What are the admission requirements?

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

What does the recruitment process look like?
The recruitment process comprises of several steps.

• 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. Additionally, two letters of recommendation have to be sent directly from the referrers to oneyearprogram@paideia-eu.org
  Without the reference letters the application is not considered complete. Applicants are informed of the admission results no later than three weeks after the application deadline.
• Interview stage
  Successful candidates are invited to participate in two virtual interviews as part of the second stage of the recruitment process.
  Participation in both is mandatory.
• Final decision
  Admission decisions are made following the second online interview. If the decision is positive, the applicant will have 10 days to confirm their participation in the program.

• 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.

Two letters of recommendation have to be sent directly from the referrers to oneyearprogram@paideia-eu.org
Without the reference letters the application is not considered complete.

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.

What is included in the scholarship?

The scholarship is a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 900 to cover the living expenses.

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

Candidates may still be accepted to the program without scholarship. The program is tuition-free. 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 fellows 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.

What is the timeline for a decision?

It may vary from case to case. According the the information from the Migration Office, 75% of recently decided cases have been decided within 3 months. It is important to apply as soon as possible, after being offered a place in the program and accepting it.

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.

Do I need insurance?

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 (within the EU).

How do I arrange accommodation?

Paideia can provide useful tips and lists of trusted landlords, however it is up to each fellow to arrange their own accommodation.

How long is the academic year?
The academic year runs from September to May.

How does the weekly schedule look like?
Classes run every week, Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Each day has 3 to 4 teaching sessions, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. There are no classes on Swedish public holidays or Jewish holidays, and during the winter break.

What does the program’s curriculum look like?
The program comprises of three components, Academic, Society and Community. 

• The Academic Component introduces key aspects of the Jewish textual tradition. These courses are taught by prominent international faculty, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural, and literary contexts of each layer. It offers an in-depth study and hevrutah discussions of core Jewish texts. It consists of Core Courses and Subject Courses. Read more about Academic Component and its courses here.
• The Society Component focuses on questions relating to contemporary issues and questions related both to society in general and to Jewish life in Europe. These societal questions are approached from Jewish perspectives. This component consists of  Module Courses, project work (Project Work I), Agora, and, if possible to organize, a study trip to one of the European Jewish institutions. Read more about Society Component and its courses here.
• The Community Component is designed to strengthen students’ leadership skills, peer learning, and capacity to contribute to Jewish life and culture in their local communities. Community Component consists of one project work (Project Work II), individual presentations and workshops, site visits, and community events. Read more about Community Component and its elements here.