University Counseling

Our University Counseling programme guides students through every step of the higher education journey. With personalised support and global expertise, we help each student find the right path to their future studies and careers.

Counseling Programme Overview

Navigating the exciting and sometimes challenging journey to higher education is a significant step in every student’s life.

Here at the British International School Stockholm, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalised support to help each student discover their best-fit path beyond secondary school.

Whether your dreams take you across continents or to the top universities here in Sweden, we are here to empower you with the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to achieve your academic and career aspirations.

University Destinations

BISS students are accepted into some of the top universities around the world. Some of our most popular destinations are Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, and the US. Our college counsellor provides intensive one-on-one support to students aiming for admission into highly selective universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and the Ivy League.

Counselling Programme Overview

The heart of our guidance programme lies in the regular, individualised interactions between students and our Counsellor. This support begins in Year 9 and continues through to Years 12 and 13, adapting to the evolving needs of each student.

Year 9:
Students are introduced to career exploration during PSHE lessons, where they reflect on their interests, strengths, and skills.

Year 10:
Discussions focus on CV writing in preparation for work experience. Coordination with the Work Experience Coordinator ensures that practical experiences align with career interests.

Year 11:
Students explore IB Diploma subject options in relation to potential career pathways.

Intensive Support in Years 12 and 13

As students enter Years 12 and 13, the intensity of guidance increases. This period is crucial for both students and their families, involving in-depth research into university courses and potential gap year activities.

Targeted Advisory Sessions:
Our counsellor delivers structured lessons designed to demystify the application process, covering essential topics like writing personal statements, navigating financial aid, and conducting effective university research.

Individual Meetings:
Students meet with the counsellor individually at least once, with additional meetings scheduled as needed.

College Counselling Drop-in Sessions:
We offer open-door support where students can quickly address questions, seek immediate advice, or receive assistance with application components without needing a formal appointment.

University Visits and Alumni Talks:
We facilitate university representatives’ visits and invite alumni to share their experiences, providing valuable peer insights.

Parental partnerships

Parents play a crucial role in the guidance process. Our College Counsellor Sarah Jones, welcomes contact from parents and can be reached at s.jones@bisstockholm.se.

We offer meetings for parents—either face-to-face or virtual—starting in the latter part of Year 12 and continuing into Year 13. These discussions ensure that students, counsellors, and parents are aligned on university options, financing, visas, and specific requirements.

University Fairs

We are affiliated with a Nordic Network of College Counsellors and our students participate in the Nordic Network Fair and the Saco Student Fair. Furthermore students are informed about and actively encouraged to attend online fairs and open days related to the university or destination of their choice.

Application Process and Ongoing Support

As applications approach, the guidance process includes:

Application Assistance:
We assist with personal statements, college admissions essays, CV’s, and letters of motivation

Research and Recommendations:
We research potential study locations, especially in Europe, and facilitate the writing of teacher references and entry of predicted grades.

Testing advice:
The college counsellor advises students on any required standardized or language testing such as the TISUS, Högskoleprovet, SAT/ACT, ESAT, MCAT etc.

Regular Check-Ins:
Frequent visits to the common room during breaks and lunch times ensure ongoing support.

On results day in July, we are available to support students with their results and provide advice on next steps. Collaboration with the IB Coordinator ensures comprehensive support during this critical period.

Evolving Trends

In recent years, there has been a shift in student interest from the US and UK to European universities, driven by the availability of English-taught courses and more affordable tuition. We have excellent relationships with many higher education institutions and our college counsellor continually seeks to enhance and expand these personal connections with universities in Sweden and across Europe.

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