FAQ for master students

Below are compiled answers to the most common questions prospective students wonder about when applying for Master program at SBS. Make sure to check our programme pages in the course catalogue for detailed information regarding the content of your program.

 

Our master programs require a bachelor’s degree and English level B/6. Some master programs also require credits in specific subjects.

Can I apply for more than one programme for the same academic year?

Yes, you are able to apply for several programmes through your account on University Admissions. Please note that you need to rank them according to your preferences, and you can only be admitted to one and only in the order you have ranked them. Therefore, it is important that you know which programme is of most interest to you. If you are admitted to your first choice, all other choices will automatically be removed.

Which documents are considered supporting documents in the application?

Supporting documents are all documents needed in your application, i.e. the documents required to prove that you fulfil the general and specific entry requirements, as well as the documents required for selection. Please see each programme’s web page and University Admissions’ guide to application documents for details. It is possible to upload these documents after submission of the application, but please ensure to follow the key dates and deadlines on University Admissions webpage. Please note that we only offer one admission round per year for our masters programmes (open mid-October-mid-January for commencement in the autumn).

Where and how should I send my application documents?

The documents you must to submit, and how you must submit them, depends on the country where you previously completed your undergraduate degree. Most applicants can upload all their documents online through University Admissions, but applicants from certain countries may need to submit proof of their previous studies, to University Admission, by post. So please ensure to follow the country-specific instructions on how to submit your documents found on University Admissions webpage: Submitting your documents.

How can I prove my English language proficiency?

The documentation needed to prove your English language proficiency depends on your country of origin and/or country of study. What is applicable to you can be found on University Admissions’ web page about English language requirements: English language requirements

I am not done with my bachelor studies, can I send in my application later?

No, we do not consider documents uploaded after deadline. International students need to upload a document confirming that you are in your last year of bachelor studies and that you will graduate before the autumn semester starts. Please find information including the form to use on University Admissions' web site: University Admissions - Final year of bachelor’s studies

Can you check my eligibility before I have applied for the programme?

SBS does not make any preliminary assessment regarding eligibility before a student has applied. Of course you can always contact us for different kind of questions.

I need to pay an application fee, it possible to waive it?

Unfortunately, neither SBS nor University Admissions can waive the application fee.

I have just submitted my application; can you check that everything is in order?

SBS cannot access your application before the application deadline. If your application has been correctly submitted, you will be able to see all the documents uploaded by logging in to your personal account on University Admissions.

What is the total cost of the programme?

Our master programme in Marketing Communication has a tuition fee of 125.000 SEK for one year. The rest of our masters programmes costs 90 000 SEK for one academic year, 60 ECTS. For more information regarding fees, see the university’s central page on costs and fees.
Costs, fees and scholarships

Are there any scholarships available?

There are some scholarships available. Information can be found on the following web page: Scholarships

How many candidates apply and how many are admitted to the different programmes every year?

The number of candidates applying for our programmes varies from year to year and from programme to programme. On average, we receive about 250 applications from eligible candidates across all our programmes. We aim for around 50-60 students in the classroom in each of our master programmes.

How intensive are the programmes? Is it possible to combine with a half time job?

All our programmes represent full-time studies (40 hour/week). The structure is generally around 8-10 hours of teacher-led education etc. per week, and students are thereafter expected to take responsibility for self-studies in the remaining time. It is up to the students to decide if they can undertake a job or not during their studies.

Is there any internship included in the master programmes?

All master students (except from students at Banking & Finance) have the opportunity to take an advanced level course during 3rd semester, called “Reflective Practice” 30 ECTS. It means the possibility to be an intern at an organization in Sweden or abroad. Students must find the internship themselves. 3rd semester is from late August, until mid-January. The students are officially registered as active students and are fully insured.
Internship Conditions:

  • The internship should contain 15-20 weeks of practice in the organization
  • The student follows normal working hours at the workplace
  • The organization should sign an internship agreement and give the student tasks in relation to qualifications.

Is it possible to undertake a master program part-time or complete it in one year instead of two?

All our master’s programs are offered as full-time programmes. However, students can for example take a temporarily leave and then come back to study.  
The only master’s degrees you can receive is for two years, 120 ECTS. However, if you can transfer credits into your master’s program, the duration of your studies can decrease.

Can I study the programme online?

No, our programmes are given on-campus at Stockholm University.

 

After the application round closes on 15th of January, you will have to wait until beginning of April to receive your notification of admission results from University Admission.
Master studies - key dates

In my last year of bachelor studies, my degree won’t be issued before the program starts. Is that ok?

You must prove that you are fully done with your undergraduate studies, at the very latest by the time our programme start at the start of the autumn semester. In that respect, it is not enough to send in transcripts of records confirming that you have taken all credits necessary; the diploma has to be issued as well. Since administration can take some time, we also accept proof that you have applied for your degree certificate, verified by your Degree Office or Academic Advisor.

As a fee paying student, when can I expect to receive my invoice for the tuition fee?

Tuition fees are handled centrally by Stockholm University. Therefore, please look on the university's central web page about fees for more information and a timeline for when payments need to be made.
Costs, fees and scholarships

Can I apply for a deferral of study commencement, i.e. can I keep my admission for next year?

Your admission is only valid for the current academic year. Under specific circumstances, students can apply centrally at Stockhom University for a deferral of study commencement. Find more information about this in the university's central web page. Please note that that it is not possible to start the masters programme in the spring semester, but only in the autumn. Therefore, a deferral, if approved, will be valid for the next academic year.
Deferrals of study commencement

Will I receive a personal Letter of Admission?

A personal Letter of Admission can be received upon request. Please contact your Academic Advisor.

 

Curious about what it's like to be a student at SU and SBS? Why not check the university's information about student life, or listen to interviews with our alumni?
Student life
Meet our our alumni

Is knowledge of Swedish needed to be able to handle my day-to-day activities while in Sweden?

In your daily life, there is no need to know Swedish even if it could of course make things smoother. Swedes in general have a high proficiency in English and a lot of information is translated into English, such as messages in the metro system, general information in public spaces etc.

Are there any Swedish language courses offered at SU?

It is possible for students to enroll in Swedish language courses at the university, specifically designed for international students. Information can be found on the web site of the Department of Swedish Language and Multilingualism.
Swedish for international students

Can I get more guidance about studying at SU and/or living in Stockholm? Do you have a "buddy system"?

We have a Buddy system for admitted students at SBS which our Students’ Association is responsible for. If you choose to join them, you will be paired with a buddy at the beginning of the programme.
Read more on their website and feel free to join them!

How hard is it to find accommodation in Stockholm?

The housing situation in Stockholm is arguably different from other cities in Europe and often considered difficult. Be prepared to spend time getting to know the market and its pitfalls. A good place to start is SU Housing Office’s web pages.
Housing for international students

 

The master’s programmes at SBS are designed to equip you with the skills and qualities required to manage current and future challenges in business and society. Our degrees combine relevant topics within business administration in order to generate a broad expertise that is internationally recognized and sought after.

You will gain both the theoretical knowledge and the practical capabilities necessary to succeed in international business within your chosen area. Our close ties to the business world and international research ensure that our courses offer students a relevant and attractive education.

What is the potential employability among the graduates of your master programmes?

SBS and SU regularly conduct follow-ups with our alumni’s. While the statistics can vary a little from time to time, it is clear that the majority of our graduates find relevant employment within 0-6 months after graduation.
The programmes will give a candidate a more tailored profile within the chosen area of business which gives them an edge on the job market. There is therefore a wide range of possibilities, very much depending on your individual academic and professional background and your interests.

How can I find a job in Sweden?

It depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a part-time job, the best way to find a job is to introduce yourself at the workplace you have in mind and ask if they are hiring. This is normal for part time jobs in restaurants, bars, cafes and stores.
Any ads for positions the department receive from companies are directed to the central web page about career opportunities and the career portal called My Career.
Stockholm University - Career
The business student association (Föreningen Ekonomerna), also offers advertising to their members via their website.

Is there any graduation event after completion of my studies?

SBS arrange for a festive Celebration for our graduating students at Campus in beginning of June. The event is in collaboration with the Association. The event is for SBS graduating students and personnel.
Stockholm University also organizes a more official "Conferment of Master’s degrees" twice a year for all students who have received their graduation diploma.
Conferment of Master’s degrees
Remember that you must actively apply for your diploma after completion of your studies.

Is it difficult to pursue a PhD in Sweden after my Master? How would I go about to apply?

Undertaking one of our master programmes is definitely a stepping-stone towards an academic career. However, SBS offers a few research positions every year.
You can find more information, including the application process, on our web page about doctoral studies.

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