- University Application Fees
Application Fee: For most Swedish universities, you will need to pay an application fee when applying for a study program. This fee is typically SEK 900 (Swedish Krona), which is roughly BBD 8,000 – 9,000 (Bangladeshi Taka). This fee is paid when you submit your application through University Admissions Sweden.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees depend on the program and university. As a non-EU student (Bangladeshi), you will need to pay tuition. Here’s an approximate idea of the tuition costs:
Bachelor’s programs: SEK 80,000 – 150,000 per year (~BBD 7,00,000 – 13,50,000).
Master’s programs: SEK 80,000 – 150,000 per year (~BBD 7,00,000 – 13,50,000).
Some universities offer scholarships for international students, so check if you’re eligible for any. - Requirements for University Applications
Educational Requirements: You need to have a high school diploma for bachelor’s programs or a bachelor’s degree for master’s programs.
English Proficiency: Most programs are in English, so you need to prove your English proficiency through exams like:
IELTS: Minimum band score of 6.5 (varies by program).
TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 (internet-based).
Some universities accept other qualifications like Cambridge English exams.
Transcripts and Documents: Provide official transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and possibly a resume or CV.
Visa Requirements: The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) requires proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Sweden (see below). - Embassy Visa Fees
Visa Application: As a non-EU student, you need to apply for a Student Visa (residence permit). The Swedish Migration Agency handles this process.
Visa Application Fee: The fee for a student visa (residence permit) is approximately SEK 1,500 (~BBD 14,000 – 15,000).
Required Documents for Visa:
Admission letter: Proof of admission to a Swedish university.
Proof of funds: You must show that you have enough money to cover living expenses. As of the latest regulations, this means having at least SEK 8,370/month for living costs. This amounts to SEK 100,440/year (~BBD 9,00,000).
Health Insurance: If you’re not covered by Swedish health insurance, you need to show that you have valid health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Passport: A valid passport that remains valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival in Sweden.
Other Documents:
Passport-size photos (according to specifications).
Application form for the student visa. - Living Costs in Sweden
The cost of living in Sweden can vary depending on where you live, but on average, students should expect to spend around SEK 8,000 – 12,000/month (~BBD 70,000 – 1,00,000). This includes:
Rent (typically SEK 3,000 – 7,000/month depending on location).
Food, transportation, and other living expenses. - Step-by-Step Guide for Bangladeshi Students
Step 1: Choose a Program and University
· Visit University Admissions Sweden website to explore available programs.
· Confirm the entry requirements (including English proficiency and academic qualifications).
Step 2: Prepare Documents
· Gather academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and other required documents.
· Write your statement of purpose and obtain recommendation letters.
Step 3: Apply to Swedish Universities
· Apply through University Admissions Sweden.
· Pay the application fee (SEK 900).
· Submit your documents and wait for the admission decision.
Step 4: Apply for a Student Visa
· Once admitted, apply for your student visa through the Swedish Migration Agency.
· Provide proof of funds and health insurance, along with your university admission letter.
· Pay the visa fee (SEK 1,500).
Step 5: Wait for Visa Decision
· It takes around 2-3 months for the Swedish Migration Agency to process your visa application.
Step 6: Book Your Travel and Accommodation
· Once your visa is approved, you can book your flight and accommodation in Sweden.
· Contact your university’s student accommodation office for housing options.
Step 7: Arrival and Registration
· Upon arrival in Sweden, you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency to get a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer), which is necessary for various services like banking and health insurance. - Summary of Costs
· University Application Fee: SEK 900 (~BBD 8,000-9,000)
· Tuition Fees: SEK 80,000 – 150,000/year (~BBD 7,00,000 – 13,50,000)
· Visa Application Fee: SEK 1,500 (~BBD 14,000 – 15,000)
· Living Costs: SEK 8,000 – 12,000/month (~BBD 70,000 – 1,00,000)
· Proof of Funds for Visa: SEK 100,440/year (~BBD 9,00,000)
Total Estimated Cost for One Year:
· Low Range: SEK 100,000 (tuition) + SEK 100,440 (living) + SEK 900 (application) + SEK 1,500 (visa) = SEK 202,840 (~BBD 18,00,000)
· High Range: SEK 150,000 (tuition) + SEK 100,440 (living) + SEK 900 (application) + SEK 1,500 (visa) = SEK 252,840 (~BBD 22,50,000)
When planning to study in Sweden, Bangladeshi students are required to follow a well-defined process, which includes securing a student visa and fulfilling the academic, financial, and documentation requirements. The process can seem overwhelming, but services like Visa Stories can assist students in preparing all the necessary documents and ensuring a smooth application process. Visa Stories is a consultancy and advisory service that helps students navigate through the complexities of the study visa process, including everything from university applications to visa approvals, all while providing support in preparing essential documents like IELTS scores, bank statements, CVs, motivational letters, reference letters, and more.
In this detailed guide, I will explain how Visa Stories, as a consultancy service, can assist Bangladeshi students with all the required documents and help streamline the process of studying in Sweden.
- Visa Stories’ Comprehensive Support System
Throughout the entire process, Visa Stories offers comprehensive support to ensure that students do not miss any crucial steps. From the initial university application stage to the final visa approval, Visa Stories acts as a guiding partner for Bangladeshi students, offering the following:
· Consultation Services: Visa Stories provides free or paid consultations where students can ask questions and receive expert advice about the entire study-abroad process.
· Document Review and Editing: Visa Stories offers professional editing and review services for all application documents (motivation letters, CVs, and reference letters).
· Visa Application Guidance: Visa Stories helps students with every aspect of the visa application, ensuring that all documents are correctly submitted and that deadlines are met.
· Scholarship Guidance: Visa Stories can also help students find scholarships for their studies in Sweden, further reducing the financial burden. - Visa Stories’ Role in Assisting Students with Their Applications
Visa Stories provides valuable support in all stages of applying to study abroad, including helping students with the documentation needed for university applications and visa processing. The consultancy service ensures that students have a comprehensive understanding of what is required, which saves them time and reduces the chances of errors. Some of the main ways Visa Stories helps Bangladeshi students are listed below. - University Application Documents
When applying to Swedish universities, students need to submit several essential documents. These documents not only play a critical role in the admission process but also in securing a Swedish student visa. Visa Stories helps students compile these documents accurately to enhance the chances of acceptance into a Swedish institution.
2.1. Academic Transcripts and Certificates
One of the first steps in applying to a university is providing proof of your academic qualifications. For undergraduate programs, this would typically be your high school diploma and transcript, while for master’s programs, you would need your bachelor’s degree and transcripts. Visa Stories guides students on how to get these documents verified, translated (if necessary), and properly submitted to the university’s admission portal.
2.2. IELTS or TOEFL Scores
Since most Swedish universities require students to have a proficiency in English, you must submit results from an English language test such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Visa Stories assists students in preparing for these tests by recommending suitable preparation courses and ensuring that test results meet the specific score requirements for Swedish universities.
· IELTS: Swedish universities typically require a minimum overall band score of 6.5 for undergraduate programs, and 7.0 for postgraduate programs.
· TOEFL: A minimum score of 90 (internet-based) is typically required.
Visa Stories helps students understand the exact language requirements for their specific program and ensures they are adequately prepared to meet these standards. - Visa Application and Documentation
Once you receive an offer from a Swedish university, the next critical step is to apply for a student visa (residence permit) through the Swedish Migration Agency. To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide various documents that verify your financial stability, health insurance, and your admission to a Swedish institution. Visa Stories helps students prepare and submit all of these documents in a timely and accurate manner.
3.1. Admission Letter from University
A crucial document that Visa Stories helps students obtain is the admission letter from the Swedish university. This letter confirms that you have been accepted into a recognized program. The university typically issues this letter after you successfully meet all admission criteria, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, and other requirements.
3.2. Proof of Sufficient Funds (Bank Statement)
Sweden requires that international students prove they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses while studying. As of the latest guidelines, the Swedish government requires students to show that they have at least SEK 8,370/month for living costs, which totals around SEK 100,440/year (~BBD 9,00,000).
Visa Stories helps students with obtaining a proper bank statement or financial support documentation. The bank statement should show that the student has access to sufficient funds, either through personal savings or sponsorship.
In addition, Visa Stories may assist with arranging financial support documents if students have sponsors (such as parents, relatives, or organizations) who are willing to financially support the student’s studies. Visa Stories also offers advice on how to present this information to meet the specific requirements of the Swedish Migration Agency.
3.3. Health Insurance
Swedish authorities require students to have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay. For students from non-EU countries, this requirement is especially stringent. Visa Stories advises students on how to either purchase Swedish health insurance or provide equivalent international health insurance coverage.
3.4. Valid Passport
Another fundamental document is the passport, which must be valid for at least six months after your intended arrival date in Sweden. Visa Stories helps students ensure that their passports are valid, and if needed, assists with the passport renewal process. - Additional Documents: CV, Motivation Letter, Reference Letters
In addition to the required documents mentioned above, Visa Stories helps students prepare supplementary documents such as CVs (Curriculum Vitae), motivation letters, and reference letters, which are vital for both university applications and visa processing.
4.1. CV (Curriculum Vitae)
A well-prepared CV is essential for students applying to master’s programs or certain undergraduate programs that require work experience or internships. Visa Stories provides guidance on how to format a professional CV, showcasing your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, and any other relevant skills. A clear and concise CV enhances your application and ensures that you stand out to both the university admissions team and the visa officers.
4.2. Motivation Letter
The motivation letter (or statement of purpose) is a key component of your application. It explains why you want to study the particular program in Sweden, your academic and professional goals, and how studying in Sweden will help you achieve those goals. Visa Stories assists students in crafting a compelling and personalized motivation letter that highlights their strengths, aspirations, and passion for their chosen field of study.
4.3. Reference Letters
Universities often require one or more reference letters from academic or professional mentors who can vouch for your qualifications and character. Visa Stories helps students approach potential referees and provides tips on what information should be included in the reference letters to meet the university’s expectations. They also help students format the reference letters in a way that aligns with Swedish university standards.
Conclusion
Visa Stories provides invaluable assistance to Bangladeshi students planning to study in Sweden. The consultancy service ensures that students are fully prepared for their university applications and visa processes, helping them compile all the necessary documents like IELTS scores, financial statements, CVs, motivation letters, and reference letters. By leveraging the expertise of Visa Stories, students can confidently navigate the complexities of the application process, increasing their chances of securing both university admission and a student visa.
For students aiming to study in Sweden, Visa Stories offers the guidance, expertise, and hands-on assistance needed to turn their dreams of studying abroad into a reality.
