Residence permit for higher education studies
Non-EU nationals admitted to full-time, on-campus first- or second-cycle studies in Sweden need a residence permit from the Swedish Migration Agency before travelling if they will study for more than three months. They must have paid any tuition fee, have comprehensive health insurance and show at least SEK 10,656 a month for the permit period (2026 applications). Since 11 June 2026, new permit holders may work at most 15 hours a week during semesters, with exceptions.
Life in Sweden
Money
3
Currency
Swedish Krona
SEK
Swedish Krona
Cost of living
91
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20%
Income tax (national)
VAT 25% · social security 7%
No state income tax below SEK 643,000 taxable income; 20% above. Municipal tax averages 32.38% on all earned income.
Living
1
Happiness
#5 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals finally admitted to full-time first- or second-cycle studies or exchange studies at a Swedish university or university college.
Eligibility
Final admission to full-time studies
Finally admitted to full-time studies on site in Sweden (30 credits per semester at universities; at least 20 teaching hours a week in other programmes). Distance learning does not count.
Tuition fee paid
Any tuition fee must be paid before applying; the institution notifies the Migration Agency.
Financial maintenance
- At leastSEK 10,656
- per month for the whole permit period if applying in 2026
- SEK 10,584
- in 2025)
- SEK 2,960
- for free food and SEK 4,736 for free housing
- SEK 4,736
- for free housing
- At least SEK 10,656 per month for the whole permit period if applying in 2026 (SEK 10,584 in 2025), through own bank assets, scholarships, home-country grants or loans, an approved sponsor, or employment income.
- Reduced by SEK 2,960 for free food and SEK 4,736 for free housing (2026).
- Accompanying family add SEK 4,440 a month for a spouse or partner and SEK 2,664 per child.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementHealth insurance
- Document checklistPassport copies
- FeesApplication fee (adult)
The full requirements are for members
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- 2 more requirements
- 4 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Programs and scholarships Members
Study programs here that can lead to work and settlement, grouped by route and ranked for your background, with scholarships matched to your profile.
Places to visit in Sweden
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