FAQ for international students

Subjects dealt with in this FAQ:

• Admissions and applications
• Campus
• Course information
• Degree certificates
• Fees
• Housing
• Visas and ID numbers
• Work

If you do not find an answer to your question here please go to our general Frequently Asked Questions page.

Admissions and applications

This information is being updated. [6 May 2011]. Please contact study@studadm.su.se if you have questions about application or admissions.

Campus

Q: Is there a map of the main campus area that I can take?
A: You can find maps of all the University’s campuses on the Campus maps page, including the main Frescati campus.

Q: How do I get to the University campus?
A: Details of how to get to the University's main campus can be found at www.su.se/english/about/campus/getting-to-stockholm-university

Course information

Q: What courses or programmes are available in English at Stockholm University?
A: Study programmes at advanced or Master’s level can be found on the University’s website, at www.su.se/english/masters. To do a full search of all courses and programmes, both full- and part-time, you can use the Stockholm University course catalogue at http://sisu.it.su.se/search/en. In addition, each department usually publishes a list of all courses and programmes. See individual departmental websites for more information. Departments

Q: Is Stockholm University’s course catalogue available in English?
A: The full course catalogue in English is not available in paper format, though courses in English are listed in the printed version of Swedish language catalogue. Use the University’s online catalogue to find courses suitable for international students.
Course database

Q: How often are Master’s courses held, and when is the last day to apply?
A: Master's programmes are held once per year at Stockholm University. You can find important dates, concerning for example when to apply for courses, on the following page: www.su.se/english/study/application-admissions/dates-deadlines-1.175

Q: What do I need to do to take the TOEFL test?
A: Applications should be made via www.toefl.org. The test can either be done on paper or via the internet. The test is held six times per year.

The next opportunity to take the TOEFL test in Sweden is in the beginning of May. The test dates vary from country to country so it is necessary to check the information for the specific country you are resident in.

Q: How do I apply for the Swedish as a second language course?
A: Basic information about all Swedish language courses suitable for international students can be found at www.su.se/english/study/courses/swedish_courses. For more detailed information contact the Department of Scandinavian Languages, with the Dutch Division. www.nordiska.su.se/english

Please note that all Swedish courses at the University require at least Upper Secondary School level education.

Q: Can I apply for the Political Science programme without meeting the usual entry requirements in English?
A: If you have lived in Sweden for a minimum of two years you can apply for Political Science programme via the National Agency for Services to Universities and University Colleges (VHS). You can find contact details on the VHS website at www.vhs.se/templates/Page.aspx?id=467. Please note that this programme is at Master’s level, and requires that you have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

The University also offers free-standing courses in Politics, up to Bachelor’s level, held in English.

Degree certificates – posting degree certificates

Q: I would like to send my results certificate to the USWhat do I need to consider before sending it?
A: In the case of the USA, and many other countries, all certificates and documentation should be signed and stamped, and placed in an envelope (you will need to supply an envelope), which will also then be stamped and sealed by the Student Advisor. See also Admissions and applications.

Fees

Q: Do I need to pay fees to study at Stockholm University?
A: Education in Sweden is free for Swedish citizens, as well as all students coming from within the EU/EEA/Switzerland. These students do not need to pay fees.

In addition, all students coming to Sweden as part of an exchange agreement – whether from within or outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland – are exempt from fees.

Applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are required to pay both the application fee and tuition fees. (Applies to all studies commencing after June 2011.)

For more information see www.su.se/english/study/prospective-students/fees

Housing

Q: I need help with finding a place to live. What should I do?
Exchange Students
A: If you are an exchange student (i.e. a student studying at Stockholm University as part of an exchange agreement) you should contact the International Exchange Unit, who will be able to help you. www.su.se/english/study/exchange-students/contact-international-exchange-unit

Master's students
If you are ‘Free-mover’ or independent international student you should contact housing companies directly. Look out for notices on the University notice boards and make sure to use any contacts you have to find a place to live. Some useful, though mainly Swedish language, websites are listed below. (sv) = in Swedish:

www.sssb.se or in English: http://www.sssb.se/index.php?page=home_eng (en)
www.svebo.se (sv)
www.tomtbergahuge.se (sv)
www.proventum.se (sv)
www.ekenman.se (sv)
www.tyresobostader.se (sv)
www.bostad.stockholm.se (sv) or in English: www.bostad.stockholm.se/upload/pdf/sprak/engelska.pdf (en)
www.studentsidan.com (sv)
www.studentlya.nu (en)

Visas and ID numbers

Q: I have applied for a course at Stockholm University. How can I get a visa?
A: You must first receive a place on a course of programme at Stockholm University, after which you should contact the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket).

Q: I am a Master’s student/PhD student/guest student (often called a ‘free-mover’). Where should I apply for a residence permit?
A: You can apply for permission to study or work in Sweden, from within Sweden via the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket), or via any Swedish embassy in any part of the world. Note! It is important that you apply in good time!

Q: I am applying to study at Stockholm University from a country outside of the EU/EEA. Where should I apply for a study permit?
A: You can apply for permission to study or work in Sweden, from within Sweden via the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket), or via any Swedish embassy in any part of the world.

Q: I have been given a Swedish ID number (personnummer). How do I replace the temporary Student ID number, given to me by Student Services, with the new ID number?
A: Go to the student helpdesk, on the ground floor of Hus A, Södra Huset. There you will need to show the documentation you have received from the Swedish Tax Authority (Skatteverket). A copy of this documentation will then be taken and sent to the team responsible for the national student database, Ladok, where your details will be changed accordingly.

Work

Q: Can I work whilst I am studying in Sweden?
A: There are different rules for EU citizens than for those coming from countries outside the EU. So the answer to this question depends on what kind of agreement your country has with Sweden. Check what rules apply before beginning to search for a job. It is important that you have a residence permit and an ID number (personnummer).

Q: Can I, as a student, take an extra job as a teacher at a school?
A: In Swedish schools there is a great deal of emphasis on the importance of employing qualified teachers who have a valid teaching certificate. Depending on your background and qualifications, it will be nonetheless possible to work in a school on a limited term contract. Try contacting the service for supply teachers, Lärarjouren, via their website: www.lararjouren.se