Higher education in Sweden
Levels and credits
As of July 1, 2007, a new structure of higher education was introduced in Sweden. The new structure consists of three levels of higher education (basic level, advanced level and graduate level). Each level requires and is based on completion of a programme at the previous level.
Another change was the introduction of a new system of credits. In the new system one year of full-time study for 40 weeks correspond to 60 higher education credits. The number of higher education credits awarded for each course will be determined on the basis of the work normally required to attain the course objectives. The objectives of every course describe the expected learning outcomes for the students.
Financing
Higher education in Sweden is free of charge for students within the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Students from these countries pay no tuition fees. Students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland have to pay tuition fees. However, exchange students from partner universities does not have to pay any tuition fees.
There are no funds within Karolinska Institutet to support international students. You will have to finance your stay in Sweden by means of funding from your home country or private funds. Exchange students are supposed to cover their costs in Sweden by for example grants from exchange programmes such as Nordplus, Erasmus or Linnaeus-Palme. A feasible monthly budget for a student in Stockholm is 8,000 SEK at minimum.
Student unions
Student unions in Sweden have traditionally played an important role in university life, and are ofte very influential forces at the universities. At Karolinska Institutet there are two student unions, arranging traditional student activities such as parties, theatre and sports.
The student unions also represent students at Karolinska Institutet in decision-making bodies at the university. As an exchange student you can become a member of one of the student unions at Karolinska Institutet by paying a fee of approximately 200 SEK per semester.
More information
You can find more information on higher education in Sweden on the website of the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education, the public authority that oversees higher education institutions in Sweden.
