Ready to enrol

Universities in Sweden have been seeing an increasing number of international students in the past ten years, as the academic institutions offer well over 500 programmes in English, making it easierfor foreigners to study there. According tothe Swedish Institute, a government agencythat provides information about the country,the number of foreign students has more than tripled in the past decade, totalling 36,000in the 2008/2009 academic year. But, as many students explain, it's the culture and fun environment of the university cities thatalso keep the numbers swelling.

"I really enjoy the atmosphere here," says Emily Burke of America. "Sweden has always interested me, and a lot of the courses are in English, which makes it attractive." A friendly and open-minded attitude ensures foreignersfeel accepted and their experience is easy-going. Kimiko Kondo of Japan says, "I knew I didn't have to worry about going there becausethe courses were in English, and even without learning Swedish I knew I'd be able to make myself understood."

Naturally attractive

The natural environment is also a draw for students. According to Pravesh Govenderfrom India, Sweden's nature is the best part about studying there. "I often take my bike and go for a ride in the forests around town. Compared with India, it is a lot safer," he says.

Up until now, tertiary education has also been free for all students, irrespective of nationality. However, the Swedish Parliament recently passed a law outlining tuition and application fees for students from countries outside of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). Under the law, fees will be charged from the 2011/2012 academic year. Exchange students will be exempt from paying fees, as their studies are regulated by agreements between Swedish and foreign universities.

A competitive environment

According to Studyinsweden.se, a comprehensive resource for information about higher education, the government decided to introduce tuition fees so Swedish universities can compete on equal terms with other countries that charge fees.The government is hoping to relocate someof the money obtained from non-EU/EEA students' fees to award higher education institutions that show excellence.

As Sweden is a member of the EU, rulesfor Swedes must also apply to other EU and EEA citizens, meaning that tertiary education will remain free for these nationals until feesare introduced for Swedes.

More liberal labour migration laws havebeen introduced in a move to make it easierfor foreigners to work in Sweden or stay there after having completed their studies. The laws, says Studyinsweden.se, also see that students who find a job by the time their study permit expires, can easily change it into a work permit.

Students are allowed to work during their studies, providing them with a way to help cover their expenses. However, when submitting a visa application, prospective students must be able to prove they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses for the duration of the study permit. This will exclude the summer break �and amount to 73,000 krona (about Dh34,000) for the year (ten months). Finding accommodation can be challenging as there are more students than there are rooms and flats. Exchange students are likely to receive assistance from the host university or institution. Others, however, will need to make their own arrangements. Universities have a local student union that can assist with finding studentsa place to stay, but the union is not responsible for securing accommodations.

Accommodation is usually available at schools located in smaller and middle-sized towns. But in larger cities, especially Stockholm, Göteborg and the traditional student cities of Lund and Uppsala, it's more difficult. According to Studyinsweden.se, as of 2007 prices range from 2,000-3,500 krona for a room in a smaller town. Medium-sized towns will offer roomsfrom 2,300 to 4,300 krona.

Accommodation in cities will be more expensive with rooms going from 2,500 to 4,500 krona. The Swedish Student Accommodation Association has several companies that will help provide students with flats or rooms. A list of these companies can be foundat www.sokstudentbostad.se.

Among the best

Reputation is also a big pull factor andSweden's research and medical departmentsare considered by many scholars as the best. Lund University, one of Scandinavia's largest higher education and research institutions, has lured in a steady stream of international students, and currently accommodates more than 3,000 foreigners. Reputed facilities andthe 70 Master's study programmes that are offered in English have seen many students choose Sweden over other countries.

"At university in Germany, I heard many good things about the professors and the [research] department here in Lund," Conny Lenz of Germany says. "So I expect a lotfrom this research."

Scholarship programmes

The government will introduce two scholarship programmes to support non-EU/EEA students. One of the programmes, which will start in 2011 and cost 30 million krona a year, according to the Swedish Institute, is aimed at students from the 12 developing countries with which Sweden already has long-term development agreements. These countries are Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The other programme is not geographically limited and will be run by universities directly. The budget will be 30 million krona for 2011, and will be increased to 60 million krona for the following year. This will help students who lack appropriate finances,to keep the opportunity to study in Sweden.