SWEDEN

Sweden

Sweden’s higher education system is structured into three levels: basic level (grundnivå), advanced level (avancerad nivå), and graduate level (forskarnivå). The country is home to 41 higher education institutions, including university colleges (first-cycle institutions) and universities.

Traditionally, the most renowned degrees have been in the humanities, though the government is now actively encouraging greater enrollment in science-related fields. Most undergraduate programs are taught in both English and Swedish, while master’s programs attract large numbers of international students, offering over 450 master’s courses taught entirely in English.

The academic year in Sweden spans 40 weeks and is divided into two semesters: the first runs from mid-August to mid-January, and the second from mid-January to June.

Degree programmes in Sweden

Swedish universities follow the European degree structure, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes.

Bachelor’s programmes (undergraduate level) are taken after completing upper secondary school and typically last three years (180 ECTS credits).

Master’s programmes (graduate level) build on knowledge gained at the bachelor’s level and last one or two years (60 or 120 ECTS credits).

PhD programmes (doctoral level) are research-focused degrees that involve several years of study and the completion of a dissertation. Their length and structure vary by university — check specific PhD programmes for detailed information.

Programmes and courses: what’s the difference?

At Swedish universities, a degree programme consists of a series of courses within a specific field of study that together lead to a recognised degree. These courses—sometimes called modules in other countries—are the building blocks of each programme.

Each semester, students may take one large course or several smaller courses as part of their programme. In addition to full degree programmes, it is also possible to apply for admission to individual courses directly.

If you enroll in an individual course, you are registered only for that course. By contrast, enrolling in a degree programme registers you for a planned sequence of courses over the full duration of the programme.

Examples:

When you enrol in a two-year master’s programme, you complete four semesters of study. Each semester typically consists of four courses worth 7.5 ECTS credits each, adding up to a total of 120 ECTS credits for the programme.

A one-year master’s programme consists of two semesters. In this case, you usually take one course per semester worth 30 ECTS credits, for a total of 60 ECTS credits.

You can also choose to enrol in an individual 30-credit course in a subject of interest. In that case, you are registered only for that specific course and must submit a new application if you wish to take further courses.

Degree programmes generally include a combination of compulsory, recommended and optional courses.

Academic calendar

The Swedish academic year is split into two semesters. The autumn semester begins in late August and runs until mid-January, typically with a short break at the end of December. The spring semester starts in mid-January and continues until early June.

Course structure

In Sweden, full-time study is roughly equivalent to a 40-hour working week, although you may only have a few scheduled lectures or seminars each week. The remaining time is devoted to reading, group projects and independent assignments.

You will often take one course at a time over several weeks, followed immediately by an examination. Once the exam is completed, the next course begins. For example, during a 20-week semester, you might take four consecutive five-week courses. In some programmes, however, you may study several courses simultaneously, with examinations held at the end of the semester.

The structure of individual courses varies by subject area. Technical programmes typically involve more classroom and laboratory hours, while social science courses tend to include fewer contact hours and more independent or group work.

Lectures and examination

Courses in Sweden typically combine different types of sessions, such as lectures, seminars and laboratory work, with group sizes that vary widely — seminars may involve just a few students, while lectures can host several hundred. These sessions are designed to build critical thinking and collaboration skills, and students are expected to participate actively in all of them.

Across all fields of study, required reading and independent work are extensive, and students are expected to arrive well-prepared for class.

Examinations may take the form of written or oral tests, laboratory assignments, group work or special projects, and most programmes conclude with a degree thesis or final project.

Study in Sweden for Pakistani Students

Sweden is recognised as one of the world’s leading providers of high-quality education, attracting students from across the globe. For Pakistani students, studying in Sweden is centred on personal growth, combining individual freedom with responsibility. The process begins by researching universities, reviewing their admission requirements, and exploring the courses they offer.

Carefully preparing and checking your documents is especially important for Pakistani students planning to study abroad. Numerous scholarships are available to support students who may not be able to afford tuition and living costs.

An increasing number of Pakistani students are enrolling in Swedish universities each year. Many have the opportunity to work alongside their studies; although working hours are flexible, academic commitments should remain the top priority.

Sweden is also an excellent place to launch a career, with many innovative companies hiring students. This not only allows students to gain experience but also helps them meet their financial obligations. Swedish universities place a strong emphasis on equal opportunities and creating inclusive environments where no one feels left out. They also provide support with coursework and foster settings that encourage interaction and collaboration among students.

Presentations, seminars and other interactive sessions are common and help students gain a deeper understanding of their subjects. With its global reputation for quality education, Sweden continues to welcome students from around the world to enrol in its latest programmes and courses.