Academic System

The active participation of Sweden in Bologna Process has made this country an attractive destination for foreign students. Today, Sweden's higher education system is famous all over the world for its high quality research and training programs in undergraduate and graduate courses. Higher education and research take place at 14 state universities and 22 state university colleges.

The higher education system is divided into three study levels: a Bachelors Degree with a duration of three years, Masters Degree of one to two years and Doctorate degree of four years. Subjects taught are measured through a credit point system. There are a total of 60 credits per academic year. The academic year comprises of two terms, the Autumn term (mid August to mid January) and the Spring term (mid January to beginning June). Both Swedish and English are used as the language of instruction. All higher education institutions except the University of Agricultural Sciences fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and are state funded.

Accomodation

In Sweden, there is no national organization that handles student accommodation services. However, some student unions assist in providing for suitable accommodation for international students. Universities offer rooms to only a small number of such rooms are available. There are some student-housing providers who are engaged in arranging for suitable accommodation for students. Students can rent independent flat but these can prove to be a bit expensive. Student rooms and shared flats are other options available for students. These rooms are well-furnished, equipped with all facilities and far cheaper than single flats. Accommodation varies largely according to the area. A large number of accommodation are available in smaller and mid-sized cities in comparison to bigger cities.

Climate

About fifteen percent of Sweden lies in the Arctic Circle. During summers, sunlight lasts for 24 hours and there are a few hours of semi-darkness. During winters, sunlight lasts for a few hours and every day darkness prevails for the rest of the time.

The Northern region of Sweden experiences a continental climate. The temperature fluctuates from season to season. Summers are warm and sunny and winters are very cold.

The central region of the country is extremely cold. This region receives snowfall for approximately eight months every year and mostly temperature remains below freezing point.

In the Southern part, the severity of winters varies from year to year. There is irregular snowfall and precipitation falls throughout the year. Here, summers are mild and there is heavy rainfall in the months of May and June

Visa Regulations

An International student must have a valid visa before entering Sweden. If a student wants to pursue a course for a duration of three months then a visa is sufficient but if the duration of the course is more than three months then the student must get a residence permit. While applying for a residence permit, students must show their ability to fund their studies as well as the cost of living in the country. A permit is issued either for the complete course duration or for one year whichever is less. The Residence permit is renewed every year on the condition that students receive the minimum number of credits required to be promoted to the next session. The Swedish government has not placed restriction on foreign students working while studying and no work permit is required. There is no restriction on the number of working hours either.

Public Transport

The transportation system in Sweden is very well developed, advanced and highly organised. All major airlines have direct and indirect connections to most countries of the world. Domestic airlines are connected to larger as well as smaller cities and towns. The railway network is modern and extensive. It extends all over the country and is also connected to the other means of transportation. The bus network is the widest and the cheapest network in Sweden. It is comfortable, reliable and safe. Buses covers almost every part of the country including remote areas where the air and rail network cannot reach. Sweden is also connected to different European cities of other European countries through its bus network. In fact, buses can be called the lifeline of the country.

National holidays

Capital City Stockholm Population 9,031,088 Area 449,964 sq km Currency Name Swedish Krona Languages Swedish Calling Code +46 Timezone (GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna