Letícia
Letícia is from Natal, Brazil. Before coming to Sweden, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Brasília, where she also worked as an undergraduate researcher in power systems and distributed energy resources. Before starting her master's program at KTH, she lived in Linköping, Sweden, for one year.
Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?
Since I started my journey in electrical engineering, I have been interested in power systems and the energy transition. When I began searching for master’s programmes, KTH immediately stood out to me because of the quality of its Electric Power Engineering programme, the expertise of its professors, and its strong connection with industry and real-world applications.
At the same time, I already had previous experience living in Sweden, and I knew it was an environment where I felt comfortable, safe, and motivated. Therefore, choosing KTH felt like the perfect combination of academic quality and personal development.
Have you chosen a specialisation track within the programme? Which track and why?
In the first semester, the courses are already predefined, which I think is good because it gives everyone a solid foundation and a review of the most important topics from previous studies. After this, we have a lot of freedom to either follow a specialisation path or choose a broader combination of courses.
In my case, I decided to continue focusing on power systems by choosing courses such as Power System Stability and Control, FACTS and HVDC in Electric Power Systems, and Power System Protection. I chose this path because I am interested in the operation, stability, and future development of modern power systems, especially with the increasing integration of fossil-free energy sources.
How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?
One big difference is the strong connection with industry. You can clearly feel that the programme prepares students for challenges in the energy sector. Moreover, companies are often invited to give seminars, presentations, and guest lectures, which helps students understand how the topics studied in class are applied in practice and what companies expect from us as engineers.
Another difference is the division of the semester into two study periods and the examination process. I felt that I had to change the way I was used to studying, because in Brazil we usually had all the courses at the same time, with around three shorter exams for each course distributed throughout the semester.
At KTH, written exams can last up to five hours and are usually taken at the end of each study period. This means students need to take more responsibility for their own learning during the course, while also having more flexibility and freedom in how they organise their studies.
How is student life in Stockholm?
Student life in Stockholm is very vibrant because there are always activities, events, and opportunities to meet people. One thing I really enjoy here is exploring new cafés around the city after classes or on weekends, and Stockholm has a very cozy atmosphere because of that. I also enjoy how easy it is to be close to nature, whether it is walking near the water, spending time in parks, or simply enjoying the city during the different seasons.
I think it is an incredibly good city for international students because many people speak English and the environment feels welcoming. At the same time, moving to another country can feel intimidating at first, especially when coming from far away like South America. But KTH does an excellent job helping students feel included.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
For me, studying at KTH has been both challenging and rewarding. Since I already had previous experience living in Sweden, coming back felt different this time, because I arrived with a much clearer idea of the kind of engineer and professional I wanted to become.
Academically, KTH pushed me to become more independent and more confident in the way I approach problems as an engineering student. The courses are demanding, but they also encourage you to think beyond theory and connect what you learn to real challenges in the energy sector.
One thing that positively surprised me is how supportive and approachable people are, both students and professors. The professors are incredibly open to discussions and always willing to help, which creates a motivating learning environment.
Another thing that made a big impact on me was the friendships I built in such a short time with students from the same programme as me, and I truly believe these are friendships I will keep for life. Overall, my experience so far has confirmed that choosing KTH was the right decision for me.
What do you want to do after graduating?
After graduating, I would like to continue working in the energy sector, particularly in areas connected to modern power systems. I am especially interested in the challenges involved in building a more sustainable and reliable power grid. I also hope to continue building my career in Sweden, since I really enjoy both the professional environment and the quality of life here.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
I would say: do not let the distance or the application process discourage you. Coming from Brazil, Sweden felt very far away at first, and sometimes the dream can feel distant too. But do not listen too much to those thoughts and believe that it is possible.
KTH is a place where you can grow academically and personally at the same time. My advice is to trust yourself, ask questions, be patient with the application process and take advantage of all the opportunities the university offers. It can truly be a life-changing experience.