How to apply to Stockholm University - the easy guide

There are few better places than Stockholm University to study for a master's degree. The university offers a wide range of courses, taught in English, in one of the most highly reputed academic establishments in Europe. Furthermore, the vibrant Swedish capital has a great deal to offer academically and socially.

Before applying, the first thing to decide is which course you would like to do. Stockholm University has a comprehensive online catalogue with all courses available, both in Swedish and English here.

In all cases, it is advisable to prepare as much paperwork as possible in advance, especially if you will need a residency permit for Sweden. Where you come from is important, as there are different deadlines depending on your nationality. Applicants from outside the EU should apply earlier. If you leave it too late, it’s possible you will miss a deadline and risk not being able to take up a place on a course due to visa problems.

When your choice is made, you will need to check that you meet the entry requirements. For those who have already studied in Sweden, it is relatively straightforward to count the number of academic points you have accrued and see if they are enough to get you a place on a course. Make sure you fulfil both the general requirements for studying at the University, and the special requirements for the programme or course you are interested in.

"For foreign students, it is a bit more complicated," says Stefan Norrlén, who works with master's students in the international office of the university. "The general rule is that you should have received a bachelor’s degree, although each case is taken on an individual basis and can depend on many factors. The best thing to do in the first place is check on the website."

As the courses are held in English, you will also need proof of your linguistic capability. This can come from one of three sources; an IELTS score (Academic) of 6.5 or more (with no section scoring below 5.5), a TOEFL score of 575 or more (internet based 90) or Cambridge/Oxford - Advanced or Proficiency level. Here again there are certain exceptions, so check the website or contact the university admissions department if you are in any doubt.

Once you are confident you have the relevant academic requirements and you know which course you want to study, the application process begins.

Applications can be done online and are processed by the Swedish National Admissions Office, which is responsible for the national admissions website, universityadmissions.se. All prospective students, regardless of country of origin, should apply via that website.

It is also important to double check whether the course of your choice has its own procedure – some courses do. You are only allowed to make one application for a course and when it has been received, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique application number you can use to track its progress.

To avoid any last minute disappointments, it is best to get your application and all relevant documents sent in as early as possible. There are two deadlines for applications for each Spring term, depending on which course you are applying for. The deadlines are August 1st and October 15th, and you will hear whether your application is successful or not, some six weeks after the deadline. For Autumn semester applications, the deadlines are January 16th and April 16th, again depending on the course. It is recommended that applicants from outside the EU submit their applications by the earlier date, in order to leave time for visas to be processed.

Finally, if your application is successful, you must confirm your acceptance, otherwise your place will go to someone on the waiting list. If a course is oversubscribed, you may find that you will be put on a waiting list pending all replies from those offered places.

This gives you a general idea of how to go about applying for a masters course at Stockholm University, but it is always best to check the university website with specific questions and above all, if you are applying for a course, have all documentation ready and sent in as early as possible.

Good luck!