Explore your options in Sweden: study, work and everyday life

What do you need to study or work in Sweden? How can you prepare for your stay and plan your living expenses? ElWijha presents the main options and essential information about life in the country.

Entry requirements vary according to your nationality, the purpose of your trip and its duration. Short stays are generally limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the duration authorised by your visa.

Studying, working and joining family members each have separate requirements. Choose the route that matches your circumstances through the Swedish Migration Agency. A visitor visa does not automatically give you the right to work or settle long term.

Start by choosing your programme and university, then check the requirements for previous qualifications, language proficiency, documents and application deadlines through the university admissions portal and the university’s website. These requirements vary by programme.

Most students from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area need a residence permit for higher education lasting more than three months. The main requirements include a valid passport, final admission to full-time studies, sufficient funds for the entire permit period and health insurance where required.

Studies must take place on site in Sweden: this residence permit is not granted for distance learning. Where tuition fees apply, the required amount must be paid before submitting the residence permit application. The permit must be granted before travelling.

University admission does not guarantee a residence permit: the other requirements must also be met.

Most students from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland must pay application and tuition fees, with exemptions depending on their circumstances. Tuition fees vary by university and programme.

The Swedish Institute and some universities offer competitive scholarships. Swedish Institute scholarships target students from selected countries applying for master’s programmes starting in the autumn semester. Each university sets the eligibility requirements, deadlines and coverage of its own scholarships.

Even if you are exempt from tuition fees, you still need to budget for accommodation and living expenses.

Students covered by the rules introduced on 11 June 2026 must demonstrate sufficient academic progress to renew their permits: 37.5 credits during the first year and 45 credits per year from the second year onwards, for full-time studies.

You must also notify the Migration Agency of your address within 30 days of receiving your permit and whenever you change your address in Sweden, unless your population registration has already been completed.

Transitional provisions apply to permits granted before that date; these requirements apply once an extension is granted.

Most people from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area need a work permit. The job offer must meet requirements relating to salary, working conditions and insurance: finding a job alone is not enough.

A new salary requirement has applied since 1 June 2026, with exemptions and transitional provisions. Check the current requirements for your application with the Swedish Migration Agency.

You may also need an assessment of your foreign qualification by the Swedish Council for Higher Education, or authorisation from the relevant body if your profession is regulated.

A residence permit is available for self-employed people. Requirements include relevant experience in the industry and business management, knowledge of Swedish or English, a credible budget and sufficient funds to run the business and support yourself and your family.

You must actively run the business and own at least 51% of it, while meeting the remaining requirements. Check all conditions before committing money to starting or purchasing a business.

Eligible family members can apply to accompany or join you. Requirements vary according to the family relationship and the type of residence permit. They include proof of the relationship and sufficient financial support; suitable accommodation may also be required depending on the route.

Since 1 October 2026, comprehensive health insurance has been required for family members of students whose planned stay is one year or less. If an accompanying child is not the joint child of the student and their partner, the accompanying parent must also be the child’s legal guardian.

For families of workers, the financial maintenance requirement is now also assessed when permits are extended. Check the rules for your particular permit when applying or renewing.

Prepare a budget covering rent, food, transport, bills and insurance, as well as tuition fees where applicable. Living costs vary depending on the city, accommodation and family circumstances.

Start looking for accommodation early and ask your university or employer about available options. Check the contract and what the rent includes before paying. Budget for your initial expenses without relying on an uncertain future job.

Healthcare access and costs depend on your residence status, registration and insurance. Students registered in the Population Register generally receive healthcare by paying the applicable patient fees.

Unregistered people from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area may have to pay the full cost of care. Exceptions exist under healthcare agreements, including an agreement with Algeria. Check the eligibility conditions and required documents with the relevant authorities: nationality alone does not automatically provide this coverage.

Students admitted to programmes lasting less than one year are generally required to have comprehensive health insurance covering their stay, unless the educational institution already provides the required coverage.

If you plan to live in Sweden for at least one year, you generally need to notify the Swedish Tax Agency of your move and meet the population registration requirements. The personal identity number, Personnummer, is assigned when you are first registered, rather than automatically when you receive a residence permit. The 1177 portal provides information about healthcare and how to access services.

Can I work during my studies?

Yes. For bachelor’s and master’s students covered by the rules introduced on 11 June 2026, the general limit is 15 hours per week during semesters, with work permitted without that limit in June, July and August.

Exceptions apply to certain activities connected to the university or study programme, alongside transitional provisions for permits granted before that date.

Can I stay after graduation?

Eligible graduates can apply for a residence permit to look for work or explore starting a business after completing a higher education programme lasting at least two semesters and passing all its courses.

The application must be submitted before the student residence permit expires, with sufficient financial support and health insurance where required.