One-Year Program

What are the acceptance criteria?

• Interest in Jewish culture
  A qualification that is taken into account in the acceptance process is the documented interest in Jewish culture in Europe and involvement in its revival (be it within academia, community, lay leadership, project initiation or volunteering).
• Good command of English
  All courses are led in English, hence accepted students must prove their language skills. No language certificate is required, but an assessment will be done during the interview process.
• BA Degree with Major in Social Sciences, Law Studies, Humanities, Theology or Equivalent

How does the admission process look like?

• Online application and interview with selected applicants
  The first step is to fill in the online application form on Paideia’s website submitting required documents. The prospective candidates are invited to the online interview. Paideia then determines the acceptance of students and the applicants are notified about the results.
• Waiting lists
  In case of the large number of applicants, the candidates may also receive information that they are placed on the waiting list. They will be notified about the change of decision as soon as a place opens up.

How many students participate in the One-Year Program?

• Paideia admits no more than 25 students each year.

Is there an age limit of acceptance?

• No, there is no age limit.

Do I need any Hebrew knowledge?

• No, previous Hebrew knowledge is not required.

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 applicant’s character aligns with the program’s values.

They can focus on 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.

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. However it is up to each individual to determine if they need such a permit and to apply for it through the Swedish Migration Office.

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.

What does the structure 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: 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 17:00 (Monday – Friday). There are no classes scheduled during Jewish Holidays, Shabbat or Swedish bank holidays. 

Does Paideia offer insurance?

• No, the fellows must get their own insurance that will cover healthcare and civil liability for the duration of the program in Stockholm and 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/landladies.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?

• Fellows accepted to the OYP have a possibility to receive a Paideia scholarship. 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 includes tuition-free studies and a monthly stipend of circa 900 euro per month to cover rent and living expenses. If possible to organize, the study trip is also included in the scholarship. Any other cost must be covered by each individual student.

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

• Candidates may still be accepted to the program without scholarship. Participation is free of charge, the only cost that might be incurred are the study trip expenses.