Sweden's residence permit for international students pursuing higher education at Swedish universities. Notable for unlimited work hours alongside studies and free tuition for EU/EEA citizens. High quality of life and strong English proficiency make it an attractive destination despite tuition fees for non-EU students.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: free tuition at public universities. Non-EU/EEA: SEK 80,000-295,000/yr (USD 8,600-31,700) depending on program. Engineering, natural sciences, and medicine tend to cost more. Swedish Institute scholarships available for non-EU students.
Unlimited work hours during studies, one of the most generous policies in Europe. However, students must show satisfactory academic progress to maintain their permit. Working should not interfere with study obligations.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit to Seek Employment After Studies | Job seeker | 12mo | Masters | 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 | One time |
Apply via Swedish Migration Agency online portal. University admission through universityadmissions.se. Application fee of SEK 900 required for university application (separate from permit fee). Must show study progress to extend permit. Personnummer (personal identity number) obtained after arrival for stays of 12+ months.
- Sweden Self-Employed Residence Permit (freelancer)
Last verified: Mar 21, 2026. Source