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Sweden's residence permit for international students pursuing higher education at Swedish universities and university colleges. Permits can cover up to one or two years depending on the institution, and may be extended. From 11 June 2026, bachelor's and master's students whose permits are granted on or after that date may generally work up to 15 hours per week, subject to specified exceptions.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens and other exempt categories do not pay tuition. Fee-paying students pay amounts set by each university and programme; there is no single national tuition amount. Confirm the current fee with the institution. Swedish universities and the Swedish Institute offer scholarships.
For permits granted on or after 11 June 2026, students at bachelor's or master's level may work up to 15 hours per week. Work connected to the education (including internships), student representation, administration, research or artistic research at the institution, and work during June, July and August is excepted from that limit. Students who have completed at least two semesters may also work without the limit for the remaining permit validity if they are not applying for a new first- or second-cycle study permit. Permits granted before 11 June 2026 retain the former rules until extension. Exceeding the applicable limit can lead to revocation or refusal of an extension.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit to Seek Employment After Studies | Job seeker | 12 mo–18 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.5 | No section below 5.5 |
| TISUS (Swedish proficiency) | Admission | Swedish | Pass | Required for Swedish-taught programs only. TISUS (Test in Swedish for University Studies) or Swedish 3 / Swedish B from upper secondary school. |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit Application Fee | Application | $161 | One time |
| University Application Fee | Registration | $97 | Per semester |
Apply through the Swedish Migration Agency e-service; the permit must be granted before travel. For permits granted on or after 11 June 2026, study-progress requirements are 37.5 credits in the first year and 45 credits per year from the second year, and bachelor's/master's students must report their Swedish address within 30 days unless population-registered. From 1 October 2026, accompanying family members staying no more than one year must have comprehensive health insurance. The University Admissions fee is SEK 900 per semester, separate from the permit fee. Swedish admission and language requirements vary by programme; no single IELTS or Swedish test score applies nationally. Residence under this study permit is generally not counted toward permanent residence. Study time may count toward citizenship only in limited circumstances, including some degree studies where an intention to settle is established; the general habitual-residence period is eight years under rules effective 6 June 2026.
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source
corrected PR and citizenship pathways and study-time treatment based on current work-permit and citizenship requirements (https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-extend/work/employee-or-self-employed/employees.html) (https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/swedish-citizenship/citizenship-for-adults/citizenship-for-adults.html).
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