Sweden is a beautiful country in its own right, but that’s certainly not the main reason students are flocking to the country for their higher education.

Over the years, universities in the country have been steadily building their reputation as great educational providers that prepare students for the future.

If you are a student hoping to pursue your higher education in Europe, here are 11 reasons why Sweden can be a great option for you.

Affordable tuition and low living expenses

While the tuition in Sweden varies from university to university, the average fee for a master’s program is USD 14,500/year. The bachelor’s programs are generally less expensive.

For an idea of the range of tuition fees for various subjects, have a look at these figures.

Social Sciences and Humanities: USD 9,000 – 12,500/year

Engineering, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences: USD 13,500 – 16,000/year

Architecture and Design: USD 21,500 – 30,500 /year

An average monthly student budget is about USD 900 per month. Of course, your costs will vary depending on where you live and your personal preferences.

The university application fee is $100.

Scholarships abound!

The Swedish government has put aside funds specifically for two scholarship programs. Students can apply for scholarships based on their financial situation, nationality and merit. These grants, which are set aside by the Swedish government, greatly increase your chances of getting a scholarship to pursue the program of your choice.

Several Swedish universities offer a range of different scholarship programs for international students to help cover tuition fees or living costs.

Work while you study

You will be able to work while you study in Sweden. Part-time jobs are available and there are consultancies that will help you find these jobs.

While there is no limit to the number of hours an international student can work for, it is important to set aside adequate hours to study and work on assignments.

Work after you complete your studies

If you wish to work after you complete your higher studies, you can apply to extend your residence permit to give yourself more time to look for work. Sweden gives you at least 6 months to do this. The work permit is Schengen in nature, so you will be able to look for work anywhere within the European Union.

 Learn skills for a global career

Many degree programs in Sweden include internships, which are a great way to get real-world experience while also enabling you to build your professional network.

Sweden is home to some of the largest number of MNCs in the world. Several leading companies such as IKEA, TetraPak, Volvo, Ericsson, AstraZeneca and H&M are from Sweden. An internship or full-time position at any of these companies is sought after by most students.

Swedish universities focus on helping you learn skills that you will need to succeed in a global career. Specifically, these universities foster creativity along with other in-demand skills such as how to combine theory and practice, and how to navigate complex uncertain situations.

Great quality education at some of the best universities in the world

Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence. Despite its relatively small population, it’s home to some of the world’s best universities. The entire Swedish higher education system is ranked as one of the best in the world. Several Swedish universities are ranked by the Times Higher Education and the Academic Ranking of World Universities as being among the world’s best.

Home to the Nobel Prize, it comes as no surprise that many of the professors at Swedish universities are very well qualified. The majority of these professors have quite a few research papers under their belts. You know that as a student, you will be in good hands and can count on receiving a great education by global standards.

Innovative learning

Universities in Sweden free students from outdated and inefficient rote learning. Swedish education is designed to train the world’s future problem solvers and leaders.

With a strong emphasis on sustainability, students are encouraged to develop a holistic way of looking at problems, while thinking creatively to arrive at solutions to these problems.

One of the ways this is done, is by reducing the number of classroom sessions to four days a week, while students are encouraged to spend the rest of their time in group sessions, researching in the library and working on assignments.

Abundant natural beauty and emphasis on sustainability

The university campuses in Sweden are exceedingly beautiful!

Sweden’s efforts in environmental conservation, which earned it the title of the most sustainable country, has ensured that the country continues to be as beautiful as it was, while several other countries become urban jungles.

Diversity

Universities in Sweden are renowned for their cultural and social diversity. This is far from surprising considering ‘Business Insider’ named Sweden as the most equal country in the world.

Programs taught in English

Sweden regularly ranks as one of the top countries in the world for non-native speakers of English.

Courses are taught in English, so you won’t have to worry about problems arising from a lack of knowledge of the Swedish language. In fact, the Swedish people you meet outside the university are comfortable speaking English as well.

Great quality of life

Sweden is clean and safe, and the standard of living is high.

Sweden’s public transport – extensive network of buses, trains, subways, trams, boats, planes and more – can take you anywhere you want to go, car-free.

The Swedish welfare system brings many benefits to employees. These include free healthcare, sick leave, child care, education and 18 months of paid parental leave for each child. There are also state subsidies in a range of areas to ensure that the quality of life is exceptional.