Sweden is an attractive destination for students from all over the world. Three Swedish universities are in top 100 and eleven are in top 500 of the 2010 edition of the Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Moreover, free and high-quality education have always been among the top reasons to choose this country to continue studies. Even though living costs are higher than in other European countries it has been still considered to be a good option. Obviously until now.
Starting from autumn semester 2011 all universities in Sweden will charge sometimes up to 200.000 kronor a year. Given that most Master Programmes are for 2 years it makes education in Sweden significantly less affordable for a lot of people who planned to come there. Most of students who already study in Sweden say that if they were to choose now where to continue their studies in case it's affordable to pay 200.000 kronor a year they would definitely choose UK or USA.
Authorities have various views on the situation, but in general they more tempted by the opportunity to save tax-payers money, than to enable students receive free education and attract international talents to the country. “We believe that the number of applications will decrease dramatically, definitely in the first years, when the tuition fees are introduced,” warns Beatrice Hoga, the president of Sweden's National Union of Students (Sveriges Förenade Studentkårer – SFS)
Starting from autumn semester 2011 all universities in Sweden will charge sometimes up to 200.000 kronor a year. Given that most Master Programmes are for 2 years it makes education in Sweden significantly less affordable for a lot of people who planned to come there. Most of students who already study in Sweden say that if they were to choose now where to continue their studies in case it's affordable to pay 200.000 kronor a year they would definitely choose UK or USA.
Authorities have various views on the situation, but in general they more tempted by the opportunity to save tax-payers money, than to enable students receive free education and attract international talents to the country. “We believe that the number of applications will decrease dramatically, definitely in the first years, when the tuition fees are introduced,” warns Beatrice Hoga, the president of Sweden's National Union of Students (Sveriges Förenade Studentkårer – SFS)
