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Sweden
Recommended Match
Global Rank: #Top 1%
Karlstad University
Sweden
Public Research University
Why This University?
- • Internationally recognized institution
- • Degrees recognized by HEC Pakistan
- • Part of European Higher Education Area
- • Growing Pakistani student community
- • Pakistani student associations available
- • Cultural and religious facilities nearby
- • 4 opportunities available
- • Need-based financial aid
- • Industry partnerships
- • Career counseling services
Financials & Costs
Tuition Fees
€8,200 - €24,500
Check program list for exact fees
Living Costs
€900 - €1,200
Monthly average
Available Scholarships
- Karlstad University Global Scholarship (50% tuition waiver, high academic merit, MUST rank #1)
- Löfbergs International Programme Scholarship (100,000 SEK deduction, business/marketing focus)
- Uddeholms Scholarship (100,000 SEK deduction, for STEM/Engineering students)
- Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship (Full funding + stipend, extremely competitive)
Requirements
Academic Requirements
Min. CGPA
Required
Varies by Program
IELTS Score
Minimum
6.5
Note: Requirements may vary by program. Always check the specific program page for exact requirements.
Required Documents
- CV / Resume
- Motivation Letter
- Transcripts
Personalized Match Analysis
Strong Match
Your Strengths for This University
- Your IELTS 7.5 exceeds the 6.5 requirement, strengthening your application.
- Your 3.66 CGPA from LUMS is competitive for Karlstad's merit-based scholarships.
- Your CS background aligns perfectly with the Master in Computer Science program.
- Karlstad's 'Open' approach values individual potential over Pakistani university ranking.
Areas to Improve
- No GRE/GMAT score may reduce competitiveness for the main 50% scholarship.
- Your 2 years of work experience is not explicitly valued for admission.
- You must rank Karlstad #1 to qualify for their primary scholarship.
- HEC attestation of your LUMS degree is mandatory for Master's application.
Recommended Actions
- Rank Karlstad University as your #1 choice in the application portal.
- Begin HEC attestation of your LUMS degree and transcripts immediately.
- Prepare a strong Statement of Purpose highlighting your CS background alignment.
- Apply before the January 15, 2026 deadline for all programs.
Your Roadmap to Europe
Step-by-step guide to securing your visa for Sweden
Critical Warning / Action Required
CRITICAL LOGISTICS ALERT: Sweden does not issue 'Student Visas' for degree programs; you apply for a 'Residence Permit for Studies'. You MUST pay the first tuition fee installment (usually one semester) before the Swedish Migration Agency will begin processing your permit. Biometrics are done at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad.
1. Centralized Application Research
Month 1-3 (Oct - Jan)
Duration: 8-12 Weeks
Status: Preparation
- Create an account on the central portal: UniversityAdmissions.se.
- Rank up to 4 Master's programs or 8 Bachelor's programs in order of preference (ranking is binding!).
- Appear for IELTS Academic (Requirement: Overall 6.5, no band below 5.5).
- Prepare HEC-attested degrees and transcripts for upload.
Critical Points:
- application fee: SEK 900 (non-refundable).
- ielts target: 6.5 Overall (Equivalent to English 6 in the Swedish system).
2. Document Submission & Deadline
Month 4 (January)
Duration: Fixed Window
Status: Critical Deadline
- Submit the online application by January 15th (Main Autumn Intake).
- Upload all supporting documents (Degrees, SOP, CV, Passport) by the early February deadline.
- Pay the application fee via credit card before the February cutoff.
Critical Points:
- admission round: Always apply in the 'First Round' (Autumn) for the best chance of visa processing time.
3. Admission Results & Tuition Payment
Month 6 (March - April)
Duration: 2-4 Weeks
Status: Financial Commitment
- Receive the 'Notification of Selection Results' in late March.
- Pay the first tuition fee installment immediately (approx. SEK 50,000 - 80,000).
- The university notifies the Migration Agency electronically once the payment is cleared.
Critical Points:
- tuition range: SEK 80,000 - 295,000 per year (varies by program).
- si scholarship: If you win the Swedish Institute Scholarship, tuition is waived and you get a monthly stipend.
4. Residence Permit Application (Online)
Month 7 (April - May)
Duration: 2 Weeks
Status: Visa Submission
- Apply online via the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).
- Upload: Admission decision, Proof of tuition payment, and Personal bank statement.
- Proof of Funds: You must show at least SEK 10,656 per month (approx. SEK 127,872 for 1 year) in your own name.
Critical Points:
- maintenance requirement: SEK 10,656/month (2026 rate).
- permit fee: SEK 1,500 (Adult students).
5. Biometrics at Embassy Islamabad
Month 8 (June - July)
Duration: 1 Day
Status: Identity Verification
- Book an appointment for biometrics (photo and fingerprints) at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad.
- Bring your original passport for verification.
- Wait for the decision; processing usually takes 1-3 months.
Critical Points:
- embassy location: Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad.
- interview: Rare for Sweden, but stay prepared for basic questions about your study plan.
6. Permit Card & Travel
Month 9 (August)
Duration: 2 Weeks
Status: Arrival
- Once the permit is granted, the 'UT Card' is sent to the Embassy in Islamabad (allow 2 weeks for shipping).
- Collect your card and travel to Sweden.
- Register for a 'Personnummer' (Personal Identity Number) if your studies last more than 12 months.
Critical Points:
- work rights: No limit on working hours for students as long as you maintain study credits.
- post study work: 12-month extension available after graduation to look for a job.