Sweden student visa: residence permit for higher education

The admission must be final and to full-time studies taught on site in Sweden; distance programmes do not qualify. Full-time means 30 credits per semester at a university, or at least 20 teaching hours a week in other programmes such as folk high schools. Students from outside the EU normally pay tuition, and it must be paid before you apply; the university reports the payment to Migrationsverket. Studies shorter than three months need only a visa.

For applications in 2026 you must show SEK 10,656 for every month of the permit, so a two-year permit needs about SEK 255,700 or a combination of sources covering it. Personal savings, scholarships, sponsorship from an organisation (not a private person), salary and student loans or grants are accepted. Bank statements may be issued no earlier than four months before the permit is to start. Free housing or meals from the university reduce the amount.

Apply online as soon as you have the admission letter and have paid tuition, choosing the Swedish embassy or consulate-general where you will show your passport, and pay SEK 1,500 by card. The permit must be granted before travel. You give fingerprints at that mission and collect the residence permit card there.

If the permit is for a year or more, register in the Swedish population register with the Tax Agency (Skatteverket), which gives you a personal identity number and access to public health care. Students on permits shorter than a year must keep comprehensive health insurance covering medical and dental emergencies, hospital care and repatriation. Extensions are filed online before the permit expires and require study results.

Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can apply with you if you show an extra SEK 4,440 a month for an adult and SEK 2,664 per child; adults and children turning 16 that year may work. After completing at least two semesters, you can apply before the study permit expires for up to 12 months to look for work, with the same SEK 10,656 monthly requirement.

Parliament approved new study permit rules on 25 May 2026. For Bachelor’s and Master’s students whose permits are granted on or after 11 June 2026, work is capped at 15 hours a week, except in June, July and August, for work that is part of the programme and for student representation. Once you have completed at least two semesters the cap falls away for the rest of the permit, unless you apply for a new study permit below doctoral level. Working more can lead to withdrawal of the permit or a refused extension.