Handbook International Researchers

7/29/2019 Handbook International Researchers

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Hej!Handbook orInternational Researchers


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WelcometoStockholmUniversity!

As a guest researcher or international research student you are

a key player in the internationalization o research at Stockholm

University. The creative and critical thinking you bring to our

community is highly valued.

You will fnd that we encourage strong, independent thinking

across the disciplines as we strive to continue our tradition o

excellent teaching and research.

As a new member o our research and teaching community I hope

that you will enjoy the positive, riendly environment that we pride

ourselves on. Your presence here is a welcome contribution to the

ongoing cultural and educational exchange that makes StockholmUniversity an inspiring and international environment to work in.

I sincerely hope that your time here will be a success and that in

the uture you will come to look back on your time here as an

important step in the development o your career. Perhaps in that

way you will come to be an ambassador or Stockholm University

and the work we do.

Kre Bremer

Vice-Chancellor

IntroductionStockholm University, located in Swedens capital city, is the regional centre for higher

education and research in the humanities, law, the natural and social sciences. It is a thriving

intellectual community and home to some of the worlds leading international researchers

across the academic disciplines.

With over 50,000 undergraduate and masters students, 1,800 doctoral students and 6,000

employees, Stockholm University is one of the largest universities in Sweden and one of the

largest employers in the capital. People of many different nationalities, with contacts through-

out the world, contribute to the creation of a highly international atmosphere at Stockholm

University. We hope that you, too, will enjoy the experience of working or studying with us.Living in another country can be challenging at least in the beginning. We hope this

handbook will make your life in Sweden, Stockholm and at Stockholm University easier.

How to Use the HandbookThe information has been written with guest researchers and other international lecturers,

researchers and research students in mind. Most of the content is applicable to you irrespective

of which of the a bove target groups you belong to. The handbook contains some information,

such as e.g. student housing and discounts, that is only relevant for research students. This

information is placed within olive-green text boxes throughout the handbook.


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Stockholm University is one of Swedens largest institutions of higher

education, with more than 50,000 students and 6,000 members of

staffincluding several of the worlds most renowned scientistsoffering

education and research at the highest level within the humanities, law,

science, social sciences and teacher training. The University participates in

regional, national and international collaboration, in debate and in social

change. Located in the middle of the worlds rst national city park, yet

close to the city ce ntre, Stockholm University is characterised by beautiful

natural surroundings, historical environs, and access to the dynamism of

the capital and Swedens largest job market.

Moving to Sweden the Essentials

AccommodationThere is a considerable shortage o accom-

modation in Stockholm so nding a fat is achallenge. Make sure to apply or accom-modation well beore your expected arrival

in Sweden. In particular, register or housingservices with waiting lists as soon as you

know that you are coming to Stockholm.The University Accommodation Center

(www.uac.se) and the Wenner-Gren Center(www.swgc.org) have a limited amount o

accommodation. Please note, however, thatthis accommodation is intended or tem-

porary stays only and not or researchersholding permanent positions.

Accommodation for Visiting Lecturers

I you are not a student, then you shouldlook at a number o websites that advertise

properties to rent:

www.bostad.stockholm.se/en www.svenskabostader.se www.huge.se www.proventum.se www.ekenman.se www.tyresobostader.se

There is also a big sublet market (secondhand rental directly translated rom Swedish)

in Stockholm. You may well nd places tosublet at websites like:

www.bostaddirekt.com www.blocket.se

Please note: You are oten expected to pay a

deposit when renting accommodation inSweden. This sum is returned to you when

you move out o the premises providedthere is no damage to pay or.

Accommodation or Research StudentsIf you are a research student and a member of the Student Union you should sign up for

the queue at SSSB (Stiftelsen Stockholms Studentbostder) as soon as you have received

your letter of acceptance from Stockholm University.SSSB is S tockholms main provider of student accommodation. They rent out rooms

and ats all over the city (30 different areas with around 8,000 rooms); rents are usually

between SEK 2,600 6,000, and the size and outt of the accommodations vary accor-

dingly. Standard rooms at Lappis (Lappkrrsberget, a popular housing area in walking

distance from the University) have their own bathroom but youll have to share a kitchen

with a dozen other tenants. SSSBs webpage is available in English, as well as in Swedish.

It is fairly easy to apply for accommodation at Lappis. For example, you do not need

an ofcial Swedish personal identity number, although it is important you get an identity

number as soon as possible after arriving in Sweden. if you dont have one yet, you will

get a temporary one just for SSSB by contacting their customer support:www.sssb.se
http://www.uac.se/http://www.swgc.org/http://www.bostad.stockholm.se/enhttp://www.svenskabostader.se/http://www.huge.se/http://www.proventum.se/http://www.ekenman.se/http://www.tyresobostader.se/http://www.bostaddirekt.com/http://www.blocket.se/http://www.sssb.se/http://www.sssb.se/http://www.blocket.se/http://www.bostaddirekt.com/http://www.tyresobostader.se/http://www.ekenman.se/http://www.proventum.se/http://www.huge.se/http://www.svenskabostader.se/http://www.bostad.stockholm.se/enhttp://www.swgc.org/http://www.uac.se/


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Residence PermitsI you are a Nordic citizen (Denmark, Fin-

land, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) you do notneed a residence permit to be registered in

Sweden.Citizens o other EU/EEA member states

and members o their amilies have the righto residence instead o a residence permit.

You must register your right o residencewith the Swedish Migration Board no later

than three months ater entering Sweden.All other nationals must have a residence

permit to be able to register in Sweden. Youmust apply or a residence permit at a Swe-

dish embassy or Consulate beore entering

Sweden. More inormation: www.migrationsverket.se

Extension of Residence Permit

A residence permit is granted or one year at

a time. Extension o a residence permit takessix to eight weeks and must be done beore

the existing residence permit expires. Forinormation regarding ees visit

www.migrationsverket.se/ino/812_en.html

You are entitled to stay in Sweden whilethe permit is being processed, although it

can be dicult to visit other countries inEurope without a valid Swedish residence

permit. I you return to your home countryduring summer or Christmas, you can con-tact the Swedish Embassy in your home

country to renew your residence permit.

Population RegistrationI you plan to stay in Sweden or one year ormore, you must register with the SwedishTax Agency (Skatteverket). It is important

that you are correctly registered in thepopulation register, so that you can exercise

your rights and enjoy social benets andallowances.

For aster processing, visit the Tax Oce in

person. Bring your passport and any docu-ments proving your civil status, birth certi-

cates or any children who are moving withyou, and your residence permit. Your

department at Stockholm University willprovide the Tax Agency with inormation

about your employment.I you will be staying in Sweden or less

than a year you should contact your depart-ment at Stockholm University and/or get in

touch with your local Tax Oce to nd outwhat tax rules apply to you. For example, aperson who lives abroad but spends more

than six months in Sweden can be conside-red liable or tax.

Taxation and Income TaxI you receive your wage or stipend rom a

Swedish source, preliminary tax (prelimi-nrskatt) will automatically be deducted atsource.

An income tax notice speciying your ear-ned taxable income or the year will be sent

to you. This is the inormation you need orcompleting the income tax return (sjlvde-

klaration), which you must submit (on paperor electronically) to the Swedish Tax Agency

at the beginning o May each year, declaringthe previous years income. I you are staying

or less than six months, get in touch withthe Tax Agency to adjust the tax deduction

rom your salary accordingly.Foreign nationals who reside in Sweden

and who are paid here usually pay Swedish

income tax instead o paying taxes in theirown country. To avoid double taxation,Sweden has negotiated agreements with

many countries, and the nationals con-cerned will pay their

taxes in their homecountries. The con-

tent o these agree-

ments varies considerably. Some apply to

visits o up to two years, others to one-yearvisits only. Some agreements apply to stu-

dies, not research, some only to proessors,whilst others apply to anyone invited by a

Swedish institution.

Tax Relief for Foreign Key Personnel

Foreign key personnel experts, researchersand others may qualiy or special tax

relie when working in Sweden. The taxrelie legislation provides a 25 per cent

reduction o the persons taxable income.This means that a oreign key individuals

income tax will be based on only 75 percento his or her income. The reduction applies

to the rst three years o employment inSweden. However, oreign key personnel

may reside in Sweden or up to ve years.Inormation in English is available at the

website o the Taxation o Research WorkersBoard (Forskarskattenmnden):

www.orskarskattenamnden.se

Personal Identity NumberEveryone registered in Sweden is given a

unique personal identity number that is validor the persons lietime. The personal iden-

tity number is retained even i you moverom or to Sweden.

The personal identity number states thedate o birth o the person, a birth number,

and a check digit. The date o birth is givenin six digits. The digits are arranged as ol-

lows: Year, month, and day o birth. So, a

person who has the date o birth 640823was born on 23 August 1964.The personal identity number is used

when dealing with public agencies, healthcare, schools and universities, banks and insu-

rance companies. Other companies are notsupposed to use the personal identity number,

but it is not unusual that it is asked or inreturn or a service paid ater its usage, such

as a telephone subscription or a car rental.

Swedish Identity CardWhen you have received your Swedish per-

sonal identity number, you can apply or anID card rom the National Tax Agency. For

current application ees please visit theAgencys website.

How to Apply for an Identity Card

PaytheapplicationfeetotheNationalTaxAgency (bank giro 389-0100 or plus giro

50 40 62-1) at a bank or via online banking. Giveyourpersonalidentitynumberasa

payment reerence and save the receipt,which you will need to take with you tothe Tax Agency.

VisittheTaxAgencyinperson,whereyouwill ll in an application orm, show your

receipt and prove your identity with an

approved identication card or by havinga certier (with an approved identicationcard) with you. Among the approved iden-

tication cards are Swedish passports, IDcards, driving licenses and EU passports.

The closest local Tax Agency oce is located

at Magnus Ladulsgatan 67, Stockholm.More inormation:

www.skatteverket.se/otherlanguages

Personal Identity NumberIf you have not yet received your personal

identity number from the Swedish Tax

Agency when registering for courses at

Stockholm University, you will be provided

with a special registration number. It is

called P or T number and is a ctive

number for use within the Universitys

LADOK database where your courses and

credits are documented. It can also be

used by the Student Union. When you

have received your ofcial personal

identity number, you should make sure

that the number is updated in LADOK.

Hej is the most common greeting phrase inSwedish. If you want to know how to use

it, the rule is simple always to everybody!
http://www.migrationsverket.se/http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/812_en.htmlhttp://www.migrationsverket.se/info/812_en.htmlhttp://www.migrationsverket.se/info/%20812_en.htmlhttp://www.forskarskattenamnden.se/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_5/Stockholm.Morehttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_5/Stockholm.Morehttp://www.skatteverket.se/otherlanguageshttp://www.skatteverket.se/otherlanguageshttp://www.skatteverket.se/otherlanguageshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_5/Stockholm.Morehttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_5/Stockholm.Morehttp://www.forskarskattenamnden.se/http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/%20812_en.htmlhttp://www.migrationsverket.se/info/812_en.htmlhttp://www.migrationsverket.se/


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Of the various research areas at the

University, fteen have been chosen asleaders in their eld. Research within these

areas encompasses such varied elds as what

people ate during the Stone Age, how the

world economy works and studies of

constituent particles in the South Pole

ice-cap. Sometimes the most revolutionary

and exciting research emerges in the

boundary zone between different scientic

disciplines, such as in the context of

investigations into genetic material, or the

factors that lie behind social inequality.

Insurance andMedical Care

Unemployment InsuranceUnemployment benets are divided into a

basic insurance that provides you with alower level o basic support and a comple-mentary income related insurance (A-kassa),

which is voluntary and typically constitutesa signicant proportion o the total unem-

ploymentbenets.Voluntaryincomerelatedunds are distributed by trade unions and in

order to be entitled to these benets youmust have been a member o or aliated to

an unemployment insurance und during acontinuous period o at least 12 months.

Comprehensive HouseholdInsuranceComprehensive household insurance (hem-

rskring) covers the most potential dama-ges such as damage to property, your perso-

nal possessions and personal liability. It canalso include travel insurance, assault protec-

tion and pay certain costs i you get into dis-pute with someone. Many companies oer

comprehensive household insurance poli-cies with dierent levels o cover. Consider

careully which level o insurance you needand pay particular attention to the policys

restrictions and exclusions.

Health Insurance andMedical CareThe health system in Sweden is run by thestate, which nances the bulk o health care

costs. Patients pay a nominal ee or exami-nations and some tests. The state pays or

approximately 85 percent o medical costs,

and everyone who is properly registered inSweden and has a Swedish personal identi-cation number (see above) has access to this

system. This means you pay subsidized pri-ces up to a maximum amount, above which

you are exempt rom paying anythingurther. Healthcare or children is ree.

Contact the Stockholm Health Care Guide(Vrdguiden)Hotlineformoreinformation:

+46 8 320 100.

General Medical CareI you need to see a doctor or illness that is

not work-related, call: +46 8 320 100 (this isNOT the emergency number), then press 3.

You will be able to talk to a nurse who willhelp you nd a doctor.

Dental CareEveryone who lives in Sweden can receivesubsidized dental care rom the age o 20.

Nevertheless, dental care is quite expensiveso it might be a good idea to visit a dentist

beore you come to Sweden. Dental care isree o charge or children and young people

under 20. More inormation: www.orsakringskassan.se/sprak/eng

112Emergency (Call 112)In the event of an emergency, call 112

to get an ambulance.
http://www.forsakringskassan.se/sprak/enghttp://www.forsakringskassan.se/sprak/eng


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Medical Care or EmployeesAs an employee you can contact the Univer-

sitys healthcare provider helpline or work-related illness. The agreement does not include

general medical care, but as you might beunable to determine yoursel whether an ill-

ness is work-related or not, you should alwayscall and consult a nurse. More inormation:

www.su.se/english/sta-ino/medical-care

University Health InsuranceThe University oers students, visiting

researchers and other guests ree insurancethrough the national Legal, Financial and

Administrative Services Agency (Kammar-

kollegiet). The policy provides emergencymedical and dental coverage ree o chargeor any visiting researchers, lecturers, cone-

rence and seminar participants, opponentso doctoral theses and other oreign visitors

and their amilies. More inormation: www.kammarkollegiet.se/english/

Swedish Social Insurance AgencySwedish social insurance covers everyone

who lives or works in Sweden includinginternational research students. This insurance

provides nancial protection or amiliesand children, or people with a disability

caused by illness, as a result o a work, injuryor old age. The Social Insurance Agency

(Frskringskassan) administers social insu-rance and ensures that you get the benets

and allowances you are entitled to.To be covered by a social insurance bene-

t, you must, as a rule, either be resident inSweden or be working here. I you work in

Sweden, you are also insured or employ-

ment-based benets.EU/EEA citizens should bring the Euro-pean Health Insurance Card, issued by the

social insurance oce in your home country.The card states that you are entitled to

health care on the same conditions and atthe same price as permanent residents in

Sweden.

Absence Due to IllnessAs an employee at the University, you are

required to submit a doctors certicate toyour department, centre, etc. i you are

absent due to illness or more than sevencalendar days in a row.

Ater any absence due to illness you arerequired to ll a orm (Assurance o Illness

Statement) and submit it to your depart-ment, centre, etc.

All materials relating to illness, includingdoctors certicates, etc, are treated in the

strictest condence in accordance with theOcial Secrets Act.

For more inormation see You and your

workplace on the sta web page: www.su.se/english/sta-ino

Parental BeneftAs a parent you are also entitled to parental

benet i you take time o work to look aterthe child. Parental benet is payable or 480

days or children born in 2002 or later andor 450 days or children born beore 2002.

Preventive Health CareAs an employee at the University you are

entitled to one hour per week o preventivehealth care (riskvrd, i.e. keep-t activities)

during working hours. You have access to anumber o ree or heavily discounted activi-

ties in Frescatihallen as well as a sta gym.Friskis och Svettis, who have training

acilities around Stockholm, oer StockholmUniversity employees a ten percent discount

on their annual pass. You may purchase thecard directly at any o Friskis och Svettis

ourteen acilities in Stockholm. Make sureto take your University pay-slip, together

with your ID i you wish to buy the pass.

Employees are also entitled to limitedreimbursement or basic health and tnessactivities on presentation o receipts. Con-

tact your departmental administrator ordetails o the exact sum. The reimbursement

can only be paid or training ees or or thepurchase o entry passes or leisure centres

such as gyms, swimming pools and otherphysical activity centres. However, the acti-vity must be geared towards keeping t: i.e.

not gol, horse-riding, etc.

Medical Care or Research StudentsResearch students are also entitled in addition to the above-mentioned services

to visit the S tockholm Student Health Unit. The Unit offers health counselling and

psychiatric counselling. Make an appointment or visit during reception hours if you need

medical advice or want to see a psychologist. All visits are free of charge for students at

Stockholm University.

Visiting address: Studentpalatset, Norrtullsgatan 2, telephone: +46 86747700.More information:www.su.se/english/study/current-students/student-health-service

Health Insurance or Research StudentsResearch students are entitled to varying levels of health insurance, depending on how

your studies are nanced.

If in doubt, contact Kammarkollegiet:www.kammarkollegiet.se/english

Health and Fitness or Research StudentsResearch students who are not employees are entitled to the same health and tness

benets as employees.

If you are invited to dinner with aSwedish family, dont forget to say tack(thank you). Swedes say it all the time.

Kan du skicka saltet, tack?Varsgod!

Tack!
http://www.su.se/english/staff-info/medical-carehttp://www.su.se/english/staff-info/medical-carehttp://www.kammarkollegiet.se/englishhttp://www.kammarkollegiet.se/englishhttp://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.su.se/english/study/current-students/student-health-servicehttp://www.su.se/english/study/current-students/student-health-servicehttp://www.kammarkollegiet.se/englishhttp://www.kammarkollegiet.se/englishhttp://www.kammarkollegiet.se/englishhttp://www.su.se/english/study/current-students/student-health-servicehttp://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.kammarkollegiet.se/englishhttp://www.su.se/english/staff-info/medical-care


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Living inStockholm

Climate and ClothingStockholm has a moderate climate. On the

longest night o the year in December it isdark or about 18 hours. The coldest monthso the year are usually January and February.

The average temperature during wintermonths is about -3C. Snowall usually occurs

rom January to March. On the longest dayin June the sun is up or about 19 hours.

July and August are usually the warmestmonths with the average temperature being

16C. Dress in Sweden, especially at the uni-versity, is mostly inormal.

Local TransportationPublic transport is easy to use in Stockholm,and in Sweden in general. Stockholm Public

Transport (SL) provides travel by commutertrain, underground, bus, tram and boat,

throughout the greater Stockholm area.Underground stations are marked with a

blue (T) and commuter train stations with ablue (J).

Tickets or travel with SL services shouldbe bought in advance and cannot be purcha-

sed on busses. There are a number o tickettypes available, including season tickets, a

30-day card, strip o tickets, and single tick-ets with short validity. Tickets are available

rom machines or newsagents or via mobiletext message (SMS).

Further inormation, prices and a journeyplanner can be ound at:

www.sl.se/english

Internet and TelephoneAt the University there is a ree wireless net-

work which you can access rom any com-puter with your university account.

Sweden is an advanced IT nation with high-speed broadband coverage in virtually the

entire country. To purchase a broadbandsubscription, ask your landlord what inter-net providers operate in your area, or

purchase a mobile broadband subscriptionrom a high street store.

Should you wish to use a mobile phonewhilst in Sweden, there are plenty o options.

Probably the best option is to bring yourmobile phone rom your home country and

purchase a pre-paid SIM card in Sweden.

ElectricitySweden uses the standard European two-

pin plugs and voltage is 230 volts/50 cycles.I you are bringing your own electrical equip-

ment with you, nd out i it can be usedsaely on this voltage or whether you will

need an adaptor.

Some Basic Rules and RightsPedestrians

Walk on the pavements. Pedestrians havethe right o way over motor vehicles when

crossing the street where indicated at inter-sections. When crossing at an intersection

with trac lights, it is necessary to wait orthe green walk sign. Always try to make eye

contact with the driver beore stepping out.

Bicycles

The rules o the road that apply to cars also

apply to bicycles. A license to operate abicycle is not required. I you ride yourbicycle at night, it must, according to

Swedish law, be equipped with lightsand adequate refectors. There are many

designated bicycle lanes throughout the

Whilst only a few minutes journey from the city centre, Stockholm

University is located in the middle of the worlds rst national city park.

Beautiful surroundings, historical environs, and access to the dynamism

of the capital and Swedens largest job market are some of the features

that make the university unique.
http://www.sl.se/englishhttp://www.sl.se/english


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city. Children under 15 are obliged by law

to wear a helmet.

ShopliftingPetty thet and shopliting (thet under SEK

800) are criminal oenses in Sweden. Evenrst-time oenders will be given a criminal

record, which can aect a persons immigra-tion status in Sweden.

Alcohol and Drugs

Sweden has a government alcohol mono-poly called Systembolaget, responsible or

the sale o alcoholic beverages stronger than3.5 percent by volume (strong beer, wineand spirits). You must be 20 years old or

over to make purchases at Systembolaget.Supermarkets and other shops oten sell alco-

holic drinks under 3.5 percent by volume,such as cider and beer.

Restaurants and bars with permission canserve alcohol to anyone who is at least 18

years old, though many nightclubs volunta-rily require a minimum age above 18 (usu-

ally 20 or 23). Take a photo ID with youwhen you are out at night.

The use o, possession o, and tracking inrestricted drugs (marijuana, heroin, cocaine,

etc.) is illegal and subject to a ne, impri-sonment or deportation.

Work and study are not compatible with the

consumption o alcohol or other drugs. Theconsumption o alcohol or other drugs out-

side working hours must also not aect saety,productivity and well-being in the workplace.

I a problem arises relating to the use/

abuse o alcohol or other drugs, it is vital todeal with such problems both switly and

proessionally. Contact the Universityshealthcare providers or help.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in most public buil-dings and in all restaurants. There are some

designated areas where you can smoke. Youcan be ned i you smoke in non-smoking

areas. Smoking is not allowed within 15metres o all university buildings.

Student Travel CardResearch students who hold a student

identity card can buy a S tudent Travel

Card that gives a reduction on the cost

of travel. When travelling with the Travel

Card, you should always carry your

student identity card (obtained from

Student Union) and your ordinary

identity card.

Take your shoes off if you areinvited to somebodys home.Even if it is dry outside and

your shoes are dry. MostSwedes walk around in their

socks when at home.

As one of Swedens largest seats of learning, Stockholm University

offers education and research at the highest level. Several world-

leading scientists are active here and thousands of students graduate

from the University each term. Stockholm University attracts students

from around the world who see an opportunity to get to know the

Capital of Scandinavia and to share in the wide range of courses and

programmes that the University offers. Naturally we hope that you too

will become a part of this dynamic environment and that your time

here with us will help you make friends for life.


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Funding or Research StudentsResearch studies are funded in a variety of ways, including university-awarded doctoral

studentships or study grants, scholarships, study loans, paid leave of absence from

other employment or other kinds of guaranteed income.

A study grant (utbildningsbidrag) is classed as pensionable income but does not

allow for sickness benet or unemployment benet. A doctoral studentship

(doktorandanstllning) funded via a study grant may, when combined with employ-

ment as an assistant, give the possibility for an annual salary increase.

If you are a research student, it is important that you nd out what your employment

status is, as this will affect your right to enjoy certain benets. Only regular employ-

ment gives you full benets such as unemployment fund, sickness benet, parental

allowance and the right to paid vacation.

Further useful information for research students is to be found in the Handbook for

Postgraduate Students, at the website of the Swedish National Agency for Higher

Education.www.doktorandhandboken.nu/english

Student OrganisationsThe Student UnionThe Student Union organizes many activities on campus, as well as various clubs and

councils, including the PhD Student Council at your department.

Student governance is an important principle of Higher Education in Sweden. Each

council elects student representatives for Boards and Councils at all levels of the

University. Membership in the Student Union is optional, although as a PhD student

you automatically become a member of your departments Student Council.

Services provided by the Student Union include:

a PhD Student Counsellor (Doktorandombud) who can assist with information, advice

and support in both general and specic questions with complete condentiality

a service desk (Krexpeditionen) in Allhuset. The staff can help you with questions

about membership, discounts and the Student Card.

You can nd out more about the Student Union on their website, where you can also

sign up for membership: www.sus.su.se/en

Graduate Student AssociationDocMa, the Graduate Student Association, is an association for Masters and PhD

students which specically aims at including international students, using English as a

working language. The association organizes seminars, workshops and activities and

has a newsletter for international students. More information: www.sus.su.se/docma

Working LieTerms o EmploymentAn overview o the terms o employment

or all sta (working hours, leave, vacation,illness and medical treatment, insurance) is

to be ound in the document You & YourWorkplace.

For more inormation see You and yourworkplace on the sta web site:

www.su.se/english/sta-ino

Working EnvironmentAt Stockholm University everyone mana-gers, sta and students contributes to agood atmosphere by actively promoting an

excellent, supportive working environmentand complying with applicable working envi-

ronment policies. A good psychosocial wor-king environment is imperative as it develops

employees creativity, and avourably infu-ences his or her health, creating ideal condi-

tions to perorm well at work. Greater tran-sparency and a supportive work culture createan opportunity or sta and students to have

greater involvement and infuence at work.The head o department is responsible or

issues relating to the working environmentat the department. The saety representative

is a trustee who has the task o saeguardinga healthy work environment with specic

legal rights and obligations in this area. The

occupational and student health services sup-port the management and the departments.

Travel on Ofcial BusinessTravel on ocial business must be planned

and carried out by the most cost-eectivemethod possible. The person traveling must

use the Universitys appointed travel agencies.When booking travel rom the Universitys

travel agency, a booking conrmation will

be sent to a contact person at the departmentor equivalent to conrm that the person

who has made the booking is an employeeo the department and is authorized to do so.

The University applies climate compen-sation or business travel fights. Beore

making any travel arrangements you shouldconsider whether there is a viable alterna-

tive to travelling: e.g. video conerencing.For travel within Sweden, the travel policy

recommends taking the train rather thanfying or journeys o up to 500 km.

Reimbursement or travel on ocial busi-ness are paid ollowing the submission o a

travel expenses claim orm.

Travel Insurance

You must carry the Swedish State BusinessTravel Insurance Certicate on all business

trips abroad: this certies that you are insu-red by Kammarkollegiet. The Travel Insurance

Certicates are issued by your department.For urther inormation outlining the cover

you are entitled to on business trips abroad,you are advised to contact Kammarkollegiet.

Sta OrganizationsAt Stockholm University ormal negotiationsbetween the University and employees are

handled specic unions or associations.

For more inormation see Staff organisa-tions under the Resources section o thesta web site:

www.su.se/english/sta-ino

Additional ResourcesThe Swedish Institute has an excellent web-

site that contains a wealth o general inor-mation about working in Sweden:

www.workinginsweden.se
http://www.doktorandhandboken.nu/englishhttp://www.sus.su.se/enhttp://www.sus.su.se/docmahttp://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.workinginsweden.se/http://www.workinginsweden.se/http://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.su.se/english/staff-infohttp://www.sus.su.se/docmahttp://www.sus.su.se/enhttp://www.doktorandhandboken.nu/english


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Stockholm University Library is one of the

largest research libraries in Sweden and one

of the most visited cultural institutions in

Stockholm, with about 1.7 million visitors

every year. The library is a natural meeting

point on campus and a key agent of informa-

tion supply at Stockholm U niversity. At the

library you will have access to all scientic

literature that you need within the subject

areas offered at the university.

The main library is located on the 4th oor

and is connected to the D building of Sdra

huset at Campus Frescati. There are also

many department libraries.

Further information can be found at

www.su.se/english/library

Academic LieSwedens Educational SystemHigher education in Sweden is divided into

three cycles, in accordance with the Bolognasystem:

theundergraduate,orrstcycle(3years), themasters,orsecondcycle(2years),and

thePhD,orthirdcycle(4years).

A PhD is the most advanced academic qua-lication awarded in Sweden. It marks the

culmination o a programme o doctoralstudies that comprise 240 credits a total o

our years o ull-time study in which thedoctoral thesis accounts or at least 120 cre-

dits. The total period o study is, however,mostly longer. The reason or this is that

research students oten do not spend alltheir time on their studies they can, orexample, requently spend 20 per cent o

their time on departmental duties such asteaching undergraduates.

Swedish Academic EnvironmentThe Swedish academic environment is inor-

mal: proessors and sta members mostlydress in casual clothes and speak in a ami-liar style with colleagues and students.

Academic YearThe academic year is divided into two

semesters, each lasting 20 weeks. Theautumn semester runs rom late August tomid-January and the spring semester runs

rom mid-January to early to mid-June.

Term TimesThere are no ocial holidays during term

time. Students on certain courses will berequired to submit assignments or sit exams

throughout the whole semester. There isusually a two-week teaching break at

Christmas, but we would advise you to

check your departments website or essay/exam timetables beore making any travel

arrangements, or to contact the departmentdirectly i this inormation is not yet availa-

ble on their website.For more inormation see the Important

dates section on this web page: www.su.se/english/about

National Holidays

Inormation about public holidays in Swedencan see Sweden facts on the Sweden tourism

site: www.visitsweden.com/sweden/

LanguageThe working language in many departmentsat the University is generally Swedish,

though this varies rom department todepartment. Departments with many inter-

national research students and visitingresearchers, or example, may choose to

adopt English as the working language.

Swedish Language Courses

International students, as well as resear-chers, doctoral candidates or holders o

scholarships, admitted directly by a depart-ment, may apply or Swedish language

training at the Department o Scandinavian

Languages. Courses start in September andFebruary. Please contact student adviser EvaBogren: [email protected] or de-

tails. For more inormation see Swedishlanguage courses under the Resources section

o the sta web page: www.su.se/english/sta-ino/links/

IT ServicesThe University AccountAll students and sta need a University

Account in order to gain access to the network
http://www.su.se/english/libraryhttp://www.su.se/english/abouthttp://www.su.se/english/abouthttp://www.visitsweden.com/sweden/http://www.visitsweden.com/sweden/mailto:[email protected]://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_5/%07www.su.se/english/staff-info/links/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_5/%07www.su.se/english/staff-info/links/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_5/%07www.su.se/english/staff-info/links/mailto:[email protected]://www.visitsweden.com/sweden/http://www.su.se/english/abouthttp://www.su.se/english/library


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and computers at Stockholm University.

Users have to have been registered at theirdepartment or at least our hours beore the

University Account can be activated.To open your account you need to visit

the help desk in the University Library inthe D Building o Sdra huset. Bring a photo

ID and your Swedish national ID number(or your P- or T-number i you dont yet

have a standard ID number). Beore gettingyour password you must read and sign the

regulations governing the use o networkand computers. More inormation:

www.it.su.se/studentsupport/english

The University Card

Your University Account has to be opened

and activated beore you can collect yourUniversity Card. The University Card is

used to log-on to the printers and copyingmachines. The University Card also allows

you to borrow books and other materials

rom the library. Collect your card at thehelp desk in the University Library in the D

building o Sdra huset. Bring a photo IDand your P-number. More inormation:

www.it.su.se/studentsupport/english

Webmail

The University webmail service allows sta

and students to use the University emailaccount without installing a desktop client.

Email can also be managed using standardemail programs. University webmail service:

https://mail.su.se.

IT Help Desk

Contact the IT Help Desk or inormation

and assistance regarding your UniversityAccount.

Telephone: +46 8 16 1999 E-mail: [email protected]

Study Plan or Research StudentsContact your supervisor at your department to draw up and sign an individual study

plan, which is intended to make clear the rights, duties and expectations that rest with

the faculty, the supervisor and the research student.

Departmental Duties for Research StudentsResearch students who are on doctoral studentships or receiving doctoral grants are

often given departmental duties (no more than 20 per cent of a full-time post) such as

teaching or administrative tasks. For those employed on doctoral studentships these

duties may form part of their work while students receiving a doctoral grant may also

be given part-time employment as teaching or administrative assistants to top up theirincome (the period allowed for completion of the doctoral programme is then corre-

spondingly extended). Not all doctoral students are assigned departmental dutiesbut

the experience and teaching qualications these duties can offer are invaluable.

Language Requirements or Research StudentsMost departments have no formal requirements regarding command of the Swedish

language for admission to postgraduate programmes. However, since lec tures and

seminars are often held in Swedish, postgraduate students are strongly advised to

attend short Swedish language courses offered by the university alongside their

graduate programme.

Stockholm University LibraryStockholm University Library is one o the

largest research libraries in Sweden and oneo the most visited cultural institutions in

Stockholm, with about 1.7 million visitorsevery year. The library is a natural meeting

place on campus and a key inormationresource at Stockholm University. The main

library is located on the 4th foor and is con-nected to the D Building o Sdra huset.

There are also many departmental libraries.More inormation:

www.sub.su.se

Green Campus

Stockholm University, located in the natio-nal urban park, is Swedens largest univer-sity. Environmental research and education

are carried out in the natural, social andinterdisciplinary sciences, and the Univer-

sity aims to be a leader in education andresearch on the environment and sustaina-

ble development.Numerous activities take place to reduce

the negative impact o the University on theenvironment. For example, the University

works actively to save energy and cut downon oce paper; rubbish is sorted or recyc-ling and ecological goods are purchased

where possible. There is also an emphasis onusing technology to acilitate long-distance

collaboration so sta dont have to travelaround the globe in order to collaborate

with colleagues. The Universitys currentEnvironmental Action Plan puts particular

emphasis on reducing its carbon ootprint.There are concrete proposals on how to, or

example, reduce business travel, improveenergy use, purchasing and procurement,

and better handle chemicals and waste.

EthicsAs a researcher or doctoral student at Stock-

holm University you are expected to upholdthe Universitys commitment to scholarly

teaching and/or research. Sta are expectedto maintain the rigorous academic stan-

dards expected o a leading international

university.Stockholm University is proud o its tra-

dition as an arena or critical cultural andscientic debate, and works actively to

ensure that equal opportunities and equalityexists or all employees and students. As a

member o the university community, youshould treat everyone with courtesy and

respect, regardless o their role.

Scientic Dishonesty

Students or sta who are ound to haveknowingly published or attempted to pass

o another authors language, thoughts,ideas, or expressions as their own research

will be disciplined in accordance with theguidelines stipulated by the Swedish Natio-

nal Agency or Higher Education. Moreinormation:

www.su.se/english/about/rules

Ater Your PhD Building anAcademic Career

Ater receiving a PhD, a researcher canchoose to either leave the University to

work in business or the public sector, or topursue an academic career. Those wishing

to continue their career in higher educationoten apply or a postdoctoral position

(postdoktor), which gives the possibility oconducting urther research. A postdoc is

also a useul means o gaining permanentemployment as a lecturer. Appointments aremade or a period o up to two years with

the option o extension i there are specialconsiderations, such as illness and parental

leave. To qualiy or a postdoctoral positionthe applicants doctoral degree should not

be older than three years prior to expiry othe application period.

In addition, the University can also, or acertain activity and period o time, engage

researchers and teachers as, or example,visiting researchers or visiting lecturers as

well as adjunct lecturers.
http://www.it.su.se/studentsupport/englishhttp://www.it.su.se/studentsupport/englishhttps://mail.su.se/mailto:[email protected]://www.sub.su.se/http://www.su.se/english/about/ruleshttp://www.su.se/english/about/ruleshttp://www.su.se/english/about/ruleshttp://www.sub.su.se/mailto:[email protected]://mail.su.se/http://www.it.su.se/studentsupport/englishhttp://www.it.su.se/studentsupport/english


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Research FundingHow to Find Research FundingThe Research Liaison Oce can help with

inormation about research unding in Swe-den and how it is handled at the University.

Please do not hesitate to contact theResearch Liaison Oce. More inormation:

www.su.se/english/sta-ino/support

State fundingThe state is the largest under o research at

colleges and universities in Sweden. Themain government research unding, in addi-

tion to direct appropriations rom the stateto colleges and universities, are research

councils and other research unding agen-cies. Research oundations, the EU, local

authorities and other regional grants mayhelp you und urther research.

Research funding agenciesThere are our agencies that primarily und

research in Sweden: ThelargestistheSwedishResearchCoun-

cil(Vetenskapsrdet,VR)whichsupportsbasic research in science, technology,

medicine, humanities and social sciences. Formas,the Swedish ResearchCouncil

or Environment, Agricultural Sciences

and Spatial Planning supports basicresearch and needs-driven research in the

elds o Environment, Agricultural Scien-ces and Spatial Planning.

TheSwedish CouncilforWorking Lifeand Social Research (FAS) supports and

initiates basic research and needs-drivenresearch in the elds o Chemical and

physical hazards at work including elec-tromagnetic elds o Stress, work and

health, Work organisation, Labour mar-ket issues, Public health and health servi-ces, International migration and ethnic

relations, Social policy and social insu-rance, Social welare, Family and child-

ren, The elderly, Disability and Drugabuse.

VINNOVA, the Swedish GovernmentalAgency or Innovation Systems, prima-

rily supports needs-driven research acti-vities in the areas o engineering, trans-

port, communications and working lie.

Research foundationsA number o oundations that und research

were ormed at the mid-1990s with undsrom the previous wage-earners unds.

Among the largest o these oundations are

the Foundation or Strategic EnvironmentalResearch (Mistra) and the Swedish Founda-

tion or International Cooperation in Res-earch and Higher Education (STINT). The

Bank o Sweden Tercentenary Foundation(Riksbankens Jubileumsond, RJ) is another

important oundation ormed with publicunds that supports research.

Private funders of research

Also, many private unders provide signi-cant contributions to research. Among the

largest are the Knut and Alice WallenbergFoundation, the Marianne and Marcus

Wallenberg Foundation and the Swedish

Cancer Society.

EU funding

The EU is an important under o researchat the University. The EUs Seventh Frame-

work Programme (FP7) is Europes largestand most comprehensive support or

research. It supports research in severaldierent research areas, and you can applyor collaborative projects, as well as indivi-

dual projects.

Research Professional Find Funding FastStockholm University has a subscription

with Research Proessional, a major data-base o research unding opportunities,

which is available to all researchers andsta. Research Proessional contains inor-

mation on calls or research unding, post-graduate and postdoc unding, travel grants,

conerence grants, and much more. Pleasenote that all calls in Research Proessional

that are displayed to you are open to Swe-dish applicants, including calls rom abroad,

e.g. the U.S.The database can be searched rom all

computers connected to the Stockholm Uni-versity network by entering via the Campus

access button. You can also set up a perso-nal account which will enable you to save

searches, make bookmarks, and subscribeto alerts by e-mail a single e-mail per week

with all the current calls that match yoursaved searches.

www.researchproessional.com

Calls for Proposals and Applications

The our Swedish research agencies publishmost o their important calls or proposals

in the spring and most EU FP7 calls arepublished during the summer. Most researchunding agencies and oundations welcome

non-Swedish applicants, but there might berestrictions in a ew cases, so remember to

read the guidelines careully.Beore applying or any grant, always

contact your head o department to haveyour application approved. Also contact the

Research Liaison Oce who will be able togive you advice and support. The nancial

ocer at your department will assist youwith making your project budget and the

Human Relations Oce can help withemployment issues.

Punctuality eight oclockmeans eight oclock.
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Social LieSports and Recreational FacilitiesThe Student Union at Stockholm University

runs independent sporting acilities on cam-pus or both students and employees at the

University. Frescatihallen is a 5,600 m sportscentre on campus that oers halls or ball

games, badminton, tennis, weight training,group training and more. See also the sec-

tion on Preventive Health Care (above).More inormation:

www.ssi.su.se/index_e.asp

Euraxess Services CentreSweden (Mobility Centre)The Euraxess Services Centre Sweden(Mobility Centre) provides easily accessible

online inormation as well as practical assis-tance or researchers moving to and rom

Sweden. A wide range o useul inormationabout research projects, jobs, permits, hou-

sing and more can be ound at theResearchers Mobility Portal. More inor-mation:

www.researchinsweden.se

Faculty ClubThe Stockholm University Faculty Club

Manne Siegbahn is a pleasant meeting placeor University sta and researchers to get

together and relax. All employees at Stock-holm University are entitled to become

members. A small membership ee o SEK200 applies. More inormation:

www.su.se/english/aculty -club

Stockholm InternationalResearchers Association (SIRAP)Stockholm International Researchers Asso-ciation (SIRAP), is an association which

organises club evenings, excursions, lecturesand other events or international resear-

chers in Stockholm. Membership is ree orresearchers and their amilies. More inor-

mation: www.sirap.ino

At banks and many other places there

are organized queuing systems. In theabsence of such systems, Swedes aregenerally good at forming their own

queues. If you see a crowd standing ina row, it is probably a queue.

During the spring, or on sunny autumn days,

you might prefer to sit on the grass and read.

Nature is always close when you are at the

campus. The Bergius Botanic Garden, with

more than 9,000 species is located within

walking distance from campus. The herbal

section, the botanic park with its owerbeds,

Victoriahuset, Edvard Anderssons glasshouse

and the fruit and berry gardens are of an

international standard.
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We hope you have a pleasant stay!

www.su.se/english
http://www.su.se/englishhttp://www.su.se/english

Documents

Handbook International Researchers