Swedish Higher education and research delegation to visit three Indian cities
New Delhi : Students from across India who are looking to study abroad will have an excellent opportunity to explore their options for studying in Sweden during the visit of a Swedish higher education and research delegation in India, a series of ‘Study in Sweden’ fairs to be held in India from 23-25 November 2022.
The fairs will present Indian students, especially undergraduates, with various prospects for pursuing advanced studies in Sweden. Students will have a chance to get first-hand information from representatives of leading Swedish universities, e.g., KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Jönköping University, about the programmes they can attend. Students can avail of a free counselling session and receive information regarding scholarships, visa opportunities and student life in Sweden.
The consecutive education fairs are being organised by the Embassy of Sweden in India, the Office of Science and Innovation in New Delhi, in collaboration with and the Nordic Centre India. The Swedish Alumni Network India will also participate and enable prospective students’ engagement with Swedish alumni in India.
The delegates will also meet with premier Indian research institutes such as the Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, Indian Institute of Technology Madras and University of Hyderabad to explore research collaboration and institutional partnerships.
Welcoming the upcoming education fairs, Mr. Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, said, “At a time when international collaboration is more important than ever, the Swedish higher education and research delegation will create exchange opportunities for students and researchers from Sweden and India, and foster innovations that benefit both nations.”
Sweden allures thousands of international students every year and is truly a welcoming destination. Sweden holds a rich and proud history of academic excellence. Despite its comparatively small population, Sweden is a home to a number of the world’s best universities. The complete Swedish higher education system is ranked at second position in the world, and it holds the first position in relation to GDP. Most of the Swedish universities are ranked by the Times Higher Education and the Academic Ranking of World Universities as being among the world’s top education providers.
“At Blekinge Institute of Technology we deeply value our strong relationship with India and recognise the nation’s vital importance to Sweden’s higher education and research sector,” said Deputy Vice Chancellor Andreas Larsson.
The interest for studying in Sweden is global, with students coming from over 117 countries, with the biggest representation of students from Finland, India and China. When asked why they chose to study in Sweden, a majority of the over 10000 international students surveyed by the Swedish Institute, pointed out the country’s lifestyle and the open, progressive values. The focus on equal rights, LGBTQ-rights and sustainability are as important as excellent education at an affordable cost. Over the last few years, Sweden as a study destination has become more and more appealing to young people all over the world, being a safe and modern country with a unique work-life balance, as unique as the lack of hierarchy and sense of equality, which is often reflected in classrooms.
“KTH has deep and longstanding connections with Indian institutions and scholars. Our researchers collaborate with colleagues in India on projects across various sectors. There are opportunities to further expand these collaborations, working with Indian partners to address global challenges such as green transition and digital transformation,” said Rajeev Thottappillil, Director of India Relations at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Sweden offers over 1000-degree programmes in English. Some of the most popular subjects are Engineering and IT, Life Sciences and Business. Sweden also has a strong reputation in Design and areas such as International Relations and Human Rights. The Swedish Government offers scholarships and financial grants to some international students to take up their higher education in Sweden. After graduating international students can stay for an extra six months to look for employment in Sweden. After obtaining a job the graduate can apply for a work permit.
Sweden’s higher education and research ties to India are already strong. Since 2018, Sweden and India have a Joint Innovation Partnership for a sustainable future. A total of 44 projects have been funded since the signing of the partnership, and 13 more will be funded this year.