Uppsala University: FAQ Guide for International Students

Welcome to Uppsala University, future students! Embarking on your journey as an international student is thrilling, and we know you must have plenty of questions about your new adventure. That's exactly why we've created this blog—your go-to guide for all the FAQs you might have about life and studies at Uppsala.

Whether you're wondering about course selections, student housing, visa processes, or where to find the best coffee spots around campus, we've got you covered! Our aim is to make your transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So, grab a cup of coffee, take a seat, and let’s start this exciting journey together. Welcome aboard!

Looking for housing for students in Uppsala? Check out our listings for shared accommodation on Hemavi!

What are the admission requirements for international students at Uppsala University?

Requirements for Bachelor's Studies

You must have completed high school or upper secondary education. The specifics of what qualifies depend on your country of study, and details can be found on the country-specific pages at the university admissions website.
Most Bachelor’s programmes require proof of English proficiency equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. Acceptable tests include TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent, with specific scores required for each test.
Applications must be submitted online through the Swedish national application portal, universityadmissions.se, with specific dates for application openings and closings each academic year.

Requirements for Master's Studies

A Bachelor’s degree is required, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. If you're in your final year of Bachelor’s studies, you may be conditionally admitted, but you must submit proof of your pending graduation.
For Master's level programs, you also need to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS, with specific minimum scores required.
Similar to Bachelor’s studies, applications for Master's programs are submitted online during specific application periods via universityadmissions.se. Detailed guidance on required documents and application steps is provided on the portal.

Both levels of study may also require specific program-related prerequisites and documents, which can include everything from prior specific coursework to additional tests like the GMAT, depending on the program.

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Sweden?

Before applying for a visa, you must be admitted to a study program at a Swedish university. You should apply for a residence permit for studies if your program exceeds three months. The application is done online through the Swedish Migration Agency's website.

Prepare necessary documents such as your passport copies, proof of university admission, proof of health insurance (if your program is less than one year), and evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. You’ll also need to show that you've paid your first tuition fee installment before submitting your application.

The processing time for your visa application can take between two and four months. If you are from a country that requires an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you will need to visit your local Swedish embassy or consulate to receive a residence permit card.

Remember, the application for a residence permit must be submitted no less than three months before your study program begins. For detailed steps and more specific requirements, it’s advisable to visit the Swedish Migration Agency's website and the Study in Sweden site.

Are there any scholarships available for international students at Uppsala University?

Uppsala University offers several scholarship opportunities for international students, particularly those applying for Master's programs. These scholarships are highly competitive and are primarily available to fee-paying students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

Uppsala University Global Scholarships: This scholarship covers the full tuition cost for selected Master’s programs. To be eligible, you must be a non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, demonstrate academic talent, and have applied to a Master's program at Uppsala University as your first priority. The application for these scholarships typically opens around mid-January each year.
Anders Wall’s Scholarship: Available for students from specific African countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda), this scholarship also covers the full tuition for either Bachelor’s or Master’s level studies.
General Scholarships for Master’s Students: Each year, Uppsala University offers a limited number of scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition (but not living expenses) for Master’s students on a competitive basis.

Applications for these scholarships usually require you to first apply for a program at Uppsala University through the official university admissions website. After securing admission and during a specified period, you can then apply for scholarships. Be aware that the scholarships typically do not cover living expenses, so you will need to ensure you can cover these costs through other means.

For detailed instructions on the application process and to view the full range of scholarships available, you should regularly check Uppsala University’s official scholarship web page.

How can I register for courses and what should I know about the academic calendar at Uppsala University?

To register for courses at Uppsala University, you need to first activate your student account. Once your account is activated, you can register for your courses through the Ladok system, which is the student records system used by the university. Here you'll see the courses you have been admitted to and the specific periods during which you can register for each course. It's important to register within these designated periods, as failing to do so may result in losing your place in the course.

The academic calendar at Uppsala University is divided into four periods over the course of the year. Each semester—autumn and spring—is split into two periods. For example, for the academic year 2024/2025:

Period 1 runs from early September to early November.
Period 2 from early November to mid-January.
Period 3 from late January to late March.
Period 4 from late March to early June.

Examinations are usually held at the end of each period, with re-examinations scheduled during specific periods throughout the year, such as June, August, and over the Easter holidays. It's essential to register for both regular and re-examination periods via Ladok.

For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to register for courses and more information about the academic calendar, you can visit the Uppsala University’s official admission and registration page and the academic calendar page.

What student support services does Uppsala University offer?

Uppsala University offers a comprehensive range of student support services designed to assist students in various aspects of their university life:

Study and Career Counselling: Guidance on academic and career choices, helping students navigate their studies and future career paths efficiently
Student Health Services: Addressing issues related to the physical and mental health of students, offering support for stress, sleep problems, low self-esteem, and other personal challenges. They provide individual counselling, workshops, and seminars designed to support students' well-being.
Disability Support: Specialized support services, which include customized help and resources to assist in overcoming educational barriers.
Study Strategies Support: Resources and programs to help improve study habits and academic performance, including workshops on note-taking, time management, and exam preparation. Students can also enroll in non-credit courses to enhance their study skills.
IT Services: Assistance with email, Wi-Fi, software, and access to computer rooms, ensuring students have the necessary technological resources for their studies.
Language and Reading Resources: The Language Workshop at Uppsala University provides support for academic writing and oral presentations, along with strategies for academic reading in both English and Swedish.

What are the options for part-time jobs for students in Uppsala?

n Uppsala, students have a variety of part-time job opportunities available, particularly in sectors that accommodate flexible working hours suitable for student schedules. Common part-time jobs include roles in hospitality such as waiting or bartending, retail positions, administrative support, and various roles within the university itself. Additionally, there are opportunities for babysitting and cleaning jobs, which are often sought by students due to their flexible nature.

Many of these jobs do not require proficiency in Swedish, which makes them particularly accessible for international students. The local job portals and university job boards are good resources for finding part-time work, offering a range of options from project assistant roles to more casual work like event support.

For more tailored job searches, specific platforms like Jobs in Sweden and GrabJobs provide listings focused on part-time and student-friendly job opportunities in Uppsala, often highlighting roles that require English language skills, which can be an advantage for international students.

Uppsala boasts a vibrant cultural and social life, deeply intertwined with its historical roots and the presence of Uppsala University, which is a central part of the city's identity. Student life in Uppsala is notably enriched by the existence of 13 student nations, which are unique to Uppsala and Lund in Sweden. These nations act as social hubs where students can engage in a variety of activities ranging from cultural events to nights out in pubs and clubs. Each nation represents different regions of Sweden and offers a family-like community where you can meet friends and engage in social activities.

The university also plays a pivotal role in providing cultural enrichment to its students. You will have access to various cultural offerings including museums, gardens, and concerts, often at a discounted rate or even for free. This makes it easy to engage with the arts and the rich cultural heritage of Uppsala. The city itself supports a wide range of sporting activities, with facilities and clubs for everything from bandy to ultimate frisbee, reflecting the active lifestyle many Swedes enjoy..

What types of accommodation are available for students at Uppsala University?

Uppsala University offers various types of accommodation options to suit the diverse needs of its students, especially international ones. Here's an overview of the main types of student housing available:

Corridor Rooms: These are single rooms in a larger apartment with shared facilities. Each student has a private bedroom, and common areas like kitchens and sometimes bathrooms are shared with other students.
Studio Apartments: For those seeking more privacy, studio apartments are available. These are self-contained units with a private kitchenette and bathroom, ideal for students who prefer living alone or for couples.
Twin Rooms: In some cases, there are twin rooms available where you share a room with another student. This can be a more economical option and is often arranged so that friends or acquaintances can live together.
Flats and Apartments: Larger flats with multiple rooms are also available, typically intended for families or several students sharing. These are usually unfurnished, except for major kitchen appliances.

For fee-paying international students, Uppsala University provides a housing guarantee, ensuring that accommodation is available as long as application deadlines are met. However, non-fee-paying students from within the EU/EEA or Switzerland will need to arrange their own accommodation, which can be competitive, especially around the start of the academic year.

One resource that can help you find housing in Uppsala is Hemavi – make sure you create a thorough user profile to get matched with compatible roommates!