University studies in Sweden

Studying a programme in Sweden usually means taking a number of short courses within the framework of your main subject, for example economics, arts or sciences. These short courses lead to a degree. Programmes vary in length, but most programmes taught in English are two-year master’s programmes. There are also individual courses, called single subject courses,  that are offered in English.

Two terms

The academic year in Sweden is divided into two terms. The autumn term starts on September 1 and continues until the middle of January, with a short break at the end of December. The spring term lasts from the middle of January until the beginning of June.

The credit system

In order to obtain a residence permit, you must study full-time. Full-time studies correspond to 30 Higher Educational Credits (hec) per term. 1.5 hec corresponds to one week's studies (40 hours).

Swedish higher education institutions have a degree structure that conforms to the Bologna Process, a European-wide standardisation initiative for higher education.

About the 2007 Higher Education Reform

Study in Sweden

General degrees

Universities and university colleges

There are two types of institution in Sweden that offer higher education: universities and university colleges. The difference between them is that universities do not only offer courses at first and second cycle, but also at third cycle, since they have the right to grant doctoral degrees. Certain university colleges also have the right to grant doctoral degrees, but only in a particular field, for example technology.