Studying in Sweden — frequently asked questions
The residence permit for studies, fees, the funds you must show, working alongside your studies, and the path onward to work and permanent residence.
Questions in this category
Do I need a residence permit to study in Sweden, and who is exempt?
If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland and will study for more than three months, you generally need a residence permit for studies, granted before you travel. EU/EEA and Nordic citizens need none. Rules vary by case — confirm with Migrationsverket.
What are the requirements for a residence permit for higher (university) studies?
You must be finally admitted to full-time studies (30 credits/semester), support yourself for the whole permit period, hold health insurance if your stay is under a year and have a valid passport. Distance-only courses do not qualify. Permits from 11 June 2026 add address and study-result rules — check Migrationsverket.
How much money do I need to show for a Swedish student residence permit?
You must show guaranteed means of support (salary, scholarship or bank funds) for every month the permit covers. As a guideline the 2026 amount is at least about SEK 10,656 per month, reduced if food or housing is free. The amounts change yearly — check the current figure with Migrationsverket.
Do international students pay tuition in Sweden, and are scholarships available?
Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland study free of charge. Students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland usually pay both an application fee (about SEK 900 to University Admissions) and tuition set by each university, which varies widely. Some are exempt. Scholarships exist but are competitive — check the fees with your university.
Can I work while studying in Sweden as an international student?
This changed in 2026. Under the old rule there was no fixed hourly cap. For permits granted on or after 11 June 2026, bachelor's- and master's-level students may work at most 15 hours per week during the semester; in June–August work is unrestricted. Earlier permits keep the old rules — check with Migrationsverket.
Can I stay in Sweden to look for work after I graduate?
Yes. After completing a higher-education programme of at least two semesters, with all courses passed, you can apply (before your study permit expires) for a residence permit to look for work or explore starting a business. It is granted for up to one year after a bachelor's/master's degree. Check the conditions with Migrationsverket.
Does time as a student count toward permanent residence or Swedish citizenship?
This is commonly misunderstood. Time on an ordinary (non-doctoral) study permit generally does not count toward a permanent residence permit — the permit is temporary. Doctoral time can count in some cases. For citizenship the weighting is nuanced and the rules changed in 2026 — see the citizenship FAQ and Migrationsverket.
Read more on SVI Fokus
Sources
Official details can change. Always confirm what applies to your own case directly with the responsible authority.
Fokus Medborgare
Practise anywhere
The SVI Fokus app gives you the full question bank, spaced repetition and a timed mock exam — offline and in your language.
Free · iPhone · requires iOS 16.4 or later