Masters Study in Sweden - A Postgraduate Q&A

Interested in taking your Masters a little bit further? We sat down with Rachel Weiner of Study in Sweden to discuss what makes the country one of Europe's most unique and attractive study abroad destinations.

A postgraduate programme in Sweden is a great option for someone looking for something a bit different. We offer one-and two-year taught master's programmes - similar to the U.K. and other European countries - but a few things make us stand out.

First, Sweden is an incredibly innovative country - Stockholm is often referred to as "Europe's Silicon Valley". This is in large part due to our universities, which invest heavily in research and student entrepreneurship and are characterised by an informal, non-hierarchical culture where everyone contributes. This means that as a student, you'll develop the skills and confidence you need to embark on a meaningful career.

Finally, Sweden is a great country to live in. It's safe, clean, and beautiful, and everyone speaks English.

Swedish universities offer high-quality degrees across the spectrum of subject areas. A few that we're especially well-known for are engineering, environmental science, international relations/peace and conflict studies, design, business, natural resource management...I could go on!

I'd say a few things:

The informal academic environment. You'll call your professors by their first names and are expected to challenge and debate with them.

The independence. You have a lot of freedom to choose which of your interests to focus your studies and research on, and need to be self-motivated. Essentially, what you get out of your studies really depends on what you put in!

Quirky Swedish traits. While we Swedes may have a reputation for being morose and serious, we also have tonnes of holidays and zany traditions to discover and enjoy - from Midsummer celebrations under the midnight sun to an obsession with cinnamon buns and coffee to sharply sucking in air to say "yes". The perhaps craziest thing of all - which international students nearly always mention - is that buses here almost always come on time!

Doing a masters in Sweden is challenging, rewarding, and a lot of fun. Programmes tend to host a good mix of students from all over the world, so expect classmates with new perspectives, ideas and backgrounds.

Independent thought and critical thinking are central; you're expected to form and support your own arguments in dialogue with your professors and classmates. Most professors are also researchers, so expect the latest research to play an important role in your studies. Swedish universities also have strong ties to local industries, so you'll learn how your studies can be practically applied.

Work-life balance is important in Sweden, and there's also a lot to enjoy outside of the classroom! Whether you choose to study in a big city or a smaller town, you can expect a lively cultural and student life. And nature is always right around the corner - you'll have ample opportunities to hike, swim, boat, skate and ski during your time here.

Programmes last for one or two years. A two-year programme allows you to gain deeper insight into your field through additional coursework and a larger thesis.

Tuition fees in Sweden depend on citizenship. If you're a citizen of a European Union or European Economic Area county, you aren't required to pay any tuition fees.

Non-EU students do pay fees, which range from about SEK 85,000-135,000 ($9,220-14,640) per academic year.

There are indeed scholarships available, in three general categories: Swedish government scholarships, university scholarships, and scholarships from other sources.

Swedish government scholarships are available for students from developing countries - read more about them at the Swedish Institute's website.

All Swedish universities offer scholarships to international students. You can read about these on the universities' individual websites.

Other scholarships include scholarships from foundations, organizations, other national governments, and other sources.

Yes! Over 900 programmes are taught in English in Sweden. Just take a look at our website for all available courses. A number of programmes in various languages are also listed here on FindAMasters.com.

There are great opportunities available for students to learn Swedish during their studies. All universities offer language classes for international students, and it's also possible to take free courses arranged by municipalities. Many universities also arrange activities like buddy programmes and tandem partner arrangements to help students learn more of the language.

A challenge can be that as nearly all Swedes speak English, they're excited to speak it with international students and often switch - so be persistent when trying to practice!

A good amount of postgraduates do stay on, as Sweden is a great place to work.

Non-EU students can apply to extend their student residence permit for up to six months to look for work after graduating. If they do find a position, they can easily apply for a work permit to stay on.

A piece of advice for students looking to work in Sweden after their studies is to learn good Swedish! While nearly everyone in the country speaks English, Swedish is required for most jobs.