How I made it to Sweden from Nigeria to Study for my Master’s Degree

I woke up one morning in 2007 and decided that I will pursue a postgraduate program abroad. I was in bed for three hours thinking about how I will achieve this and the benefit I will incur from it in near future.

But after a time it was done to me that I did not have any financial support to push my dream to reality. On a second thought, I decided to give it my all and see how far I can go with it.

Because of the cost of internet browsing then, I decided to go for all night-browsing so that I will have all the time to research on universities I can apply for. I only knew a little about UK and US universities so my plan was to see if I can find low cost UK universities that also offer any form of scholarship.

Why UK universities? I am glad you asked. Since I was running on a limited budget I put aside US universities because of the extra cost I will incur in writing International English Examination.

That memorable night
On the night of the browsing, I decided that I will take a nap in the evening so that I will be awake all night in other to get value for my money. It worked and my eyes were wide open as if nature has lost its powers on me. I started around 10 pm but around 2 am the next day, I could not explain what happened, bam!! I stumbled on one university in Sweden.

I decided to go ahead and check the tuition because I like the postgraduate program I saw on their web page, it was then I got the shock of my life. It happened that there was no tuition in Sweden for University Education and moreover the masters program is taught in English

UK universities I was searching instantly gone with the winds. I focused all my attention on Swedish Universities. Instantly, I started looking for masters program that best suit my education background. By the next morning, I got like three programmes from three different universities in Sweden. I was all smiling and did not regret a second I spent being awake that night. In my mind I wished for once that morning should not come so that I can keep pushing until the last drop of my energy.

Making Application
I went to my home university and got my transcript. Although it took forever before they can print my transcript for me. I went I printed three different forms for the three masters programs.

Gently and carefully, I filled all of them with the required information. When I finished with the form, it was well assembled in their respective envelopes and I headed to NIPOST where I posted it.

One week later, I got an acknowledgement message from the program coordinator that they have received my application with a breakdown of the application process. The hard news was she informed me that the admission decision will be out on the 17th of April.

That 17th of April took me back to the memory lane when I was waiting for my WAEC result. I couldn't wait to see that day. I was counting every day that passed by. Three months appeared to me like three years. But nothing last forever as they said

On the morning of that 17th April, I was very apprehensive and I was contemplating with "what if questions". I decided to wait until around 2 pm to go to Cyber-cafe to check my email.

At 2 pm, I went to Cyber-cafe; I paid for 3o minutes and login into my yahoo account. As my page opened, I saw a message with congratulation you have been admitted to study a masters program. I was overwhelmed with joy. Then, the content of the message said that my admission letter was attached in the message that I should download and print it out for my Visa application.

The sad thing that day was that internet connection was so low that my 30 min time got finish while a 2-page admission letter was still downloading.

Applying for Swedish Visa
The very moment I got admitted to my program of choice, the hard reality of applying for Swedish Visa beholds me. I went to the Swedish Immigration Website and started reading about student visa permit and application processes.

At first, the requirement instantly appeared to me like something I will never meet. But then I said to myself, if I can go this far, I can still push further. Beside there is no harm in trying.

I assembled all the required documents they needed. I was also luck to talk to a distant family friend who accepted to provide a sponsorship statement of account from her bank.

When I felt I was ready, I went to Abuja and I submitted my application. Two to three months later, I got an email from Swedish Immigration about my application that I should come to Abuja. The whole message was in Swedish, I did not understand what the message was and then there was no language translation software I knew about although I did not search well.

I printed the message and went to Abuja the next week. When they called me in with other people we were all seated on the reception and they took our passports. I waited like 30 minutes before they called my name over the public address system.

I went directly and the white lady behind a glass shield passed some of my documents and my passport to me. I took it and immediately flipped my passport pages, here and there they was a visa sticker on my passport. I took a deep breath and left. Many people were congratulating me.

Travelling to Sweden
Travelling to Sweden was also the challenging part. I did not know anybody in Sweden beforehand. I needed money for my accommodation and upkeep before I could get any job there to support myself.

The message that got me afraid and thinking was when my program coordinator sent me a message telling me that I should make sure that I have all the money I need in Sweden arranged beforehand. That it is very hard for students and immigrants to get a job in Sweden.

From the Student International housing in my admitted university, they informed me they have made a student room available for me if I am interested in taking it. The cost was almost 90, 000 Naira per month. I was like woo!!

I took the house but I was thinking how I will cope since I can only pay the rent for 3 months. When I eventually got to Sweden, I meet another Africa guy from Cameroon who is looking for accommodation and I decided to share my room with him to reduce the cost and it gave me extra three months for job hunting.

School and Study
Three days after my arrival, I started school. My first day in school was not fun. Everything is different from what I was used to. It was very challenging especially if you are following practical oriented program and you did not have a strong practical experience in your previous studies in Nigeria.

I can’t stay much about this but it was a rewarding experience and the standard of education in Sweden is very high compare to Nigeria.

Personal Experience and advice
Life in Sweden can be tough most especially when you come to study there with limited financing. There is a language barrier most often when you are looking for a job.

But on a good note, life is more secured and there are many good amenities: Light, Internet, good health system, etc

In my personal experience, the two years I spent in Sweden, when I check what I spent, I realized that I paid less in my masters program in Sweden than what it will cost me in Nigeria. What this statement implies is that through the student odd jobs I did, I was able to recover my transport fare, accommodation and other expenses I made while in Sweden.

Although things have changed since then but when I look back, I am always glad that I took that decision.

Ask any question about study in Sweden here

Source: http://toscanyacademy.com/blog/

wat course 're u studying their bro?....

oluwatobi01: wat course 're u studying their bro?....

Computer Software Development

I have the following questions ;
1. Were u asked to provide referees from Ur school? And if yes, were the refrees responsible for sending their referee forms via mail? or did they posted it via nipost?
2. what are the name of this universities and their valid websites and emails?
3. How many month did it take u to get a student job and wat nature of jobs were available for African students?
Thank you.

Yaksson: I have the following questions ;
1. Were u asked to provide referees from Ur school? And if yes, were the refrees responsible for sending their referee forms via mail? or did they posted it via nipost?
2. what are the name of this universities and their valid websites and emails?
3. How many month did it take u to get a student job and wat nature of jobs were available for African students?
Thank you.

Question 1: "Were u asked to provide referees from Ur school? And if yes, were the refrees responsible for sending their referee forms via mail? or did they posted it via nipost?"

Please remember that I said it was in 2007 that I got my admission and the admission process has changed in Sweden. During my time I got reference from Lecturers in my department. Then, application was more or less in hard copies. You print and fill the application form and send it with your supporting documents. But now there is a centralized online admission website in Sweden. You can find more information here https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start

Question 2: what are the name of this universities and their valid websites and emails?

Lund University
Kristandstad University
Malmo University

I choose these universities because they are in southern Sweden where the temperature is much better compare to northern Sweden

Just google them you will find more information about these universities

Question 3: How many month did it take u to get a student job and wat nature of jobs were available for African students?

Getting a job in Sweden depends on many factors. the city where you live, Swedish Language, network with other Africans who are there before you, etc. Then it took me 3 months and it was a weekend paper distribution.

In Sweden, odd jobs pay considerable well when you compare with other European countries. You earn between 100 -120 Swedish krona per hour. I kr is around 23 Naira.

Available Jobs for African Students may include:

Paper Distribution
Cleaning of any type
Hotel Jobs
Refill in store and many more.

In 2007, tuition was free but now you have to pay for your tuition.

Nice one bro!!!! An encouragement that I can study MSc in leadership abroad with our situation at home. How do I get you

goldenboyofpsy: Nice one bro!!!! An encouragement that I can study MSc in leadership abroad with our situation at home. How do I get you

My advice for you is just to search for university colleges in Sweden because there tuition is not that expensive compare with full fledge universities

It's now a trend for Nigerian celebrities to use private jets , last few weeks it was Davido and now singer i yanya and his manager Ubi Franklin flew a private jet and shared this pictures on their respective social networks . Big boys . See More pics below http://gossiptwist..com/2014/09/photos-iyanya-jetting-privatly-with-his.html

In Jesus name I won't struggle for visa again till I die...

What an experience...

You were determined+God's grace! Not everyone will be this lucky. It's really a good experience n encouraging as well.

priscaoge: You were determined+God's grace! Not everyone will be this lucky. It's really a good experience n encouraging as well.

grace n luck is like word n opposite

rattlesnake: grace n luck is like word n opposite

Lol..Which ever one,its not easy!

priscaoge:
Lol..Which ever one,its not easy!

nice piggytail

I'm happy for you and thank you for sharing your experience to motivate others.

Did you get a job after studying in Sweden? If yes, how long did it take? And do you find the job, and life generally, fulfilling in Sweden?

Mrval20: I'm happy for you and thank you for sharing your experience to motivate others.

Did you get a job after studying in Sweden? If yes, how long did it take? And do you find the job, and life generally, fulfilling in Sweden?

In IT where I specialised, you can get a job but learning their language will give your more opportunity. There are other fields that you might end up not getting a job.

If your field of study is in the list of shortage profession then there is a chance for you.

My advice or suggestion is if you plan to stay in Sweden after graduation and look for a work then it is essential that you study programs that are in high demand.

Immediately I graduated I got a job with a startup that originate of my Uni so it was easy for me. But there are many of my coursemates that struggle for a long time without a job.

The funny thing is I haven't been ask of my result or the grade I made in interviews. Their interest is if you can do the job.

Please know that there is discrimination sometimes when it comes to job and other things (That is the price you pay when you are not in your own country, although it is everywhere in Nigeria)

I am not in Sweden now but Sweden is one of the best country to live. When I was in Sweden I have this feeling that I can live up to 100 years because of sense of security

But life can be really hard if you don't have any means of livelihood.

nollyj:

In IT where I specialised, you can get a job but learning their language will give your more opportunity. There are other fields that you might end up not getting a job.

If your field of study is in the list of shortage profession then there is a chance for you.

My advice or suggestion is if you plan to stay in Sweden after graduation and look for a work then it is essential that you study programs that are in high demand.

Immediately I graduated I got a job from a startup that originate of my Uni so it was easy for me. But there are many of my coursemates that struggle for a long time without a job.

The funny thing is I haven't been ask of my result or the grade I made in interviews. Their interest is if you can do the job.

Please know that there is discrimination sometimes when it comes to job and other things (That is the price you pay when you are not in your own country, although it is everywhere in Nigeria)

I am not in Sweden now but Sweden is one of the best country to live. When I was in Sweden I have this feel that I can live up to 100 years because of sense of security

But life can be really hard if you don't have any means of livelihood.

Inspiring story..... Are you still familiar with the educational system now? If yes, what kind of differences did you notice between the swedish educational system back 2007 and now

MisterLongman: Inspiring story..... Are you still familiar with the educational system now? If yes, what kind of differences did you notice between the swedish educational system back 2007 and now

I don't know how much it has changed but what I do know is that every year they review all the courses that were taught. They get input from current students and from industries so that the course will be in line with the skills and knowledge companies are looking for.

In Sweden, students can work directly from school to workplace after graduation without looking like novice in their field of studies. They teach according to the current realities and trends in the work environment and they usually invite companies to teach about what they are researching about.

I think it will look much better now than before

Inspirational...I like it.

Nice one op,ds write up has boosted ma morale. Now lemme go hit the internet for overseas phd study

@Op wat is it like for undergraduates (Cost of study, life generally) ? Cus i studied Agric but i intend doing somtin like I.T again.

@op

1. Are u saying there are no more tuition-free university studies in sweden, especially at masters degree level....?

2. Can you suggest to us, other Scandinavian countries and universities with tuition-free tertiary studies where one can struggle through with an "okay" job successfully apart from sweden....?

Ab025: @op

1. Are u saying there are no more tuition-free university studies in sweden, especially at masters degree level....?

2. Can you suggest to us, other Scandinavian countries and universities with tuition-free tertiary studies where one can struggle through with an "okay" job successfully apart from sweden....?

Norway
Sweden
Germany
Finland

Interesting experience!! I've heard in counties like Sweden, University education is free. That's very attractive, given the fact Sweden is a small country with one of the highest living standards.

However I don't think I would want to go to Sweden for anything except a vacation. There are lots of factors which comes into play when deciding what country to migrate to, as a black person (especially African) Sweden (and in fact the whole of Scandanavia ) is probably one of the least favourable places for you in Europe. First, the climate; the scandanavian chill is very very harsh, it could kill a novice.

Sweden is still kind of closed, they're not as multi-cultural or multi-racial as some other parts of Europe, integration is incredibly difficult & usually, you'd find yourself experiencing varying forms of racial discrimination. This is inevitable, you've got to prepare your mind for this.

Sweden might be a great choice, looking from a cost perspective but career wise, it's a not a very good choice. The chances of you gaining any meaningful employment before or after your studies in Sweden are as good as your chances of being struck by lightening and except you're lucky enough to impregnate one of them jungle fever Swedish blondies sorry Sweden is closed to you. They don't want migrants staying in their country longer than necessary.

U used Ni-freaking - post to mail ur transcript U get liver o

i think u shuld atlist av some frendx wu culd av update abt d admission processes, let hear thre view

Thank God!

bakandow11: i think u shuld atlist av some frendx wu culd av update abt d admission processes, let hear thre view

Just like I said before things have changed. The admission process in Sweden is centralized now so all the information you need is in one place. Hit this link to find more information https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start

If you have specific questions then that is different. you feel free to ask

50calibre:
Sweden is still kind of closed, they're not as multi-cultural or multi-racial as some other parts of Europe, integration is incredibly difficult & usually, you'd find yourself experiencing varying forms of racial discrimination. This is inevitable, you've got to prepare your mind for this.

Sweden might be a great choice, looking from a cost perspective but career wise, it's a not a very good choice. The chances of you gaining any meaningful employment before or after your studies in Sweden are as good as your chances of being struck by lightening and except you're lucky enough to impregnate one of them jungle fever Swedish blondies sorry Sweden is closed to you. They don't want migrants staying in their country longer than necessary.

Although some of the things you pointed out is true, while in Sweden I have seen many Africans with this line of thinking. I respect people's opinion.

But this is the catch. When people think that there is no need to plan, I will just do whatever I think or available and I sit back and get to the top then there must be a problem. Things does not work like that way now. The world is very competitive. For you to have a career in Sweden as an immigrant, I have said it before you need good information and you need to plan ahead based on professions that are in high demand.

If you study what is not currently needed in Sweden or a very competitive profession, the odd is that you will not get a job. And moreover they have to take care of their citizens first before you (In Nigeria, each state has indigenes and non-indigenes policy)

Bear in mind that there is high unemployment rate in Nigeria but people still get jobs without connection. If you have not learn how to make yourself unique with special skills, knowledge and the ability to plan ahead with right information then you will struggle in whatever country you find yourself.

I have seen Nigerians that change jobs whenever they feel like Sweden. You see companies contacting them through Linkedin and other local source to switch over with better package.

Also, I have seen Nigerians without jobs after 8 eight years of graduate.

Sometimes it is easy for people to produce a long list of reasons why they were not able to succeed.

Nice Story bro... My question is did u write any exams like tofel sat and them relatives..... ??

2ndly: Do you know bout any kinda university in India that is tution free? I'm going for statistics now but i want to do any I.T related Courses in my masters preferable in India or any other good country with less expense