According to COUNTRYAAH, Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe and stretches 1,600 km from north to south. The country is divided into 21 counties, which correspond to the old counties in Denmark. Sweden is one of the world’s most equal countries in terms of income distribution and has one of the world’s lowest levels of poverty. The balance between social equality and economic prosperity is central to the Swedish model of society, and similarities to the Danish model can thus be emphasized.
Higher education in Sweden
In Sweden, there are about 50 higher education institutions. Uppsala University from 1477 is the oldest university in the Nordic countries. In Sweden, all higher education is called higher education and includes educations at universities, colleges, technical colleges and nursing colleges (health educations).
The higher education institutions are divided into two main categories: Universities and colleges (colleges). What distinguishes the two types of institutions is that the universities typically offer educations in many subject areas and that they offer research educations. Some universities have been awarded a given research area and can thus also offer research education in this area.
The higher education programs are either organized in a defined educational program or composed of independent courses. The so-called profession-oriented educations such as physiotherapist, law, medicine and the technical educations typically have a fixed education program.
The stand-alone courses can range from 5 to 40 weeks. It is possible to combine different independent courses for an entire education of your choice within a set framework, which can be discussed with a study advisor. The students themselves are responsible for ensuring that the courses they combine lead to an entire education, which ends with an academic exam.
You can read more about higher education in Sweden at Study in Sweden and on the Nordic website
Nordic co-operation agreement
Denmark has entered into a co-operation agreement with the other Nordic countries on higher education. The agreement means that you as a Nordic citizen with a high school education can apply for a higher education in another Nordic country, e.g. Norway, on an equal footing with the country’s own applicants.
If you are already in education, and you want to continue your education in Sweden, you have the opportunity to have your exams transferred to your new place of education.
Degrees at university level
The following examination levels are available for higher education in Sweden:
- University degree, which can be taken after 2 years of study.
- Master’s degree, which corresponds to a bachelor’s degree and can be taken after 3 years of study.
- Master’s degree, which can be taken after 4 years of study.
- Master’s degree, which can be taken after 5 years of study.
- Vocational degree, which is a more complex course than a master’s degree and a master’s degree and takes between 2 and 5 years. Vocational exams cover more profession-oriented educations, e.g. physiotherapist, doctor or teacher.
- Licentiate and Doctoral degree. The researcher education extends from 2 to 4 years.
1 year of full-time studies corresponds to 60 higher education credits. The new points system is an adaptation to the European ECTS system. One year of full-time studies is thus 60 ECTS, a bachelor’s degree is 180 ECTS, and a master’s degree is 120 ECTS.
You can read more about university studies in Sweden here.
Application for higher education
The University and College Council specializes in applications from foreign students and conversion of foreign grades. Applications for higher education are made through antagning.se.
Admission requirements
There are two different types of admission requirements for higher education:
The general application requirements (grundläggande behörighet), which apply to most higher education programs. A Danish admission-granting education meets the general requirements.
The specific requirements (special eligibility) set by the individual programs, and which in many cases can be compared with the requirements set by Danish institutions for levels in specific upper secondary school subjects. At the University and College Council, you can get information about the specific requirements for admission.
Language proficiency
In order to be able to follow the subjects at the higher education institutions in Sweden, it is usually enough to have had the subjects Danish and English in an admission-granting education in Denmark. At Swedish educational institutions, you must also submit assignments in Danish.
A number of higher education institutions offer courses and courses in English. The Swedish Institute publishes a list of these training courses, which can be requested via the institute’s website.
Application deadlines
Since 2011/2012, there are now several application periods for the Swedish higher education programs, and as a Dane you can apply to a Swedish university or college twice per semester start. Read more at University Admissions.se.
Recognition of foreign education
If you have completed a publicly recognized education abroad, you can have it assessed by the Danish Agency for Research and Education.
Facts about Sweden
Population: 9.5 million. Stockholm is the biggest city in Sweden with total population of 1,515,128.
Language: Swedish
Employment: Unemployment is 8.1% (OECD, 2012). However, there are large regional differences.
Residence permit: Danish citizens do not have to apply for a work and residence permit in Sweden.
