Everything you need to know about the specifics of studying for a bachelor's degree in Sweden: the education process, costs, universities and prospects after graduation.
Bachelor’s programs in Sweden attract a large number of international students every year. This popularity can be attributed not only to the prevalence of English proficiency among the Swedish population, but also to Swedish educational institutions offering more than 100 programs in English. Swedish universities have also gained recognition for their interdisciplinary courses, including fields like bioinformatics and nanotechnology. As a result, the higher education system in Sweden is widely regarded as one of the strongest in Europe.
List of universities and bachelor's program costs in Sweden
#129 QS Rankings#189 THE Rankings#401-500 ARWU Rankings
from21,000USD
Key aspects of bachelor’s programs in Sweden
Bachelor’s studies in Sweden are referred to as Kandidatexamen and span three years (equivalent to 180 ECTS). It's important to differentiate these programs from Högskoleexamen offerings, which only last two years and don't equate to a full bachelor's degree[1].
The academic year is divided into two semesters: autumn and spring. The autumn semester begins in late August and ends in mid-January, while spring classes extend from late January to June.
Swedish universities present a diverse array of individual courses, enabling students to tailor their education to their preferences. For instance, a sociology major might opt for a macroeconomics course, providing a chance to acquire knowledge across various fields of study.
Universities and colleges in Sweden employ two distinct grading scales. The first, ranging from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), is common at technical universities. The second scale is used for other disciplines and consists of three assessment levels: U (Underkänd) — fail, G (Godkänd) — pass, and VG (Väl godkänd) — pass with honors.
Swedish universities maintain the conventional lecture and seminar format, but in some aspects this may seem unusual. Education in Sweden is designed not only for knowledge acquisition, but also active student participation in the learning process. Instead of lectures and seminars, the primary mode of instruction revolves around individual or group projects, fostering adept problem-solving. This approach strengthens the understanding of theoretical concepts through practical application.
Examinations are held at the end of semesters, taking the form of written or oral assessments. Some courses substitute exams with individual or group projects, evaluated using the same grading scale as exams.
Swedish universities allow students six attempts to pass a subject, with retakes not necessarily coinciding with the same session period as the exam. This leniency offers negligent students more chances to remain enrolled. However, accumulating academic debts can substantially impede progress, leading to further setbacks.
Approximately 20% of students are expelled from Swedish universities[2]. The causes encompass challenges posed by program complexity and student motivation, with financial constraints being a prominent factor. Education in Sweden is relatively expensive, and monthly living expenses amount to around 765-1 USD USD[3], nearly double that of many other European nations.
Prospects after studying in Sweden
Employment
Sweden boasts a mere 6.6% unemployment rate among individuals aged 25 to 34[4]. Employers here perceive diplomas as more than formal certificates; they represent a testament to the skills and capabilities of an applicant. Grades are carefully considered, underscoring the importance of excelling in subjects to increase chances of successful employment in Sweden. Furthermore, graduates possess genuine opportunities for employment in EU countries or the United States. Degrees from Swedish universities hold global esteem: Stockholm University and the Royal University of Technology secured spots within the top 100 in the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24[5].
Master’s programs
Should a graduate choose to pursue further studies, maintaining high academic standards remains advantageous. Swedish universities evaluate applicants based on GPA and, depending on the institution and program, may require a research project proposal.
Master's programs in Sweden are categorized into Masterexamen and Magisterexamen. Masterexamen lasts for two years, amounting to 120 credits and signifying the completion of the second stage of higher education as per the Bologna system. Two-year master's programs are only offered by research-oriented universities and institutes. On the other hand, Magisterexamen programs span one year, culminating in 60 credits and focusing on practical specialization[6]. Irrespective of the type, all master's students must submit a dissertation upon program completion.
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