FREE TUITION UNIVERSITIES IN EUROPE: Free Tuition Universities in Sweden

Up until 2010, Sweden has been one of the few countries in Europe that has not charged any types of fees. Students tuition (undergraduate, graduate and post graduate ) regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity have been funded by Swedish taxpayers.

In the year 2010, the Swedish Government via its parliament has passed a law that charges tuition and application fees for students from non-EU/EEA countries starting from 2011/2012 academic year. Higher education in Sweden is funded by taxes and is therefore free for Swedish citizens. As a member of the European Union, the rules for Swedes also apply to citizens of other EU countries For non-EU/EEA, the fees will be set by the institutions themselves. They will cover the full cost of studies. Therefore the fee levels may vary depending on the type of course and institution, and in what part of Sweden the course is given. For students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, there will be an application fee of SEK 900 starting with autumn semester 2011.

However these fees are to be supplemented by Swedish Scholarship Programs. Before this law Sweden has been one of the few countries in Europe where you can study for free. Global competition for talent is increasing sharply and the government wants Swedish universities to compete on equal terms with universities in other countries. In the last decade, the number of foreign students has more than tripled, totaling 36,000 in 2008 / 2009. The government now wants to reallocate some of this money to award higher education institutions that show particular excellence. It is important to note that students who started a program before tuition fees are introduced will be able to complete their studies according to the rules of the old system and students who take part in an exchange between a Swedish university and university in their home country will not be subject to Swedish tuition fees.

Hence forth according to the law, there are no government- mandated tuition free universities in Sweden. Nevertheless despite the law being in place, a significant number of Swedish Universities still offer scholarships (both full and partial scholarships) in the form of tuition waivers for international students. As a member of the European Union, the rules for Swedes also apply to citizens of other EU or EEA countries, and Switzerland. Exchange students are also exempt from fees, as their studies are regulated by agreements between Swedish and foreign universities. Thus, the new rules apply only to free movers from outside the EU/EEA studying at the bachelor’s or master’s level. PhD programs will continue to be tuition-free. Gaining admission to PhD programs in Sweden is very competitive. Studying for a master’s degree in Sweden gives you a chance to show that you can excel in your studies, which will make it easier for you to gain admission to a PhD program at a Swedish university.

As these non-EU/EEA students add value to the Swedish educational system and are an attractive talent base, the government introduced two scholarship programs. These scholarships are available to Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

Starting in 2011, one of the scholarship programs was endowed with SEK 30 million per year, and was aimed at students from countries with which Sweden already has long-term development co-operations. These countries are Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

Another scholarship program was administered by universities directly and is open to all students from outside the EU/EEA. The budget was about SEK 30 million (€ 3 million) for 2011, and was increased to about SEK 60 million for 2012. There is prospect for a possible increase in 2013.

This will give qualified students who lack the appropriate funding the continued opportunity to study in Sweden. Additionally, foreign students subject to fees and with a residence permit of at least one year would be fully insured through the national health care system.

Swedish despite having a total population no bigger than a large city, Swedish car brand such as Volvo are known around the world. The present day Sweden is known for its sense of social justice and fairness: is has the highest level of wealth equality in the world, publically funded healthcare is available for all, homosexual couples enjoy the same rights as heterosexual ones, and it enjoys one the world’s lowest gender pay gaps. Sweden It is a big step to study abroad, and the options are almost limitless.

Swedish universities have an open climate, with a strong focus on group work. This will give you valuable skills for the future. The global job market values ambitious, innovative and perceptive team players. Swedish universities foster these qualities through a forward-thinking culture where you’re close to the latest ideas and trends. Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Sweden is also the home of the Nobel Prize, the world’s most prestigious academic distinction.

Currently, some 30,000 foreign students are studying in Sweden, making for a vibrant, international study environment. Swedish master’s degree programmes offer unique opportunities to turn theory into practice. Many programmes also cooperate closely with the industry, offering students the possibility to mix study and practical work. This gives you distinct advantages over your peers when entering the job market. Sweden having striking northern European beauty, and free tuition for EU students (fees for non-EU students were introduced recently), Studying in Sweden is a haven of delight for academic. Sweden is a nation which has always punched well above its weight.

As a student in Sweden, you will have ample opportunity to make new friends. A good part of your social life will revolve around your student union. The union can often help you with finding accommodation and other practical matters. Do make sure you are covered by adequate health insurance while in Sweden.

The next question that should be bordering your mind at the moment is the Big Question, what are the universities like? As you’d expect from a nation whose economy is driven by science and technology, quality universities are bound to exist!

Sweden has three universities in the top 100 and eleven in the top 500 of the 2010 edition of the Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Five of its eight ranked institutions make the top 200 of the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings, led by Lund University and Uppsala University at 71 and 81. Beyond the ranked institutions, the Karolinska Institute, a specialist medical school, and the Stockholm School of Economics are both highly regarded in their field.

Another question that I think will be bordering your mind at the moment is does Swedish university offer scholarship. I guess that is the basic thing most people consider when applying for oversee studies.

The following Universities has Scholarships for Students

Kristianstad University

Located in the Oresund region, Kristianstad University is mid-size with about 12,000 students. The college has a full campus and guarantees student housing. Partnered with 30 different schools, Kristianstad offers various study abroad opportunities. Its 35 programs include IT and data work, finance, technology, education and health care.

Kristianstad University
291 88 Kristianstad
+46-44-20-30-00
Website: www.hkr.se/

Chalmers University
Chalmers can offer over 90 scholarships to all students including citizens from non-EU/EEA countries. Applications for scholarships are automatically considered against all Master’s programmes applied for at Chalmers (when the field of study is unrestricted). Scholarship value ranges from 75-100% tuition fee reduction while some scholarship offer stipend for living expenses.
http://www.chalmers.se/en

Gotland Universty
Gotland University offers scholarships in the form of tuition forgiveness to the value of SEK120,000 each. The scholarships are open to all students without regards to gender, race, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, assuming all academic requirements are complete.

Website: http://www.hgo.se/

Dalarna University
Dalarna University tuition fee waivers are available to citizens of all non-EU/EEA countries (except for some countries) who are required to pay tuition fees for studies at Dalarna University (DU).

Website: http://www.du.se

University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg Study Scholarship is aimed at applicants who have to pay tuition fees for their studies at the University. Depending on what programme you apply to, the scholarship will cover half or more of the fee for the whole study programme.

Website: http://www.gu.se

Karlstad University
The Karlstad University Global Scholarship programme is aiming at top academic students from countries outside the European Union/European Economic Area (and Switzerland) who are required to pay tuition fees for studies. Scholarships cover 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the tuition fees.

Website: http://www.kau.se

Blekinge Institute of Technology

BTH scholarship programme for prospective students is available for citizens from non-EU/EEA countries who are required to pay tuition fees for Swedish university education. This scholarship programme offers scholarships covering tuition fees in part or in full.

Website: http://www.bth.se

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

The tuition fee waivers will be available for students from non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries who apply for a Master’s programme. Though in limited number, It is aimed at especially qualified students and they are granted on the basis of academic excellence. If granted a scholarship, the tuition fee will be waived for the total length of the programme which is either 1 year/60 ECTS or 2 years/120 ECTS.

Website: http://www.kth.se/en

Lulea University of Technology

Lulea University of Technology conducts research in the disciplines of science, humanities and the social sciences. The university offers a full range of summer courses as well as bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees. Lulea offers Sweden's only master's degree in space technology. Programs also focus on technology in the media, such as video game development, studio musicianship and sound engineering. Lulea University offers a wide range of traditional courses of study such as education.

Luela University of Technology
971 87 Lulea
+46-09-20-49-10-00
Fax: +46-09-20-49-13-99
www.ltu.se/

The Lund University

Lund University is located in Lund but has some facilities in the towns of Helsingborg and Skane. One of Scandinavia's premier research universities and its largest, Lund offers 315 different programs as well as bachelor's, master's and post graduate degrees. The school also offers web-based courses. Lund's programs and courses are similar to a large university in the United States, offering a full range of studies throughout the sciences, social sciences, humanities, liberal arts and history.

The Lund University Global Scholarship Programme is targeted at top academic students who are citizens of countries from outside the European Union/European Economic Area (and Switzerland). Scholarships covers up to 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the tuition fee. The scholarship value is deducted from the tuition fee of the programme or free-standing course for which you are awarded a scholarship.
Lund University
Application and Admission
Admissions Department
+46-46-222-93-00
E-mail: lant@stu.lu.se
www.lu.se/ OR

http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se

Stockholm University
The scholarship scheme at Stockholm University is aimed at especially qualified students admitted for Master programmes coming from countries outside of EU/EEA/Switzerland and who are required to pay tuition fees. Stockholm University scholarships cover tuition fees only, which means that students will need to cover their own living costs.

Website: http://www.su.se

Umeå University

Umeå University offers a limited number of scholarships to students from outside the EU/EEA. Scholarships are based on merit and open only to students applying for a Master’s degree programme and students who have Umeå University as first preference at Universityadmissions.se. If granted a scholarship, it will include a full or partial reduction of the tuition fee.

Website: http://www.umu.se/english

Again I know that one would ask about the cost of living in Sweden?

The amount of money that you need to have to cover your cost of living is SEK 7,300 per month. This amount is set by the Swedish Migration Board and you will need to show that you can cover this cost for the duration of your study permit.

The total cost will be one to three years of tuition fees (depending on the study program), plus one to three years of the required amount to cover your living expenses, i.e. SEK 73,000 per year (calculated for ten months).

What makes Sweden Different

The standards are high

All education standards are assessed and maintained by the Swedish Higher Education Authority and by the institutions them selves. Swedish universities are renowned for their investigative research and independent thinking, and this reputation is cemented with nationally certified degrees and rigorous quality control. Sweden has one of the most ambitious educational evaluation programmes in the world, aimed at maintaining the system’s competitive edge. Many programmes offer close cooperation between academia and industry, giving you a distinct advantage over your peers when entering the job market.

Dynamic and Independent Educational Authorities

Swedish universities are independent authorities. This makes them nimble and flexible, able to quickly offer new courses that answer to the changing needs of students and labour markets. The result is an internationally relevant array of courses to choose from.

Sweden has a student-centric educational system, with open, informal relations between students and teachers, where personal initiative and critical thought are prized. Teaching is often done in small groups, which encourages dialogue and collaboration, and teachers are accessible outside lecture hours. This informal atmosphere is designed to promote social as well as intellectual development.

Many programmes offer close cooperation between academia and industry, giving you a distinct advantage over your peers when entering the job market. Student input is unusually strong in Sweden. Universities are obliged to conduct student evaluations after every course. This tends to produce results.

Strong Research Links

Sweden is one of the world's most committed investors in basic research; spending in the field of research amounts to almost 3.6 percent of GDP to research and development, making Sweden the top-ranking country in the EU in that respect. What further distinguishes Sweden is the high proportion of university-based research, which makes possible a strong connection between research and education. Lecturers are encouraged to pursue research and to continuously develop their skills, while professors regularly teach - even at introductory levels. Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Sweden is also the home of the Nobel Prize, the world’s most prestigious academic distinction.

High proportion of Women and Adult Students

The large proportion of adult students makes university environments refreshingly ageless. Everyone, regardless of age, can feel at home at a Swedish university. Over fifty percent of university students are women. The Swedish Higher Education Authority annually awards a prize to the university that best promotes equality. Among teachers, men still dominate, but the proportion of female instructors and professors is growing. Many students are professionals or have left behind one career and are preparing for the next one.

Many students from abroad and English is spoken by all

Many students studying in Sweden come from abroad – approximately 20% of new students – making Sweden one of the world’s most inclusive countries for education. There are now PhD candidates from some 80 countries working towards their degrees in Sweden. Sweden’s educational policy is based on the recognition that a multicultural student body is a resource. There are services designed to make guest students feel at home. Almost all Swedes speak fluent English. Many Swedish companies use English as their official working language. International students find that this prevalence of English makes adapting to their new surroundings all the easier. Most courses are taught in Swedish. However, a large number of courses and programs at master’s level are taught entirely in English because institutions want to be able to attract foreign as well as national students.

Below is comprehensive list of most of the Universities in Sweden

Dalarna University

Stockholm School of Economics

Stockholm University

Södertörn University

Umeå University

University of Borås

University of Gothenburg

University of Gävle

University of Skövde

University West

Uppsala University

Örebro University

Blekinge Institute of Technology

Chalmers

Gotland University (Wind Power Project Management)

Halmstad University

Jönköping International Business School

Jönköping University

Karlstad University

Karolinska Institutet

Kristianstad University

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Linköping University

Linnaeus University

Luleå University of Technology

Lund University

Malmö University

Mid Sweden University

Mälardalen University

Working in Sweden

More liberal Swedish labour migration laws came into force in December 2008, making it much easier to move to Sweden for work for non-EU citizens. This also applies to students. If you have received a job offer after you have finished your studies you are allowed to stay in Sweden to work. Also, there is no set quota for work permits for foreign citizens.

You will probably need to get a residence permit or visa, maybe even before you arrive in Sweden. To get a residence permit, you need to show you have sufficient funds to pay for living expenses in Sweden. But there are ways in which you can lessen the financial strain: Sweden allows students to work for the duration of their studies.

You are allowed to work alongside your studies. Please note, however, that for the visa application, you will need to show that you have sufficient funding to cover your living expenses for the duration of your study permit, excluding the summer break (SEK 7,300 per month, during the semester, i.e. SEK 73,000 per year). In other words, you cannot rely on being able to work alongside your studies to cover your living expenses.

If you are enrolled at a Swedish university or university college you can work in Sweden during the course of your studies without a work permit. You do, however, need a residence permit if you stay for longer than three months.

This depends very much on the subject you have studied. Students that have a job when their student permit expires can easily change this into a work permit. Also, there is no set quota for work permits for foreign citizens. See the current labor shortage list to find out which skills are in demand.

Nordic, EU and EEA citizens are allowed to reside and work in Sweden without a work and residence permit, but need to register at the Swedish Migration Board.

See more at: http://www.studyinsweden.se

Ranking list according to the THE–QS World University Rankings:

Institution	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Chalmers University of Technology (Chalmers tekniska högskola)	110	166	147	197	162	198	204	226
University of Gothenburg (Göteborgs universitet)	-	190	-	-	-	185	183	212
Karolinska Institute (Karolinska Institutet)	-	-	-	-	-	-	43	32
Lund University (Lunds universitet)	171	180	122	106	88	67	72	80
Royal Institute of Technology (Kungliga Tekniska högskolan)	122	196	172	192	173	174	150	187
Stockholm University (Stockholms universitet)	139	-	-	-	-	-	129	131
Uppsala University (Uppsala universitet)	140	180	111	71	63	75	62	87
Umeå University (Umeå universitet)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	222

For Membership based Scholarship opportunity that will stand the test of time, please visit

Helping Hands International (H2i)

You can check out this as well, if you really want to be financially free to offset tuition fee where applicable.
http://www.tripleclicks.com/13074984

Disclaimer:

This pieces of information provided herein are based on research across the internet. Despite strong effort to avail you with accurate information, the university and authorities concern can alter, update, and remove information at any time so I suggest you always contact relevant authorities and individual institutions concerned for latest and more specific information. Therefore I shall not be held liable for misuse, misapplication and misinterpretation of information contained herein.