One-Year Program

What does the recruitment process look like?

• Online application
  The application process begins with the completion of the online form available on the Paideia website, together with the submission of all required documents. Applicants are informed of the admission results no later than two weeks after the application deadline.
• Interview stage
  Successful candidates are invited to participate in an virtual interview as part of the second stage of the recruitment process.
• Final decision
  Admission decisions are made following the online interview.
• Waiting lists
  In cases where the number of qualified applicants exceeds the available places, some candidates may be placed on a waiting list.

Is there an age limit of acceptance?

• No, there is no age limit.

Do I need any knowledge of Hebrew?

• No previous knowledge of Hebrew is required for admission to the program. However, once accepted, fellows are expected to become familiar with the Hebrew alphabet by the start of the academic year.

Do I need an official English language certificate?

• No official certificate is required. However, applicants are expected to have a good command of English, equivalent to level B2 or higher.

What are the acceptance requirements?

• BA Degree (with major in Social Sciences, Law Studies, Humanities, Theology or equivalent)
• Interest in Jewish history and culture
• Full time participation
• Good command of English, equivalent to level B2 or higher

Who can write them?

• Professors, teachers, academic advisors who have taught or mentored the applicant, supervisors, or colleagues from internships, jobs, or projects, community leaders, mentors, or other non-academic references.

What should the letters focus on?

• The letters reflect how the applicant’s character aligns with the program’s values. They can focus on an applicant’s performance in specific subjects or courses, intellectual abilities, academic achievements, and critical thinking skills. Letters can also highlight work ethic, practical skills, and teamwork/leadership abilities, personal qualities, integrity, and motivation, and/or commitment to community involvement or extracurricular activities.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?

• Fellows accepted to the OYP have a possibility to receive a Paideia scholarship to cover living expenses. The scholarships are based on professional merit and are granted to students who actively contribute to strengthening Jewish life and culture in Europe and have the potential to continue to do so in their future work. The number of scholarships is limited. Scholarships are granted after being accepted to the program.

What is included in the scholarship?

• The scholarship is a monthly stipend of circa 900 euro. When possible, the study trip is also included in the scholarship. Any other cost must be covered individually.

If the scholarship is not awarded, is there a tuition fee for the program?

• The program is tuition-free for all fellows, regardless of living expenses scholarship. Note, however, that the study trip might be an added expense for those fellows who were not awarded a living expenses scholarship.

I am not a EU citizen. Do I need a residence permit to study in Sweden?

• Yes, non-EU citizens need a residence permit to study in Sweden. Paideia provides accepted students with relevant documents to support their case to apply for Other Studies or Exchange Studies. However it is up to each individual to determine whether they need such a permit and, if so, to apply for it through the Swedish Migration Office. Visit the Swedish Migration Office website here.

Do I benefit from Student Status in Sweden?

• The students of the program are granted Student Status and are entitled to student discounts in many entities, such as public transport or some stores.

Does Paideia offer insurance?

• No, fellows must acquire their own insurance which covers healthcare and civil liability for the duration of the program in Stockholm, as well as during the study trip abroad.

Can Paideia offer accommodation?

• No, Paideia does not offer its own accommodation. However, it can provide useful tips and lists of trusted landlords.

What does the structure of the program look like?

• The program comprises of year-long and short-term courses.
• The year-long courses provide continuous study and practice in core areas such as Talmudic Methodology, Parashat Hashavua, as well as Modern Hebrew. These courses run throughout the nine-month long program which allows participants to build and refine their skills progressively over time.
• The short-term courses include the study of classical Jewish texts and thought, including the Hebrew Bible, Rabbinic Literature, Jewish Law, Medieval Jewish Philosophy, Kabbalah, and Modern and Contemporary Jewish Thought. These courses provide students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of Jewish thought and literature, exploring its diverse layers and genres, as well as how these texts relate to and interpret one another. The program follows a clear progression, both historically, from antiquity to modern times, and in terms of complexity. 
• Additionaly to that, shorter intensive blocks replying to both existential conversations and practical applications such as: module seminars, guest lectures, students’ presentations, workshops and project work are included in the program.

How is the regular study week structured?

• Regular study week consists of 5 days of classes from 9:00 till 16:45 (Monday – Friday). There are no classes scheduled during Jewish Holidays, Shabbat or Swedish bank holidays.