9 easy steps for applying to Stockholm University

Dreaming of studying in Stockholm? Check out our handy guide on applying for admission to Stockholm University. But don't delay -- the deadline is fast approaching.

Published: Mon 14 Dec 2015 11:32 CEST
9 easy steps for applying to Stockholm University
Stockholm University's Aula Magna. File photo: Orasis/Stockholm University

Stockholm was recently ranked the best student city in the Nordics - and the reasons for studying in Sweden's capital are as diverse as they are convincing.

Applications to international courses and programmes at Sweden's largest institute of higher education - Stockholm University - are on the rise. And now application deadlines are rolling around again. January 15th is the deadline for applications from students outside of the EU.

So how do you join the party? What should you think about when applying to university in the capital of Scandinavia? Here's your guide in nine simple steps.

1. Choose your own adventure

The options are countless. Well, almost. Stockholm University is home to more than 70 different master's programmes taught in English as well as plenty of free-standing courses, so there really is something for everyone.

Language typology and linguistic diversity, Atmospheric Sciences, Population Health, Fashion Studies, Geomatics, Open E-Government, Urban and Regional Planning - the choice is yours!

2. Make a list and check it twice

Once you've chosen your programme, make sure you fulfil both the general requirements for studying, and any special requirements for the programme or course you are interested in.

To apply to a master's programme the general requirement is that you should have a bachelor's degree and fulfil the English proficiency requirement.

Some programmes may require a bachelor's degree within a certain field, or a certain type of thesis or degree project completed. You may also have to send in copies of papers, grades, or degrees. The best thing you can do is start off by checking the universityadmissions.se website – write down everything you need to send in.

3. Prove your English

Make sure you have your English proficiency documentation ready. Since the courses are held in English, you will need proof of your linguistic capability to get in.

You can demonstrate that you meet the English language requirement through certain upper secondary (high school) studies, certain university studies, or an internationally approved English test.

Approved English test; an IELTS score (Academic) of 6.5 or more (with no section scoring below 5.5), a TOEFL score of 575 or more (internet-based 90), or a Cambridge/Oxford Certificate on the Advanced or Proficiency level. . 

4. Get online

The application process in high-tech Sweden is streamlined – meaning it's basically all online. Your one-stop shop for university admissions in Sweden is, conveniently, universityadmissions.se. All international students, regardless of nationality, should apply on the website.

You can create an account using your email address, though if you have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) you should use that.

Once you're signed up you can use the search tool to find your programme, click ”add” and then "to application", arrange your courses in order of priority (if you're interested in more than one), send it in, and start uploading your documents to the server.

5. Make it official

Before sending or scanning in all your documents, make sure that they're certified if they need to be. Certain documents must be signed, stamped, or verified in a specific way, so check out the rules here and make sure you follow them.

Some documents from universities abroad may need to be officially signed and send straight to Sweden – without you ever seeing it – and the process may take a few weeks, so get started right away.

6. Pay the toll

If you're from outside the European Union, that is (a Swedish residence permit for reasons other than studies also exempts you from fees) in Sweden.

You have to pay the application fee before your documents are processed, so you'll want to do that right away. Once again, this is Sweden – so of course you can just do it online. Easy-peasy.

7. Be punctual

The Swedes love timeliness. This entire process should be completed by January 15th – so don't procrastinate.

If there are any documents missing from your application you will still be able to supplement them after that date, but your application must be received by then. And the deadline for when documents and test results must arrive is February 1st.

8. Accept

You got in? Congratulations! But the work isn't quite over yet.

You have to confirm your acceptance, or your place will go to someone on the waiting list. Like everything else, this is done on universityadmissions.se – just log in and accept your place.

Did you end up on a waiting list? First log in and say 'yes' to keep your place on the list. Then take a deep breath and chill – your status may change to "accepted" -- the university is just waiting for replies from the first batch who were offered spots in the course. 

9. Get super excited about studying in Stockholm

You just got into one of the top 100 universities in the world - with one-of-a-kind programmes, incredible nature and cultural life, an impeccable reputation, and a lively and diverse student body. Pop the champagne – welcome to Sweden's largest university with thousands of international students from all around the world. Skål!

This article was produced by The Local and sponsored by Stockholm University.
 

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