Why Sweden is the next big education hub for Indian students

Visiting the Nobel Prize museum, taking a field trip to the Volvo Plant, understanding the minds of the people behind Skype and Ericsson—sounds exciting, doesn't it? Now take a step back and consider interning and subsequently working at one of these places. All you now need is a proper college degree.We're given to understand that 1,338 Indian students went to Sweden to complete their masters' degrees in 2014. "This is almost double the numbers seen in 2012, when around 750 Indian students obtained degrees from Sweden," said Fredrika Ornbrant, the Swedish Consul General in Mumbai.Why Sweden?Besides being amongst the most progressive, creative, free-thinking and well-educated countries in the world, the Master's programmes in Sweden are taught in English. "While free education was the norm as part of the country's welfare programme, the government decided that it wanted the right set of students, and implemented a fee structure. A Master's programme can cost between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 13 lakh per year, minus accommodation (approximately Rs 60,000 per month), which is a lot lower than the fees of some of the colleges in the United Kingdom and United States," said Fredrika.Linguistically SpeakingWhile some Swedish universities rank amongst the best in the world, the belief that the courses were taught in Swedish, led international students not to opt for Sweden as a destination for higher studies. Do note however, that learning Swedish is not a must even if you're keen on exploring the country and its culture. But if you still have an interest in learning the language, then do note that all universities offer part time or full-time courses for international students.WorkwiseStudents are also allowed to work while studying, but are expected to complete 40 hours of course time per week, according to studyinsweden.se, the go-to guide for international students who want to study in Sweden.Unique programmeAn education in Sweden is not just about the grades. The practical-oriented syllabus, enables students to adjust to the way corporate life functions. In fact, students are expected to write a report similar to a work report, for which they are graded. Frederika cites the example of an international student, who was a straight-A student in college, but found it difficult to get a job, because she wasn't an active networker. "Questioning the teacher if you disagree with his/her viewpoint, networking and meeting new people are as important as getting good grades, because this is how you can get a job," explains Fredrika.Life after collegeGraduates are given six months to find a job or establish their own start-up. People with a minimum of four years of service are eligible for a permanent resident permit. In 2014, Sweden simplified the rules to enable PhD students to receive permanent residence permits.Currently, seven out of 10 Swedish companies in India are in the process of employing people, and a degree from Sweden can only help. In addition, many of these organisations have established bases in India, which gives the student the opportunity to come back, and implement what they have learned in Sweden in India.While funding would be your responsibility if you decided to launch a start-up in Sweden, there are institutions and universities that support and advise entrepreneurs.Another advantage of studying in Sweden is that the country's 36 universities are under the government's jurisdiction, and as such are recognized in other parts of the world.TestsIELTS – for International StudentsGMAT – for students pursuing an MBAFeesAnything between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 13 lakh, depending on the courseAccommodation is Rs 60,000 per monthStats1,338 Indian students studied in Sweden in 2014750 Indian students studied in Sweden in 2012ApplyFind your programmeCheck entry requirements and deadlinesApply at Universityadmissions.seWait to receive a notification of acceptance