Rather than enrolling large numbers of students, Swedish universities take a selective approach, seeking talented students committed to research-intensive higher education.
Sweden’s Ambassador to India, Petra Menander, who assumed office in August after serving in Saudi Arabia, spoke to Education Times on the sidelines of the Study in Sweden education fair, which brought representatives of 13 Swedish universities to Delhi and Hyderabad.
Expecting significant progress under the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan (2026-2030), which aims to strengthen academic and research ties and promote talent mobility, Ambassador Menander urged Indian students to understand the demands of research-intensive universities in Sweden, immigration requirements and the benefits of industry-linked education. Excerpts from the interview:
The strategic partnership, supported by a joint action plan, marks a significant step forward in India-Sweden relations and identifies key areas for cooperation.
The two countries aim to double bilateral trade and economic engagement by 2030, with people-to-people ties, including student and worker mobility, forming an important part of this broader partnership.
Research collaboration has long been a key pillar of bilateral relations, but its inclusion in the strategic partnership gives it greater prominence. The focus is now on expanding cooperation through researcher and student exchanges as well as partnerships between academic institutions.
Joint working groups are helping advance this agenda.
We have previously reached out to students in several Indian cities; Delhi and Hyderabad are two locations with significant potential and a strong pool of talent interested in studying in Sweden. The initiative aims to connect with more students, introduce them to programmes offered by Swedish universities and highlight the opportunities available to Indian talent.
Sweden is a relatively small country, but has much to offer in education, research, and innovation. Swedish companies also need skilled professionals, particularly in STEM fields. Studying in Sweden allows students to experience life there and explore those possibilities firsthand. We hope to build greater awareness and attract more motivated students who are committed to their education and are keen to make the most of the opportunities available in Sweden.
Sweden offers a particularly strong environment for advanced studies, including master’s and doctoral programmes, as well as research. It has a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem and invests significantly in these areas. Sweden is also recognised for its technological capabilities and culture of innovation. One important differentiator is the close relationship between universities and industry.
Students gain industry exposure during their studies, while companies get to identify emerging talent. This combination of academic rigour, research, innovation, and industry engagement makes Sweden an attractive destination for higher education. The country’s quality of life is another advantage.
Students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are of particular interest. However, admission requirements vary by university and programme, with each institution determining the qualifications, application process, and other criteria for its courses.
The universities participating in this initiative are keen to answer students’ specific questions, explain the opportunities available to Indian talent and help prospective applicants navigate the admissions process. Sweden has also streamlined procedures for skilled workers and is working to fast-track certain visa applications. The target processing time for work permits for highly skilled workers is approximately 30 days.
Students should go to Sweden primarily to study. They are allowed to work 15 hours per week alongside their studies, which gives them work experience to find employment after course completion. However, work should not become the main reason for going to Sweden. Students are expected to fulfil their academic commitments and comply with the applicable rules. Questions concerning immigration and the conditions governing students’ stay in Sweden fall within the remit of the Swedish immigration authorities.
The guiding principle is that education must remain the priority.
The model creates closer links between what universities teach and research, what industry needs, and what the government seeks to achieve through economic development and innovation. It improves the alignment between graduates’ skills and industry requirements.
Students often work with companies on their final-year projects, gaining exposure to real-world problems before they graduate.
This connection helps them understand workplace demands and develop industry-relevant skills. There is a strong emphasis on translating research into practical solutions. Many universities have incubators or investment mechanisms, either within the institution or closely associated with it, to help turn research ideas into industrial applications or new businesses.
The close relationship between universities and companies is an important feature of Sweden’s education and innovation ecosystem.
When researchers, industry and public institutions work together, there is greater scope for translating knowledge into practical applications. Students benefit from industry exposure, while companies gain access to relevant expertise and emerging talent.
There are also several research partnerships between India and Sweden. Researchers at Swedish institutions, including the Karolinska Institute, collaborate with their Indian counterparts.
Some of these partnerships involve joint funding, while academic collaborations in fields such as physics have continued for decades.
I am confident that Sweden can offer Indian students a positive experience. The country has an Indian community of around 60,000 professionals and researchers. In addition, approximately 4,200 Indian students are studying at Swedish universities, experiencing Swedish society and its quality of life.