About Swedish courses

ECTS credits

Sweden uses hogskolepoang credits (higher education credits), which are compatible with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). One year of full-time study is worth 60 ECTS.

If you want to study in Sweden at the first, undergraduate level, you'll find that the number of courses you can study in English are limited. If you speak Swedish, then you'll find it easier to locate a degree programme.

You will have two degree options at the first level: the hogskoleexamen, which requires two years of study and is worth 120 ECTS; and the kandidatexamen bachelor's degree, which takes three years and amounts to 180 ECTS credits.Bachelor's requirements: Successful completion of an upper secondary school education. Universities and university colleges will usually need recognised proof of language proficiency before you're accepted onto a course.

At the second (master's) level, you can either take a masterexamen, which is a two-year master's course worth 120 ECTS credits; or a magisterexamen, a one-year master's degree worth 60 ECTS credits.Master's requirements: Three years at either a Swedish higher education institution or the international equivalent e.g. three-year bachelor's degree (180 credits).

At the third (doctoral) level, you will need to fund the entire length of your course, or you'll need a postgraduate studentship or study grant to fund your course. You can acquire a licentiatexamen, or degree of licentiate, after two years of research. This is worth 120 ECTS credits. You can also choose a doktorsexamen, or PhD, after fours years of study. This is worth 240 ECTS credits. You'll need to complete a thesis, or final degree dissertation.

PhD requirements: If you're thinking of studying for a PhD in Sweden, it might be worth preparing with a master's in Sweden first. Competition for PhDs and research positions is fierce, and you'll need to be dedicated to your chosen subject. You'll be expected to produce original research and work on your own initiative.

Language requirements

For English-language courses in Sweden, you will need official proof of proficiency in English. A good TOEFL score or IELTS score will be sufficient, but check with your chosen institution. If you intend to study in Swedish, then you'll need proficiency to upper-secondary level before you commence your studies, and you may need to prove it with a TISUS test score.

Course structure in Sweden

The academic year in Sweden is split into two terms: autumn term from August to January, and spring term from January to June. The amount of classroom or taught hours at an institution varies depending on the course chosen. An arts degree, for example, may involve up to 15 hours of study per week whereas a technical or science subject could total 40 hours per week. Science subjects may involve substantial time in a laboratory.

Courses involve a mixture of lectures and seminars, and examinations comprise written and oral tests. Some courses require projects, lab work and written reports.

Tuition fees

If you are not from the EU, EEA or Switzerland then you will have to pay for your bachelor's or master's degree in Sweden. PhD programmes are tuition-free.

The application fee paid through the Studera.nu site will cost you SEK 900. Tuition fees are set by each institution, but can vary between 80,000-130,000 SEK each academic year. It's best to check fee amounts with your chosen institution. Swedish institutions will also be extending the amount of scholarships available to international students who are not from EU-EEA countries.

Check current application and tuition fees for undergraduate courses and master's courses.

If you're applying for a residence permit, you'll need to show that you have sufficient funds for your yearly living expenses in addition to any tuition fees.