Studying MBBS in Sweden

4 reasons to start your medical studies in Sweden

Want to study medicine but not sure if Sweden is the right choice? We present our top 4 advantages of studying medicine in Sweden!

High quality of medical training

Sweden is known for its excellent education system. Many of the universities are among the 100 best universities in the world. The teaching staff are highly motivated and usually also actively involved in research, so that you have access to the latest scientific findings and comprehensive medical education. Supervisors provide close support for students right from the start of their studies.

Practice-orientated learning

Swedish medical universities attach great importance to the practical training of their students. This gives you the opportunity to gain clinical experience in state-of-the-art hospitals and healthcare facilities early on in your studies.

Internationally recognised degree

The medical degree in Sweden is internationally recognised. After your studies, you can either work in Sweden, return to Germany or work in another EU country of your choice.

Cutting-edge research

Sweden is known for its culture of innovation. If you start your medical studies in Sweden, you will have the opportunity to take part in numerous research projects. You can benefit from the excellent quality of medical research and advanced technologies.

At which universities is it possible to study MBBS in Sweden?

The medical universities in Sweden are renowned and their good medical education is recognised worldwide. Most Sweden universities offer courses in Swedish, but there are also some universities that offer programmes in English. We can help you get an overview!

Lund University

The renowned University of Lund is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Scandinavia. It offers a six-year Studying medicine in English which begins in spring and autumn. The principle of PBL (problem-based learning) is often used for the theoretical part of the programme. Reference is made to patient cases and there are numerous group exercises. In addition to Lund, the programme also takes place in Helsingborg and Malmö from time to time.

Uppsala University

Twice a year, medical studies begin in Swedish at Uppsala University. However, a large part of the course literature is in English and in In some cases, entire courses are taught in English held. Teaching is based on problem-, case- and team-based work. It is considered to be very competency-based, which means that it promotes the specific skills of individual students.

Uppsala is one of Sweden's oldest cities and therefore has a long history as a centre of education and culture. It is not without reason that it is one of Sweden's most beautiful cities. The well-preserved medieval buildings, including the impressive Uppsala Cathedral, exude a charm all of their own.

Örebro University School of Medical Sciences

Örebro University is recognised as one of the best young universities in the world. The medical degree programme there is offered twice a year for 65 students each time. Some of the lectures are held in Swedish, partly in English held. There is a particularly strong focus on the practical training of students, which takes place in health centres and hospitals in the Örebro region.

In addition to lectures, student life is a natural part of studying at Örebro University. Numerous student organisations regularly offer sports events or social events. This means you can quickly make friends with your fellow students.

Karolinska Institute Stockholm

The Karolinska Institute is one of the world's leading medical universities. The university's teaching model is interactive, which creates close contact between teachers and students. 160 places are available each year for the medical degree programme. Lectures are held in Swedish.

Stockholm is one of the safest capitals in the world, one of the most innovative cities in Europe and one of the world centres for advances in healthcare.

University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy

The University of Gothenburg offers the medical degree programme in Swedish twice a year. The teaching aims to promote students' personal responsibility for acquiring knowledge and reflective and critical thinking. Over the course of twelve semesters, lectures, laboratory work, group exercises and internships provide excellent preparation for the medical profession.

Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city, is a centre for education, knowledge and development. There is a wide range of culture, sports and nature experiences. Numerous student associations will be happy to help you make friends quickly.

Umea University

The medical programme at the prestigious Umea University begins in the autumn of each year. The modern, newly developed six-year programme is taught in Swedish. A large emphasis is placed on practice-integrated learning (Vil). During your rotations in hospitals, you will always work with supervisors and well-trained medical staff.

The city of Umea is one of the most popular student cities in Sweden due to its high quality of life and many leisure activities. Located in the north, the small town is only 400 kilometres from the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by unique flora and fauna.

What are the requirements for studying MBBS in Sweden?

To successfully apply for MBBS programs in Sweden, you need a general higher education entrance qualification.

Your grades in natural sciences such as biology, physics and chemistry should not be lower than grade 2. Your High-school average makes up two thirds of the application. The other third is determined by the "Högskoleprovet" study aptitude test. The test assesses your skills in areas such as mathematical problem solving, quantitative comparisons, analysing tables and Swedish and English word and reading comprehension.

If you already have professional experience in a medical profession or internships in a healthcare facility, this can be an advantage for your application.

As the majority of universities offer medical studies in Swedish, you must have good to very good Swedish language skills and be able to prove this with a certificate. If you don't have this yet, but are interested in learning the language, there are numerous institutions and programmes that can support you.

Step-by-step admission process for MBBS in Sweden

Sweden offers a very welcoming environment and is considered the third-best country in the world to live in. Now that you have sorted out your eligibility, you can focus on your application. To do that, you need to know the admission process for MBBS in Sweden.

Here’s a breakdown of the application process.

1. Research universities: Make sure to visit the official websites of your preferred universities in Sweden. This is essential for staying informed about admission deadlines, program details, and any specific requirements they may have.

2. Apply online: Sweden provides a centralized application portal called universityadmissions.se. This feature allows you to apply to multiple universities through one platform and rank your choices in order of preference.

3. Complete the application: Once you’ve selected your universities, carefully complete the application forms on universityadmissions.se. Don't forget to pay the application fees upon submission.

4. Gather supporting documents: Please ensure that you have all the necessary documents prepared, including your transcripts, proof of English language proficiency (if applicable), and a Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (SweSAT) score (if required by your chosen universities). Remember to also include any additional documents requested by the universities.

5. Submit and track: Please ensure to review all details thoroughly before submitting your application. After submission, you will be able to track the status of your application through the universityadmissions.se portal.

Documents required for MBBS admission (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in Sweden

1. Application form: Complete and submit the application form for the MBBS program at the university. The form is usually available on the university's official website or through their admissions portal.

2. Proof of secondary education: Submit copies of your high school diploma or the equivalent, such as A-levels or an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, based on your educational system.

3. Transcripts or academic records: Ensure the submission of official academic transcripts or academic records from your secondary education. These documents should contain a comprehensive list of the courses undertaken and the corresponding grades attained.

4. English language proficiency: If English is not your primary language, it is typically necessary to provide evidence of English language proficiency. Accepted assessments include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). You’ll need to verify the university's minimum score requirements.

5. Passport or identification: You must submit a copy of your passport or identification document to verify your identity and nationality.

6. Personal statement or statement of purpose: Some universities may ask for a personal statement or statement of purpose. This is your chance to justify why you want to study MBBS and why you are interested in pursuing the MBBS degree at that specific university.

7. Letters of recommendation: Some universities may require letters of recommendation from educators, professors, or professionals who can attest to your academic performance, personal attributes, and suitability for the MBBS program.

8. CV or resume: Prepare a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume detailing your education, work experience, extracurricular activities, and relevant achievements.

9. Application fee: Make sure to submit any necessary application fees as outlined by the university. The amount and payment method may vary, so it's important to review the university's website or reach out to their admissions office for specific details.

Many Swedish universities require good English language skills. For the IELTS exam, a minimum score of 6.5 is needed, with no individual score lower than 5.5. For the TOEFL certificate, a score of 90 is required, with at least 20 in the written part.

How is the medical degree programme structured in Sweden?

The Duration of medical studies which is also known as the "Läkarprogrammet" in Sweden, lasts twelve semesters. The content is similar to the German degree programme. It is divided into three phases.

Over the first four semesters, you will acquire theoretical knowledge about how the human body is structured and how it functions. This part of the degree programme focuses in particular on cell biology, histology, physiology, pharmacology and anatomy. You will also learn to work from a scientific approach. Right at the beginning of the programme, you will have contact with patients and receive training in patient care. As the programme progresses, the scope of the practical placements increases. The theoretical part of the programme consists of lectures, laboratory work, group and simulation exercises and training in clinical skills.

The second part of the training programme deals with diseases, their development, cause and spread. You will learn about various clinical pictures in different medical fields. These include, for example, gynaecology, surgery, skin diseases, neurology and psychiatry. At the same time, you will learn how to recognise and treat these clinical pictures in the clinic.

In the final part of the programme, you will perfect your medical skills and deepen your knowledge of scientific working methods. In the 10th semester you will carry out a final project.

The Swedish medical degree is recognised in Germany and other EU countries.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Sweden?

The Costs for studying medicine are low in Sweden compared to other EU countries, as Swedish universities do not charge tuition fees to their students as per Sweden fee structure. The only tuition costs are the registration fee for the Swedish selection test. The amount is around 4,566 INR (50 euros).

The living expenses in Sweden can be somewhat higher than in Germany. Rental prices vary greatly between the individual cities. In large cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, they tend to be somewhat higher and range from around 54,784 INR to 63,914 INR (600 to 700 euros). In smaller cities, however, you can also find rooms in shared flats for around 27,392 INR (300 euros) per month. You should budget around 22,818 INR (250 euros) per month for food. There are also expenses for leisure activities, transport and study materials. In total, you can expect the living expenses between 73,023 INR and 1,36,941 INR (800 and 1,500 euros) per month.

There are numerous Scholarships for studying medicine abroad that can help you with the financing.

Jobs and salary after MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in Sweden

1. Residency training: In Sweden, after finishing the MBBS program, medical graduates typically go through residency training, which offers specialized clinical training in a specific area of medicine. The duration of residency training can vary based on the chosen specialty, ranging from three to six years or more. Throughout the residency period, you will be supervised in hospitals or healthcare institutions to gain practical experience and further enhance your medical skills.

2. Specialization and medical practitioner: Upon completing residency training, you can specialize in a medical field such as surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, etc. Specialized doctors are vital for diagnosing and treating patients, and they typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. In Sweden, the salary for specialized doctors varies based on experience, location, and specialization, generally ranging from SEK 45,000 to SEK 75,000 per month (3.67 lacs INR to 6.11 lacs INR).

3. Research and academia: After completing their medical studies, some graduates decide to pursue careers in research or academia. In these roles, they may conduct medical research, contribute to scientific progress, or work as medical educators at universities or research institutions. Salaries in research and academia can vary based on qualifications, experience, and job position.

4. Public healthcare sector: In Sweden, there are various job opportunities in the public healthcare sector, such as roles in hospitals, clinics, or primary care centers. The salary for doctors employed in the public healthcare sector is established through collective agreements between the Swedish Medical Association and employers. The exact salary scales and benefits can differ based on the specific position, experience, and location.

5. Private practice: In Sweden, some medical professionals opt to open their own private practices to offer medical services and care to patients. The income generated in private practice can fluctuate based on factors such as patient volume, location, and the scope of services offered.

Country and people: Exciting facts about Sweden

1. How generous! More than 1 per cent of Sweden's total gross domestic product is spent on donations abroad.

2. Mamma Mia! Sweden has a diverse musical landscape that has been internationally recognised for decades. Some of the best-known artists include Roxette, ABBA, Avicii and Ghost.

3. Almost the half of Sweden is covered with forests. The beautiful dense forests, which are interrupted by large lakes with small islands, are spread across the entire country and create an unrivalled landscape.

4. Scandinavian innovation: The pacemaker was invented in Sweden. The famous cardiologist Dr Ake Senning successfully used the first model on his patient Arne Larsson in 1958 with the support of engineer Rune Elmquist.

What do you need to consider when applying to study medicine in Sweden?

In addition to your certified university certificate, you will need the "Högskoleprovet" aptitude test to apply to a Swedish medical university. This takes place twice a year in different locations in Sweden, usually in October and April each year. You can also register to take part as a non-Swedish citizen. We will be happy to explain what else you need to know!

The application for the degree programme usually takes place via the website of the respective university. Here are the different Application deadlines to note.

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying MBBS in Sweden? Contact us today and start your journey with futureMBBS. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey to study MBBS abroad and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about studying MBBS in Sweden