Residence Permit for Higher Education Studies
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 75% decided within 2 months
- Fee
- SEK 1,500 (adults); SEK 750 (children under 18)
- Validity
- Duration of studies, up to 1-2 years per permit; renewable for continuation of studies
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Residence permit for non-EU/EEA citizens admitted to full-time higher education in Sweden (university, university college, higher vocational education). Full-time is defined as 30 credits per semester. Tuition fees must be paid before applying. After completing studies, graduates can apply for a residence permit to seek employment in Sweden (up to 12 months). Japanese citizens are exempt from application fees. Students admitted to programs under 1 year need comprehensive health insurance.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Required for all non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens planning to study in Sweden for more than 3 months.
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Purpose of visit
Must be admitted to full-time studies at a Swedish higher education institution (university, university college, or higher vocational education).
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Financial
Must demonstrate SEK 10,656 per month for living expenses. Tuition fees must be paid in full before application.
Minimum funds: SEK 10,656 per month
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via Swedish Migration Agency e-service; Amount: SEK 1,500 (adults); SEK 750 (children under 18)
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Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: No; Must be original: No
How to apply
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Online application
Apply through the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service (recommended for faster processing) or submit paper application at a Swedish embassy.
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Document gathering
Gather: passport copies, admission decision, proof of tuition payment, financial documentation (bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor declarations), health insurance (if studies under 1 year), translated documents (Swedish or English).
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Fee payment
Pay application fee: SEK 1,500 (adults) or SEK 750 (children under 18).
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Document submission
Present passport at a Swedish embassy or consulate and provide fingerprints and photographs for the residence permit card.
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Processing wait
Wait for decision. 75% of applications decided within 2 months. Apply well in advance of program start date.
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Visa collection
Receive decision via email or post. If approved, residence permit card issued. May need to collect at embassy or upon arrival in Sweden.