be to check the official website of the said University. Most of the times all the relevant information you would need to know would be available on that platform, such as curricula, deadlines, fee structure, application process, relevant documents, etc. More often than not the programme you are applying for will have a different, specific set of guidelines.

Note: Application processes, deadlines, etc. may change with your chosen discipline. Always confer with the University you have enrolled in before making any decisions.

You should preferably start applying for your student visa/residence permit as soon as you finalize your University. The process can be long and tedious.

Your typical academic year in Sweden is divided into two semesters—the autumn semester and the spring semester. The application deadline for the former lies somewhere around mid to end January while the latter has its deadline around mid to end August.

Unless you are enrolling your minor child in a school in Sweden the following is the process to apply for higher education in Sweden. Any applications you send will be passed through a portal (University Admission -  official website for international students who wish to apply for studies in Sweden) which will be then processed.

Tip: Remember, you must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University. Regularly practicing the English (for non-native speakers) would not hurt, either.

 

  1. If you are applying for a Bachelor’s programme in Sweden(three years):

    • The obvious first step would be to decide upon the perfect programme for you under your chosen discipline. As soon as you have fixed a particular programme the time comes for researching about the requirements of that programme, both general and specific. This is where you go back to your University’s official website. Once you have checked the requirements you must determine your eligibility. Depending in which semester you want to enter upon admission check the dates and deadlines. The usual route for application is online. This will include filling up of an online application form, submitting proof of eligibility (relevant documents), results of relevant language proficiency tests, documented proof of eligibility depending on specific programmes and an application fee of around 6550 INR. The limit for one round of application is 8 programmes.

    • Once you are done with the round of online filing of application(s) you need to exercise patience and await the notification of your acceptance (or a letter of rejection, as it may be) from the University. Your application will undergo perusal almost immediately after the deadline ends. The selection process is carried out by the specific University you have applied in based on certain criteria. Oftentimes, a visit to the official website of the university will reveal the aspects on which they judge an application on. May be not very obviously; you just need to play detective.

    • If it’s an acceptance letter that has come your way, you must pay the first instalment for the tuition and ensure that you have proof of payment as you will need it later. This step is excluded for EU/EEA/Nordic countries’ students.

    • Begin applying for the student visa at this point—the earlier the better. There are two visas that can be applied for in Sweden. One is for general tourism, and the second one is known as the residence permit which is for international students.

    • The final step will be sorting your affairs and booking your tickets. Make sure your diligence extends to this last step, too. Many times, the students make mistakes in reservations and regret later. Also make proper arrangements for when you reach Sweden so that there are no surprises when you land. Understand the basic local language and the ways of the Swedish people.

  2. Here’s what you need to do if you are interested in applying for a Master’s level programme in Sweden(may be one or two years): 

    • The first step for applying for a Master’s programme is not so different from the Bachelor’s programme. You need to decide which discipline you want to do your master’s in and fix a programme for yourself accordingly. Having a list of Universities in Sweden will prove to be a useful tool while browsing for your ideal programme as merely knowing your programme will not be enough; the University you decide to apply to must also be a perfect fit.

    • Understand your eligibility and the requirements from the official website of your University; the basic eligibility criterion is, of course, proficiency in English. So make sure you have your TOEFL/IELTS results handy. They happen twice a year, choose a date according to your convenience.

    • Apply (procedure and documentation as given above).

    • If you receive the acceptance letter by the due date, congratulations! Begin with applying for a residence permits, and make your arrangements.

  3. Finally, if it’s a PhD programme you want to go for:

    • First step is—this is getting repetitive—going to the official website of your chosen University to get a list of the PhD programmes they offer.
    • Requirements for qualification would include a university degree upto bachelor’s level or higher preferably continuing in the same discipline.
    • Applying for PhD programmes can be a bit technical and specific; best confer with the University itself.

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