One of the most common problems for international students is the language barrier. And such is the case for foreign nationals in Sweden, where all medical programs are in Swedish. Although most Swedish people speak English, and Sweden even ranked 2nd out of 80 non-native English-speaking countries in EF English Proficiency Index. In this article, we will be looking at the best medical schools in Sweden.

Medical schools in Sweden are also compliant with the Bologna process and European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, which means the medical degree they grant is valid in any European country.

Can international students enroll in medical schools in Sweden?

It is a Yes from Sweden. Swedish currently caters to thousands of international medical students and remains open for any aspiring high-achiever medical students from around the world. Although medical education in Sweden is only free for Swedish, Nordic, and European Union citizens, international students can still avail themselves of the program for 7,500 – 25,500 EUR/year.

Just note that since Sweden is a rich country, the cost of living may be expensive depending on the region. Once you are sure that you can cover the expenses, here are the basic requirements to start your medical journey in Sweden.

  • Completion of secondary/high school
  • Submit Transcript of Records from secondary school
  • Obtain a residence permit in Sweden
  • Meet the special entry requirements in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and other equivalent courses.
  • TOEFL/IELTS certification
  • Swedish Language Proficiency of at least level 3
  • High Swedish scholastic aptitude test scores
  • Documentation requirements such as recommendation letter, diploma, passport, and CVs vary according to country.

It is vital to check the University Admission website, which regulates international application to a higher-education institution in Sweden. The website contains information on the complete requirements depending on each country and which document needs translation into Swedish.

Most medical schools in Sweden accept international students like Karolinska Institutet, Lund University, Uppsala University, and Gothenburg University.

Check Out: The Cost of Living and Studying in Sweden for International Students

What is the medical curriculum like in medical schools in Sweden?

Similar to most EU countries, the candidates can take medical programs in Sweden directly after high school. But unlike any of them, it only lasts for five and half years or 11 semesters in Sweden. As all medical programs are in Swedish, it poses an extra challenge for overseas students.

Nonetheless, it will be all rewarding considering Sweden is home to top schools in the world like Karolinska Institutet, which ranks 6th in QS World University Rankings for Medicine. Here is the medical program outline from the same university:

Swedish medical programs offer a unique medical curriculum having multiple modules per semester instead of being organized as studying only a single module for a short period then moving to the next. This design enables students to maximize individual and group studies instead of classroom lectures.

The program has two levels: basic level (1-6 semesters) and advanced level (7-11). The advanced stages primarily occur in teaching hospitals, in which students take part in providing patient care under the supervision of medical professionals.

After graduation, the students are not eligible for a physician license awarded by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) yet, since they only grant it after the mandatory 18-24 months internship in medical hospitals. The students can then opt to practice generally or proceed to a specialization that lasts another five years.

See Also: How to Become a Medical Doctor in Sweden

Best Medical Schools in Sweden

1. Karolinska Institutet

Started in 1810 as an academy for the training of skilled army surgeons, Karolinska Institutet is the best medical school in Sweden. It is also the country’s center for academic research and home to the Nobel Assembly, which has the full right to evaluate and select the Nobel Prize awardees in Physiology or Medicine.

Karolinska Institutet currently has the most extensive range of medical programs and courses offered in the country and is one of the leading medical universities worldwide. The medical programs taught in Karolinska are entirely Swedish. As such, proficiency of Swedish 3 plus English 6 and other entry documents is part of the admission requirements.

2. Lund University

Lund University is one of the oldest schools in Northern Europe, founded in 1666. It is a public school that grew to become one of Sweden’s leading medical schools. It consistently ranks in the top 100 schools worldwide in a variety of programs which includes medicine. Medicine in Lund lasts up to 5.5 years, consisting of eleven semesters.

The first five years are problem-based learning that tests students’ practical knowledge, occurring in different hospitals every three semesters. The requirements to be admitted as a medical student is similar to Karolinska Institute since they both have medical programs in the Swedish language.

3. Uppsala University

Established in 1477 and known as the oldest university in all Nordic countries, Uppsala University offers two ways to get a Medicine degree. The university values choice and independence. Accordingly, students are free to tailor their unique program by choosing a combination of independent courses that suit their tastes except for programs that will lead to a professional degree and internship. It is also a great choice if you prefer the class environment.

4. University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg, one of the best medical universities in Sweden, is at the heart of the second-largest city in the country. Founded in 1891 in Gothenburg, it is a public and city university with a multidisciplinary academic offering. It is also one of the largest universities in the Nordic countries. Sahlgrenska Academy, the faculty of medicine of the university, prides itself on its successful research advancements.

Its most notable studies include aging, cancer, metabolism, neuroscience, obstetrics, odontology, vaccines, and virology. Proficiency in the Swedish language is still required to study medical courses, and it can be learned for free in the university by enrolling in their Swedish language courses.

5. Umea University

Known as the fifth oldest university in the country and for its research of genomes and its Institute of Design, Umea University – Faculty of Medicine offers education and research in medicine, odontology, and health care, from tiny microbes to risk factors of the whole population. The faculty boasts successful research in the cure for diabetes and the advancement of knowledge about prostate cancer. Umea University welcomes international students to study medicine in the university as its medical program’s language of instruction is English.

6. Linköping University

Linköping University has a history that dates back to 1975. It initially offered courses in Industrial Engineering and Management and Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering; it was only after a few more years that Health Sciences began in this top medical school in Sweden. Linköping University was the first Sweden university to introduce a radical yet practical teaching method called Problem-Based Learning that stimulates students’ development of professional competence and independence in learning. This new philosophy resulted in the first university students being allowed to practice medicine on an actual patient on health wards.

7. Orebro University

Orebro University began its service in 1999 after the Uppsala University branch in Örebro, the College of Physical Education and Sport Science, the College of Social Science, and Preschool Teaching Seminary merged in 1977. However, the university only had the power to pide a medicine degree in 2010. Despite having only ten years of clinical education, Obrero University offers one of the best medical programs in Sweden, with the pursuit of Bildung at its center.

See Also: Cheap Universities in Sweden

8. Malmo University

Malmo University is a young public medical university in Sweden established in 1998. Located in Malmo, the university contributed to the formation of the town into a center of learning. Aside from its high-quality medical education, the university is also involved in interdisciplinary researches in biomedical sciences. Malmo University also values internationalization at its core, manifested in its high acceptance of international students and partnership with international medical institutions.

9. Stockholm University

Another Swedish university that offers top-notch medical programs is Stockholm University. It was established in 1878 and is centered in and around Stockholm. The university offers education at all levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. It provides an array of programs and courses to aid students in expanding their knowledge in order to pursue a career in medicine. Several programs are taught entirely in English, while some are lectured in both Swedish and English.

The university provides Master’s programs in Medical Physics, Microbiology, and Machine Learning and guarantees an opportunity to develop knowledge about learning processes, both at the individual and organizational level and thus contribute to a better quality of life for students who are interested in pursuing health professions.

A few Ph.D. programs and the majority of medical master’s programs are available to help future healthcare experts adapt to the rapidly advancing technological landscape of modern healthcare. The faculty there is the perfect fit to provide both an in-depth understanding of basic medicine’s impacts and the advanced medical models that are required.

10. Jonkoping University

The School of Health and Welfare at Jonkoping University, established in 1977, is renowned for its premier education and research in the area of health sciences. In all aspects of education and research, the school places a significant emphasis on international collaboration. To preserve and enhance both individual and population health, the school spans its network across all continents.

The school’s programs consistently earn top ratings in national assessments and are praised in the media as shining examples of excellence. The school provides access to a flexible learning environment where one can earn course credits from anywhere in the world. Health care, social work teaching, and research are the main areas of emphasis at the School of Health and Welfare. The school provides a stimulating academic setting where students develop and enhance their capabilities and skills that will prepare them for their future careers.

11. University of Skovde

The University of Skovde, founded in 1977, is another outstanding medical school in Sweden. It is a cutting-edge, hospitable institution that offers top-notch instruction and globally competitive research. The School of Bioscience and Health Science conducts research and education at a high level that meets worldwide standards. On a national as well as an international level, the school has established relationships in the areas of education and research.

The international Bachelor in Biomedicine Study Program is delivered entirely in English. Students receive a well-rounded education from the curriculum, which includes instruction in chemistry, medical biochemistry, cell and human biology, anatomy, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and the biological causes of illnesses.

The interdisciplinary Master’s program in Bioinformatics blends biology with IT tools from computer science. Large biological datasets will be processed, arranged, and analyzed by the students, giving them the chance to add to their current understanding of disease development and patient response to medicinal therapies. Depending on their course of study and specialization, international students have a variety of medical options to choose from.

12. Mid Sweden University

Mid Sweden University, founded in 1993, has a vibrant and welcoming environment where individuals may come together, find inspiration, and develop fresh perspectives. The university serves as a hub for learning, collaboration, and fresh concepts as the community comprises numerous knowledgeable and enthusiastic students, both from Sweden and from other nations.

Its campuses, which are located in Sundsvall and Ostersund, respectively, provide a wide range of academic opportunities, including medical research. The university, one of the respected institutions in Sweden, provides a selection of excellent English-taught worldwide medical science programs. The Master by Research in Chemistry program is designed for individuals who are highly motivated to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for a future career in public, private, or academic research and development. Also, it’s a great way to prepare for your future Ph.D. studies as the university cooperates with renowned universities and medical institutions to provide the best education for its students.

13. Karlstad University

Since its founding in 1999, Karlstad University has challenged conventional thinking and explored the unknown. To increase the breadth of the students’ knowledge, the institution makes sure there is a positive, welcoming work atmosphere. The university is marked by its accessibility to the community and the strong relationship between research and education. It always encourages values, equality, and diversity and embraces closeness and trust.

The Department of Health Sciences, one of the recognized Swedish medical schools, delivers top-notch instruction and research in a setting that supports professional and student health. The department’s work and growth are defined by the active regional, national, and worldwide collaboration to promote good health. The Graduate School of Health aspires to provide a robust and innovative environment for research education in a more comprehensive context than any other discipline can. The graduate school’s activities aim to improve the standard and substance of supervision and instruction, serve as resources for Ph.D. students, and incorporate study-related social activities.

Knowledge and skills are developed by the learners and educators for personal growth and to support a sustainable society. In addition to the available programs, the university also offers a Master’s in Psychology, a Nursing Specialty, a Dental Hygiene Specialization, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health Sciences.

Learn More About: How to Study in Sweden for Free

Medical education and research are of the highest academic caliber and are very important to society. Worldwide accessibility of Swedish healthcare services has a long history. The greatest medical schools in Scandinavia and all of Europe are found in Sweden and its medical programs share many characteristics with those in other nations but also have some differences. According to a global rating of schools as well as specialized educational care, the aforementioned medical schools are the best in Sweden. We hope that this article has been helpful, especially for prospective students who wish to pursue careers in medicine or healthcare in Sweden. You may also be interested in finding more information on different European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!

 

We hope this article helped enlighten you in choosing the best medical school in Sweden for you. To know more information like this, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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