Higher level studies education abroad is still a dream for many Pakistani students due to high tuition fees and other related expenses. More often the cost hinders the talented students from getting quality education in reputed international institutions choking their growth.
Sweden with its high academic performance, diversified populace, and liberal culture concerning education remains a dream study destination for Pakistani students and for this, the hopes are offered through scholarships. These scholarships include tuition and living costs, as well as transportation, and let students of all backgrounds go for their dreams without worrying about money.
This guide contains all relevant information regarding studying in Sweden including available scholarship, how to apply for the university, student’s life and Visa information. Keep on reading in order to find out how you can reach for a world-class education in Sweden with the help of these scholarships.
Why Study in Sweden?
The Swedish education system also reflects student led activities and research based or research oriented education. Education in Sweden helps to develop independent thinking, creativity and cooperation with leading experts in certain subject areas in universities.
First of all, Swedes create favourable conditions at schools and provide examples in different directions, and the great opportunities in the choice of universities and the highly developed infrastructure at them, and secondly, Sweden is one of the most tolerant countries in the world where international students can easily adapt to the conditions that are relevant to them.
Swedish universities are also reported for their focus in sustainability and social responsibility which is inline with the global goals and targets and it gains interest from students who have a heart for impact. The concept of learning and education for life consequently means that students can expect education that can prepare them for contemporary jobs, as well as allows for training to develop the critical thinking abilities that will be necessary to learn new professions in the future.
List of Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Sweden
The Swedish government offers many scholarships that bring international students from all over the world including Pakistan. These scholarships are from full scholarships to partial scholarships and may include the following: tuition fee only, living expense and travel grants. Here’s an in-depth look at the most prestigious scholarship programs for Pakistani students:
1. Swedish Institute Scholarship Programme for International Students (SIS/ISP)
The SISGP is one of the most competitive scholarships for international students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in the country of Sweden. Those students who demonstrate excellent leadership capability and academic performance and are willing to enhance positive change in their fields and society should apply for this scholarship.
Coverage: This scholarship specifically provides full tuition fees of the master’s programme, airstrikes to cover living expenses every month, health insurance and a one-off travel allowance. The monthly funding is SEK 10,000 per month and students would be able to easily cater to their daily living expenses in Sweden.
Eligibility: For instance, applicants have to be citizens of countries that are on the DAC list which includes Pakistan. Leadership potential, professional work experience thereon with 3000 hours of work experience and a commitment to the sustainable development of mankind should be proved by the applicants. Overachievement in academic work coupled with a clear development plan that is in line with what the Swedish government and its institutions seek in balanced development through innovation and sustainability enhances one’s chances of selection.
Application Process: The process entails the filling of an online form at the Swedish Institute Website accompanied by; a CV, motivation letter and work experience. Usually, it opens in February, for students who are interested in applying for SISGP.
2. The Lund University Global Scholarship Program
Swedish university of international standing, Lund University provides the Lund University Global Scholarship it is for the international students who excel academically. Lund University attracts students internationally, since its achievements in the field of research and academic programs, focus on such areas as life science, humanities, and social science.
Coverage: The scholarship offers partial tuition fee exemptions of 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of tuition fees for the whole degree.
Eligibility: This type of scholarship is provided to non-EU/EEA students based on the performance achieved in any year of study. Applicants wishing to be considered for the scholarship must have applied for a master's program at Lund University.
Application Process: Students are expected to fill out another scholarship application apart from the application for any program at Lund. This means that student competence and prior experiences, in addition to clear career objectives, increase and enhance success rates.
3. KTH Royal Institute of Technology Cost Scholarship
The KTH Royal Institute of Technology is one of Sweden’s leading technical universities, and now international students do not have to pay tuition fees at this university. KTH is particularly famous for engineering courses, and therefore Pakistani students who wish to pursue Computer Science, Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering can prefer KTH.
Coverage: This waiver can only be used to pay for the tuition of the master’s program and could be partial or full but does not extend to other living costs.
Eligibility: Available to EU/EEA students who meet specific criteria, especially students who show originality and creativity in academic performance, especially in technological disciplines.
Application Process: For one to apply, the person has to get admission into a master’s program at KTH first of all. The scholarship application process is different and the candidate is expected to write even more essays and submit documents showing his/her intent after gaining the scholarship.
4. Uppsala University Global Scholarship
The scholarship is offered by Uppsala University one of the oldest universities in Sweden founded in 1477 to academically excellent students. With leading medicine, natural science, and social science programs, the University of Uppsala is bound to appeal to the students who want to get an all-round education.
Coverage: This scholarship pays for the full tuition cost until the end of the program.
Eligibility: The scholarship is for international students from non-EU/EEA countries, including Pakistan with good academic records, for studies at Uppsala University, Sweden. This scholarship is considered a tender scholarship because it is only offered to excellent students.
Application Process: Specifically, the students without exception apply for a program and then apply for the scholarship separately. Applicants with goals in their work field, prior experiences, and a good GPA should apply for this scholarship because they will most likely receive it.
5. Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
In the Southwestern coast of Sweden is Chalmers University of Technology popular for engineering and technology. The IPOET Scholarships are funded by the Swedish Council for Higher Education and for students who show strong scholarship performance.
Coverage: This scholarship covers 75% of the tuition fee.
Eligibility: Available to students from outside EU/EEA zone, who have applied for one of the Master’s programmes in technology or engineering offered by Chalmers University of Technology with outstanding academic results.
Application Process: Any student is required to apply for admission at Chalmers University and then apply for a scholarship. Onerous requirements include educational performance and a clear sense of responsibility for the sector.
6. Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme
One of the study opportunities that is available at Stockholm university is tuition fee scholarship scheme for master’s students in the university. Stockholm University is famous for its wide-spectrum programs offered in humanities, social and natural sciences.
Coverage: The Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme provides scholarships based on tuition fee exemptions for international students.
Eligibility: Available for non-EU/EEA students and offered to only those students with excellent academic performances especially those who intend to study programs that are offered by Stockholm University.
Application Process: The scholarship process involves having the students apply for a master’s program at Stockholm University and write extra application essays about academic accomplishments and plans.
Tuition and Living Costs in Sweden
The universities in Sweden have started imposing charges for tuition for students from countries outside EU/EEA and the amounts may differ between the universities and programs. But the good news is that these costs can be partially covered with scholarships. Here’s an overview of the tuition fees and living expenses Pakistani students should anticipate:
Tuition Fees: The tuition fee varies between SEK 80,000 to SEK 140, 000 per annum which is approximately between PKR 2,000, 000 to PKR 5,000, 000. Education cost in programs involving Technology, Medicine and engineering is normally on the higher side.
Accommodation: The monthly rent scale is very large, with an average of 3000 SEK-6000 SEK depending on the type of housing and the city.
Food: It means that Pakistani students can expect to spend about 2500-3000 SEK for food per month.
Transportation: Transportation consumes approximately SEK 500–800 per month in the public transport system. There are special offers for a month of travelling for a lower price for students.
Health Insurance: For non-EU students, it can cost from SEK 300–600 a month for health insurance but the scholarships might provide this.
Altogether, the students are expected to spend between eight thousand to twelve thousand SEKs per month on living costs. Various jobs during terms, even though not always well paid, can also be found to support students’ income.
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Working in Sweden as a Student
International students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation. As I highlighted earlier, working while in school makes one gain working experience, create a network, and reduce financial burden.
Job Search Tips for Students:
Swedish Language Skills: Getting to know the basic Swedish includes gives one a wider market when searching for a job especially in the service industry, and particularly in the stores.
University Career Services: Seizing the opportunity to learn basic Swedish will make the candidate easily find a job, especially in firms that deal with foreign clientele such as the retail business.
Professional Networking: For engagement with employers and other students, one should go to job fairs, networking events and workshops.
Visa Procedure for Pakistani Students
For Pakistani students wishing to study in Sweden, the entry requirement is a residence permit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare Required Documents:
Official acceptance email & offer letter from a Swedish university
Original passport and copies of transcript and educational certificates
Documentary proof of the sufficiency of funds for tuition fees and other living costs during the stay in Sweden at least SEK 83,000 for ten months.
Medical insurance for learners spending more than a year
Submit the Application: By filling out a form on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency or by filling out a form at the Swedish embassy in Pakistan.
Visa Interview and Biometrics: It may be necessary for some of the applicants to attend and interview or furnish biometric data at the embassy.
Visa Decision: The processing time is estimated to be one to two months. Upon being issued the permit, applicants are issued with a residence card — a permit to study and live in Sweden.
Long-Term Opportunities: PR and Citizenship
Sweden is a good place to stay long-term after your studies; this makes it among the best options for students. Students from Pakistan can get employment after finishing the course get a work permit and later may apply for PR.
Permanent Residency (PR): Generally issued to students who complete five years of legal residence and who are in valid legal status and with a job offer.
Citizenship: Having successfully completed the PR, students can proceed to apply for citizenship for the following reasons: integration, language and culture.
Best Universities for Pakistani Students in Sweden
Lund University – Known for its research performance on Life Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Royal Institute of Technology KTH – Sweden's premier institute offering engineering and technology education.
Uppsala University – Renowned for drawing new knowledge for science and discovery for medicine and natural sciences.
Chalmers university of Technology – Specialises in science, engineering and technology.
Stockholm University – Provides all sorts of programs in humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Thriving in Sweden: Tips for Pakistani Students
Embrace Cultural Differences: Sweden's society is quite liberal to outsiders hence it would not be hard for students to fit in and the students are encouraged to engage in any practices within the region.
Utilise University Resources: Starting from the language classes to the eventual interview, Swedish universities offer sufficient services to internationals.
Stay Connected with Pakistani Communities: Most universities have student organisations which would arrange companies for Pakistani students to make friends.
Conclusion
Being one of the most popular study destinations, Sweden offers pleasant studying conditions: high academic achievements, a friendly atmosphere in universities, and numerous scholarships for Pakistani students. With the help of the information provided in this guide, from the scholarship search to visa preparation, students will be ready to begin a meaningful academic journey. Earning a higher education degree in Sweden creates an opportunity for a successful international career experience while scholarships make it easier to earn the degree.
Sweden is offering not just a degree, but education, which means, preparing students for the future that seems to be bright. No need to wait for a formal notification to take a look at Svenska För Sverige educational scholarship programs and begin applying for scholarships now!