Sweden is a safe and modern country in northern Europe, and it has accrued a spectacular reputation as an innovator and creative force. Sweden's famed corporate brands. Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize, the world's most prestigious academic distinction.

Today, Sweden's reputation for innovation is built on close cooperation between industry and academia. Swedish universities are renowned for their investigative research and independent thinking, and this reputation is cemented with rigorous quality control and nationally certified degrees. Sweden has one of the most ambitious educational evaluation programs in Europe, aimed at maintaining this competitive edge.

To be admitted to higher education in Sweden, a student must first fulfill the general eligibility requirements which are common to all programmes or courses, and then meet the specific eligibility requirements which are usually imposed on applicants by the individual university or University College. The latter vary according to the field of education.

The general eligibility requirements for undergraduate education are the successful completion of Intermediate exam of the upper secondary school or other equivalent Swedish of foreign education or the acquisition of the equivalent level of knowledge. Responsibility for the admission and selection of students rests with the institutions themselves. Within a generally formulated framework, they are able to decide what selection criteria shall be used for admission to their courses.

Swedish universities offer around 500 master's programs in English, ranging from human rights law to mechanical engineering. Programs are structured in response to student demand - the result is a student-centric education system, with open, informal relations between students and teachers, and where personal initiative and critical thought are prized.

Many students studying in Sweden come from abroad - 8.5% of the student body, according to the OECD - making Sweden one of the world's most inclusive countries for education. But there is room for more: The number grew by over 80% over the last 4-year period. There are now PhD candidates from some 80 countries working towards their degrees in Sweden.

Sweden's educational policy is based on the recognition that a multicultural student body is a resource. Competition for places is keen, but students of all nationalities may apply, given the right credentials; and degree equivalency for past studies is granted on a flexible basis.

Student Finance Higher education is free of charge. The post-secondary study assistance scheme applies to students in undergraduate education at universities, university colleges and certain other establishments, as well as to students aged 20 and over attending upper secondary school.

The academic year comprises 40 weeks, divided into two semesters. The Autumn term usually runs from the middle or end of August to mid-January, the Spring term runs from mid-January to the beginning of June. There is usually a two-week teaching break at Christmas.

The Swedish Institute grants hundreds of scholarships every year to help foreign students make their stay in Sweden more affordable. Currently, tuition fees for everyone are fully subsidized by the state. Sweden's public spending on education is the OECD's highest, at 4.9% of GDP. And because it costs to live in Sweden, foreign students can work while studying.

Almost all Swedes speak fluent English. Many Swedish companies use English as their official working language. Foreign students find that this prevalence of English makes adapting to their new surroundings much easier.