Sweden Student Visa 2027: Study in Sweden Guide

Why Study in Sweden

Sweden offers world-class universities, hundreds of master’s programmes taught in English, innovative teaching and a safe, open society. If you come from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland and plan to study for more than three months, you need a residence permit for studies from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). Your university decides on your admission, but only the Migration Agency can give you the right to live in Sweden as a student. Depending on your nationality, you usually need your permit before you travel.

Admission and Tuition Fees

You apply to Swedish universities through the national website Universityadmissions.se, and the application fee is currently SEK 900 for each semester you apply for. Students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland usually pay tuition. For example, Stockholm University charges SEK 90,000 a year for humanities, social sciences and law, and SEK 140,000 for sciences, with other programmes in between. Fees differ by university and programme, so check your chosen university’s website.

Requirements for the Study Permit

You must be finally admitted to full-time studies on campus, which means 30 credits per semester, and distance learning does not qualify. If your programme charges tuition, you must pay the first instalment before you apply, because you only count as finally admitted after payment. You must also show at least SEK 10,656 a month for your living costs for applications made in 2026, with extra money for any family members who come with you. If your studies last less than one year, you also need comprehensive health insurance.

Steps to Apply

First, choose your programme, apply on Universityadmissions.se, pay the application fee and upload your documents. Next, when you are admitted, pay the first tuition instalment if it applies to you. Then apply online for your residence permit on the Migration Agency website and pay the fee of SEK 1,500 for adults or SEK 750 for children under 18. The fee is not refunded if you are refused, and the money requirement is updated every year, so check the current amount before you apply.

Working During and After Your Studies

For permits granted from 11 June 2026, most bachelor’s and master’s students can work up to 15 hours a week, with some exceptions, such as internships and work in June, July and August. Working more than you are allowed can lead to your permit being withdrawn or your extension being refused. After at least two semesters of studies, you can apply for a permit of up to one year to look for work or start a business in Sweden.

[Check if you qualify for a Swedish study permit →]