Study Abroad in Sweden
What to Know Before You Study Abroad in Sweden
Sweden’s reputation as an innovative, progressive country extends to its education system, which is widely considered one of the best in Europe. Each year nearly 40,000 international students study at Swedish colleges or universities.
One of Sweden’s biggest academic attractions is certainly its free tuition, available to both domestic and international students. This is part of the government’s initiative to foster an educated society. The result is a relaxed — even informal — system where student achievement is prized above all else.
Colleges vs. Universities
If you are thinking about studying abroad in Sweden, you need to know the difference between a college and a university.
A college is generally an undergraduate institution offering bachelor’s, master’s and professional degrees (no doctorates). Colleges are focused on teaching rather than research.
Universities, however, award undergraduate degrees as well as doctorates and emphasize comprehensive research. They are typically more rigorous than colleges and offer a wider variety of disciplines. Nonetheless, the quality of education remains consistently high among both types of institution.
Colleges and universities share a unique grading scale in which students receive a mark of G (pass) or VG (pass with distinction), with G allowing for gradations such as G+ and G-. Some vocational and technical institutes use a graduated 3,4,5 system, in which 5 represents superior achievement.
Sweden’s academic calendar is split into two terms: the autumn term is mid-August to mid-January, while the spring term is mid-January to June. Most schools also observe a two-week Christmas break.
What to Expect in a Swedish Classroom
Many students choose a study abroad program in Sweden because the country has a tradition of democratic education. Professors respect students as equals, and socializing outside of class is not uncommon. Classes tend to be brief and conversational, with frequent exams. Students evaluate their professors at the conclusion of a course.
Most classes cater to either Swedish or English languages, although some undergraduate academic studies require applicants to demonstrate basic proficiency in the former. This is achieved by the Test in Swedish for University Studies (TISUS); students should contact their university admissions office for further details.
Yes, the free tuition may catch your eye. It is the country’s emphasis on higher education, however, that will make you give the prospect of studying abroad in Sweden an even closer look.
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