Students who want to study in a university, higher vocational education, or folk high school at the post-secondary level in Sweden for longer than three months (90 days) must apply for Sweden study visa and residence permit for higher education. The permit must be granted before students enter Sweden.
Do I Need a Visa to Study in Sweden?
Non-EU/EEA citizens who want to study in Sweden for over three months need a student visa and a residence permit for their studies. Before applying for a student visa, you must be accepted to a Swedish University.
Students from the US, Japan, Canada, and other countries who don’t need a visa to enter Sweden can study freely for 90 days; after that, they can apply for a residence permit directly.
Sweden Student Visa Requirements
Submit the following documents together with your application:
- Passport. Additionally, you may be required to submit copies of your passport pages that show your personal data, signature, period of validity, and permission to live in other countries.
- Application form. You must submit a filled-out and signed application form for your student visa.
- Identity photos. You must submit passport-sized photos attached to your application.
- Previous study transcripts. Submit certified copies of transcripts from a previous institution, degree, or achievement certificate.
- Acceptance letter. You need to submit a letter of acceptance from a higher educational institution in Sweden showing that you are admitted to a full-time study program that requires your presence in Sweden.
- Health insurance. A copy of documents that show you have health insurance policy valid in Sweden. If you do not have health insurance, you should provide a copy of documents proving you have applied for insurance.
- Proof of financial stability. A bank statement proving you have enough money to cover your living expenses or documents issued in your name showing you have been granted a monthly allowance for the period of your stay.
- Payment of the paid application fee.
How to Apply for a Sweden Student Visa?
You can apply for a Sweden student visa:
- Online
- In person (embassy or consulate-general)
Online
Visit the website of the Swedish Migration Agency and create an account. If you already have an account, you can just log in. After login into your account, fill in the required information and submit the application.
Embassy or consulate-general
The process of applying to a Swedish embassy or consulate includes the following steps:
- Contact the embassy. Before submitting the application, contact the embassy or consulate-general and leave an appointment.
- Fill out the application. First-time applicants should fill out the application form for a student visa and follow the instructions on the application.
- Gather documents. You can see the documents you must enclose on your application form before submitting the application. The documents need to be submitted together with the application form.
- Submit the application and documents. Submit the application together with the required documents to the embassy. You will have to pay the fee when you hand in your application.
- Attend the interview. The embassy will ask you to show up for an interview to ask questions related to your application process and education. Then, you must wait to receive an answer whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
»How to Apply for Sweden Visa?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Sweden Student Visa?
The processing time for a Sweden student visa for higher education and doctoral studies is five months. The processing time for other studies can take three months.
Duration of a Swedish Student Visa
You can receive a residence permit for the same duration as your study program but not longer than the validity of your passport.
Getting The Student Residence Permit After Entering Sweden
You need to apply for and obtain a residence permit before entering Sweden. Students applying for the first time for a residence permit must apply while they are outside of Sweden, otherwise, the application may be rejected.
Sweden Visa Extension for Students
Students with residence permits can apply for an extension before the expiration date. To extend your residence permit, you must apply six months before your current permit expires. The application process for an extension of a residence permit can be done online or in person.
The requirements applicants must meet for a residence permit extension are:
- Have a valid passport.
- Enroll in a full-time study program, which requires your presence in Sweden.
- Have high achievements in your studies.
- Be able to support themselves financially during the application for extension.
- Have health insurance policy.
Can You Work in Sweden on a Student Visa?
Yes, you can work in Sweden on a student visa if you have a residence permit for studies in Sweden. You can work for the same period as your permit’s validity. You can also work with a work permit after you finish your study program.
Can I Bring My Family Members to Sweden if I Have a Student Visa?
If your family wants to accompany you while studying in Sweden, they must apply for a residence permit.
- Family members of students with a residence permit for studies in higher education must apply for a residence permit for the same period as the student’s residence.
- Family members of students who obtained a permanent residence permit after four years of doctoral studies can obtain a permanent residence permit once they meet the requirements.
If the entire family wants to apply at the same time, they can complete their application online.
Also read, Sweden Family Visa.
Can I Switch From Student to Work Visa in Sweden?
Yes, you can switch from a student visa to a work visa in Sweden. If you already have a residence permit for studies in higher education and you have completed two semesters in Sweden, you can receive a residence permit to find a job or start your own business.
Does a Residence Permit Give You Free Tuition in Sweden?
The Swedish Migration Agency does not consider admitting you to an educational program before paying the tuition fee. You will not be granted a study residence permit until you pay the tuition fee. If a scholarship program finances you, you must submit proof of financial support when applying for a student visa.
Sweden Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers
The embassy will invite you for an interview before deciding on your student visa application. There are no set questions or rules about the interview. However, you will most likely be asked questions about your motivation to study in Sweden and your future plans after your studies.
What if My Sweden Student Visa Application is Rejected?
Contact the embassy or consulate-general to get the decision on your visa, and book an appointment. You must also bring your passport when you visit the embassy to collect your decision.
If your application has been rejected, you may write a letter of appeal against the rejection decision within three weeks of receiving the decision notification. The decision will provide information on how to proceed with the appeal.
»See other Sweden long visa types.