The student intending to study in any educational institutions including universities and colleges in Sweden for longer than 3 months period must have a residence permit except for nationals of Nordic countries.

The requirement of visa and residence permit for students depends upon their nationality.

International Students from Non-Nordic and Non-EU/EEA Countries

For International Students from Non-Nordic and Non-EU/EEA Countries, before applying for visa and residence permit, student must have been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden.  Generally, length undergraduate and post graduate courses are more than 3 months, it is therefore essential to apply and obtain residence permit before entering Sweden. For certain courses whose length is less than 3 month and if student wish to stay for less than 3 month, then the student does not need a residence permit. However, students from these countries require a visa before entry into Sweden. The residence permit for study purpose is provided to international student for maximum of one year. If the course chosen by the student is lengthy than one year, student need to renew the validation of the residence permit.

International students will be granted a residence permit for study purposes if they have been enrolled for full time study at any recognized educational institutions in Sweden. Besides, students need to present the proof that they could support their study and life during their stay in Sweden. Also, students must be show that they have made health insurance. The application fee to apply for the visa is approximately USD 145 (SEK 1000).

International Students from Non-Nordic EU/EEA Countries
Visa is not required for international students from Non-Nordic EU/EEA countries who is intending to stay for less than 3 months. But if student's studies take longer than 3 month, then they require to apply for the residence permit within three months of their arrival in Sweden. However, they may also apply for residence permit in the embassy or consulate of their own home country before traveling to Sweden. Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Board.

International students will be granted a residence permit for study purposes if they have been enrolled for full time study at any recognized educational institutions in Sweden. Besides, students need to present the proof that they could support their study and life during their stay in Sweden. Also, students must be show that they have made health insurance. The application fee to apply for the visa is approximately USD 145 (SEK 1000).

Documentation Required to Submit the Application for Swedish Student Visa

1. A copy of valid passport showing the identity of the student.
2. A certificate showing that the student is enrolled for the full time study.
3. A certificates showing that the student have comprehensive health insurance that is valid in Sweden.
4. A certificate from a bank confirming that student have enough fund to support their stay in Sweden or the necessary documents that show that student have received a scholarship, study grant or any other type of financial aid.

Tuition Fee is free in Sweden for every students, either they are from Sweden or they are the International Students. But still student need to arrange the budget for living to study in Sweden. Most of the international students manage living budget from financial aid and scholarships because wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs are available for international students intending to study in Sweden. However, the competition is keen to be granted scholarships or financial aid. Especially, scholarships are available for Masters Level (Post Graduate) studies and Research Programs. Every year, the number of scholarships granted varies. However, Swedish government administers over 500 scholarships for students and researchers studying in Swedish Universities every year.

The types of scholarships available for international students in Sweden are:

1. SI Scholarships
2. Bilateral Scholarships
3. Non-SI Scholarships
4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

For more information on scholarships available in Sweden, we suggest students to visit here.

There is not approximate figure that can be stated as living cost for international students in Sweden as the cost may vary according to place of stay and living standard. For example, big cities like Stockholm is more expensive than the small towns. However, in average, Swedish living cost for international students, will be about US Dollar USD 1000 (Swedish Krona SEK 6500) per month.

The the general estimated living budgets for International students are:

Student can live more economically if they became careful and use their limited money effectively. For example, if student use student ID cards, they get a considerable discounts on markets. If student manage to cook food on their own, they will expend much less in food than estimated above.

Addition item costs in Sweden For International students