Study in Sweden

If you're from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and you're going to study in Sweden for more than three months, you'll need a residence permit for higher education. You'll need to be admitted to full-time studies, pay your tuition fee, and show that you can support yourself financially.

For postgraduate students whose residence permit was granted on or after 11 June 2026, you can work up to 15 hours a week when classes are in session. In June, July and August, you can work without this weekly limit.

Some work linked to your studies, such as an internship or certain university teaching, administration, student representation or research work, is also not subject to the 15-hour limit.

You'll also need to make acceptable progress in your studies. For full-time students, this generally means completing at least 37.5 credits in your first year and 45 credits in each following year.

After graduating, you may be able to apply for a residence permit to stay in Sweden and look for work or start a business.

Residence Permit Key Facts

• Duration: Lasts as long as your school programme and is subject to the validity of your passport and other permit requirements.
• Work rights: You can work up to 15 hours a week when classes are in session and without a weekly limit during June, July and August. Some work linked to your studies, such as an internship, can also be exempt from the 15-hour limit.
• Eligibility: You need to be admitted to full-time, on-site higher education, pay your tuition fee, and show that you have enough money to support yourself. If you’re applying in 2026, the financial requirement is at least SEK 10,656 per month.
• Health insurance: If your studies last less than one year, you'll need comprehensive health insurance. If your studies last one year or more, you may be covered by Sweden's public healthcare system after you are registered in the population register.

Post-Study Permit Key Facts

• Duration: Lasts up to 12 months after completing bachelor's or master's studies, giving you time to look for work or investigate starting a business in Sweden.
• Work rights: You can work while holding this permit, so you can take a job while looking for a longer-term career opportunity in Sweden.
• Eligibility: You must have completed a higher education programme in Sweden lasting at least two semesters, passed the required courses, and apply before your study residence permit expires.
• Financial requirement: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself for the whole period of the permit. For applications made in 2026, the requirement is at least SEK 10,656 per month.
• What happens next: Once you find a suitable job, you can apply for a Swedish work permit so you can continue working in Sweden.