Sweden Student Visa - Eligibility, Requirements, How to Apply
After completing your admission application requirements for Swedish universities, international students who get admitted will have to apply for a student visa. Understand how to apply for Sweden student visa, the documents required, the fee for the visa and its prerequisites in this article.
A person can apply for two different types of visas when planning to go to Sweden. One intending to travel to Sweden for recreational purposes would apply for a Schengen Visa, which is valid for three months. It is typically used by tourists as this allows them a pass through the European Unionās Schengen Area. The other visa is called the Residence Permit for Sweden, which is a long-stay visa. It can be applied for a variety of reasons. Students planning toāÆstudy in SwedenāÆhave to apply for a Residence Permit or a Sweden Study Visa to legally enter the country for the study. Resident Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Agency in Sweden but processed by the Swedish Embassy and Consulates in India.
Sweden Visa Processing Time
All visa applications are sent to Sweden and the Sweden study visa processing time is 90 days. However, it might take longer and you are advised to start the process as soon as possible. Moreover, a paper application takes much longer than an online application. Hence, students are advised to opt for an online application.
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Sweden Study Visa Fees
Sweden's study visa fee for Residence Permit for Study purposes for Sweden is SEK 1,500 at the current exchange rate. Students are required to make an online payment for the same by using a Visa or a MasterCard. (Both Credit and Bank/Debit Cards are acceptable).
What documents are required for Student Visas to Sweden?
For a Residence Permit in Sweden, the applicant must provide the required documents. Even before you start the actual visa application, you must ensure you have all of the following documents for visa:
- A student must have a valid passport with a validity of at least six months at the time of application. Also, the passport should be issued not earlier than 10 years preceding the time of application for Sweden study visa.
- Students need an enrolment letter from a University in Sweden that clearly states the duration of the course and that they have paid (in full) the first instalment of the fees.
- The student needs to note here that this must include a study period that is equivalent to at least 30 credits. In case your first semester does not equal 30 credits, you would have to pay a fee for two semesters. (Though this usually is not the case)
- A student must show a proof of financial capacity for the visa. This means that you must have the funds to pay for the course you are enrolled into and also support your stay in the country. This could be in the form of a scholarship/ sponsor (public or private), student loan or own funds to the tune of SEK 9,450 for each month of your stay in Sweden, computed for the intended stay with a minimum of 10 months for every year of staying in Sweden.
- You would be asked to provide proof of health insurance if your stay is less than 10 months. Students applying for longer stays would be provided with compulsory health insurance when they reach Sweden.
- Class X/ XII/ Bachelors (whichever is applicable) Mark-sheet and Certificate showing clearly the year of completion of the course.
- Your visa application would also ask you to submit a 1000-character (roughly 150 words) essay as to why you have chosen Sweden as the country for your studies. There is no fixed format for the same but you have to give a specific reason for what you believe Sweden offers that your home country does not.āÆ
- Note: You are not required to submit all the certificates for Sweden study visa. The system would prompt you only to provide the last qualification/ work experience details. In case you wish to provide information for all the previous qualifications and/or work experience, you would have to provide relevant documentary proof.
- In case of paper applications for visa, two sets of the documents ā original as well as signed true copies of the same are required.
- For online applications, you would be required to upload the scanned copy of the original documents. You must scan and upload the original documents and not the photocopies.
- Moreover, for online applications, the attached documents should not be larger than 2MB and in acceptable formats. PDF and JPEG are always the preferred formats for official documentation.
Also Read: Student Guide to Sweden
How to apply for a Swedish Student Visa
Candidates are required to follow the steps mentioned below to successfully apply for their Sweden Study Visa.āÆ
- Confirm your admission to a Swedish university and prepare the documents as per the checklist mentioned above
- Confirm health insurance (if applicable)
- Fill out the residence permit application form online by logging into the Migrationsverket Website.
- Upload the documents and submit your application.
- Pay the student visa fee of SEK 1,500 through a Visa/ Mastercard
- Receive confirmation from the consulate/ embassy
- Submit your biometric information and photograph at the nearest embassy/ consulate office of Sweden on receiving the email
Working while on a Student Visa in Sweden?
InternationalāÆstudents can work while they are pursuing their education in Sweden. There is no upper limit to the number of hours a student can work for. However, a student must mandatorily complete a minimum study of 40 hours a week. Most of theāÆUniversities in SwedenāÆhave their own career cells where students can be assisted in finding appropriate part-time options.
Working after Studies
Students who have completed their studies in Sweden can apply for and get an extension of their Residence Permit for 6 months to seek suitable employment. Once the student has an appropriate job, s/he would be required to have a Work Permit for Sweden. Students can also seek a Residence Permit to start their own business in Sweden.
Related Articles: Top Universities in Sweden
Scholarships for studying in Sweden
A large number of international students prefer Sweden for pursuing higher studies. But, pursuing an education in Sweden does not come cheap. Therefore, students have to look for different ways to arrange funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. Considering the demand of the students' various universities in Sweden offer scholarships to international students. Below we have given some popular scholarships for studying in Sweden.
Also, read about student visas for study abroad and student visas for prominent international study destinations. Also if you wish to apply for free counselling to apply at universities abroad you can sign up at Shiksha Abroad Counselling.
Sweden Student Visa FAQs
Q. What is the student visa processing time for Sweden?
A. It takes time to process a student visa for Sweden. Sweden does not have a special kind of visa for students. Anyone seeking to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days is required to apply for a residence permit. The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for accepting or rejecting your visa application. Therefore, your student visa applications are sent to Sweden. It usually takes around 90 days to process your visa application. Students are advised to apply for a student visa as early as possible. A Paper visa application takes much longer than an online application, hence students are advised to opt for an online application.
Q. What is the cost of a student visa for Sweden?
A. The Embassy of Sweden in India only cooperates with VFS Global in India and Nepal. The Schengen visa application fee is tied to the euro. From April 15, 2021, the visa application fee for adults is ā¬80, whereas for children (age 6-12) the visa application fee is ā¬40. Citizens of countries that have signed visa facilitation agreements with the EU pay a reduced fee or are exempt from payment. Visits longer than 90 days require D Visa. The revised visa application fee from April 4, 2021, is ā¬60. However, the visa application fee for children (age 0-6) is nil. The visitorās permit for adults is SEK 1,500 and for children under 18 is SEK 750.āÆ
Q. How to pay the visa application fee?
A. VFS global official service provider to Sweden embassy to process the visa applications in India. The applicant can pay for the visa applications at VFS Global visa application centers in India. You can pay in cash or with a debit/ credit card. If you decide to apply directly via Swedish Embassy then you can pay fees by bank draft, UPI payments or a bank card. Payment made by Bank Draft should be in favour of the āEmbassy of Sweden (Visa)ā. Bank drafts have to be made for each application. Collective Bank drafts are not accepted.āÆ
Q. What is the quickest way to get a residence permit for Sweden?
A. Students who are non-EU nationals and their course of study require them to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days, need to apply for a residence permit. However, if your course of study requires you to stay in Sweden for less than three months and you are not an EU citizen then you may need a visa instead. The fastest way to get a residence permit to study at universities and colleges in Sweden is to apply online. Since all the visa-related decisions are taken by Swedish Immigration Authority in Sweden all the online applications go directly to the Swedish Immigration Authority and are given priority. Meanwhile, if you do not wish to apply online or wish to study other than at university or college, you can submit your application documents at the Swedish Embassy in person.āÆ
Q. How can I submit my biometrics for a residence permit card?
A. To submit biometrics for the residence permit card, the applicant is required to visit the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi. You are required to bring the passport registered in the application for identification. It is not necessary to submit your biometrics before the approval on your residence permit. You can submit your biometrics before or after a decision on your residence permit application is taken. Once you get the control number on your application, you can go to the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi during the biometrics submission hours along with the original passport to submit your biometrics.āÆ
Q. How long it takes to get a residence permit card?
A. First you apply via an online application form to get a residence permit in Sweden. Once your application for a residence permit is accepted and you are granted a permit to stay in Sweden for longer than three months, a residence permit card is issued before you depart for Sweden. Residence permit cards are only proof of residence permit, you can not use them as Identity cards or travel documents. Your residence permit is checked by the Embassy and after that, a notification is sent to you via email. You can then visit the Embassy of Sweden along with your passport to collect your residence permit card during the collection hours at the Embassy.
Q. Can I work while studying in Sweden?
A. Yes, you can work while studying in Sweden. If you are pursuing a course longer than three months, then you are required to get a residence permit for Sweden. The residence permit of Sweden allows international students to work while studying. However, you should keep in mind that your working hours should not affect your study and you are able to perform better academically. Working for 20 hours a week is advisable for international students, as this is the norm all over the world for international students working while studying.
Q. Is there any scholarship for international students in Sweden?
A. Sweden is not inexpensive. It is, in fact, one of the most expensive countries in the world for international students in terms of cost of living and tuition fees. Therefore, the scholarship becomes one of the most desirable things for international students going to Sweden for higher education. There are several scholarships available to international students. Universities provide scholarships at their level to international students. There are several merits and need-based scholarships as well. Besides this, there are several external agencies which offer scholarships to international students.
Q. What are the documents required for a student visa to Sweden?
A. Documents required depends on what kind of visa you are applying for, for courses shorter than three months you need to apply for a normal visa. However, for courses longer than three months, you are required to apply for a residence permit. To apply for a residence permit you need a valid passport which has a validity of at least six months at the time of application. Students are also required an enrollment letter from the university in Sweden, health insurance, and essay.
Q. Do I need to give proof of financial capacity for a student visa to Sweden?
A. Yes, you need to present a proof of financial capacity. You need to prove that you have funds to pay for the course you are enrolled in a Swedish university. Your proof of financial capacity should also show that you have enough fund to support your stay in Sweden. You can present proof of financial security via scholarship, sponsor, student loan or own funds. You must have at least SEK 8,190 for each month of their stay in Sweden, computed for the intended stay with a minimum of 10 months for every year of studying in Sweden.
Q. What is a Schengen visa for Sweden?
A. In case the duration of your travel to Sweden is less than three months, you are required to apply for a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa is issued for a maximum of 90 days. Schengen visa allows you to travel across all the countries of Schengen region. All the travelers are responsible for verifying the travel restriction in place before departure. A Schengen visa is not a guarantee for entry to Sweden or the Schengen area. The Border Police of Sweden determines whether an individual meets the entry conditions or not.
Q: Ā Is it hard to get into KTH Sweden?
For international students, getting admission into KTH Royal Institute of Technology is moderately difficult. KTH Royal Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 32% for Masters programs and merely 7% for bachelor's program. This figure indicates that on an average, only 32 out of 100 applicants get admitted into KTH for pursuing a postgraduate course, whereas only 7 secure an admission in the undergraduate course. Currently, international students comprise 30% of the total student population (13,500) of KTH. Aspirants interested in studying at KTH, need to have a minimum academic score of above 60% and an IELTS score of 6.5.
Q: Ā How much will it cost to study in Sweden?
The cost of studying Sweden will depend on the type of course and level of study. In public universities in Sweden, the tuition fee for domestic and international students may vary. However, below we have given the average tuition fee for the popular courses in Sweden.
Course | Average 1st Year Cost | Average Tuition Fees |
---|---|---|
MS | Rs 12.48 Lakhs | Rs 10.57 Lakhs |
MIM | Rs 10.83 Lakhs | Rs 8.92 Lakhs |
BBA | Rs 9.45 Lakhs | Rs 7.54 Lakhs |
BE/BTech | Rs 10.76 Lakhs | Rs 8.85 Lakhs |
MFA | Rs 18.82 Lakhs | Rs 16.91 Lakhs |
MArch | Rs 18.39 Lakhs | Rs 16.48 Lakhs |
BHM | Rs 8.88 Lakhs | Rs 6.97 Lakhs |
Q: Ā Is Sweden expensive for Indian students?
Sweden is generally very expensive to live. The cost of living in Sweden is very high in comparison to other European countries. Below we have given the average cost of living in Sweden.
Particulars | Expenses |
---|---|
Accommodation | 345 – 670 EUR/month |
Food | 440 EUR/month |
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 76 EUR/month |
Internet | 28 EUR/month |
Swedish Restaurant | 11 - 23 EUR |
3-Course Meal | 47 - 76 EUR |
Drink in a Bar | 9 EUR |
Books and other study materials | 80 EUR/month |
Social activities and entertainment | 70 – 100 EUR/month |
Health insurance | start at 30 EUR/month |
Public transportation fares | 77 EUR/month |
Bicycle for transport | 110 EUR |
Q: Ā How can I get a study visa for Sweden?
Study visa for Sweden has been broadly divided into two different types of visas a person can apply for when planning to go to Sweden. A person intending to travel to Sweden for recreational purposes would apply for a Schengen Visa. This is essentially a visa that is valid for three months. Since all visa applications are sent to Sweden, the student visa is processed in about 90 days. However, it might take longer and you are advised to start the process as soon as possible.
Q: Ā What are the top 5 universities of Sweden?
Sweden has some of the best universities in the world. Here we have listed top 5 universities in Sweden as per the QS world university rankings for 2024.
University | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
---|---|
KTH Royal Institute of Technology | #73 |
Lund University | #85 |
Uppsala University | #105 |
Stockholm University | #118 |
Chalmers University of Technology | #129 |
Q: Ā How many universities are in Sweden?
In total, there are just 39 universities in the whole of Sweden. Here we have listed all the 39 universities in Sweden.
Universities in Sweden | |
---|---|
Blekinge Institute of Technology | Chalmers University of Technology |
Dalarna University | Halmstad University |
Johannelund School of Theology | Jonkoping University |
Karlstad University | Karolinska Institute |
Konstfack, University of Arts, Crafts and Design | Kristianstad University |
KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Linkoping University |
Linnaeus University | Lulea University of Technology |
Lund University | Malardalen University |
Malmo University | Marie Cederschiold University |
Mid Sweden University | The Newman Institute |
Orebro University | Royal College of Music |
Royal Institute of Art | Sodertorn University of Stockholm |
Sophiahemmet University | Stockholm School of Economics |
Stockholm University | Stockholm University of the Arts |
Swedish Defence University | Swedish Red Cross University |
The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences |
Umea University | University of Boras |
University College Stockholm | University of Gavle |
University of Gothenburg | University of Skovde |
University West | Uppsala University |
Q: Ā What is the cost of study visa in Sweden?
Sweden Study Visa fee for Residence Permit for Study purposes for Sweden is SEK 1,500 at the current exchange rate. Students are required to make an online payment for the same by using a Visa or a MasterCard. (Both Credit and Bank/Debit Cards are acceptable).
Q: Ā How much is the study visa fee in Sweden?
The cost of a study visa for international studens is SEK 1,500 per applicant. A student must have a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months at the time of application. Students need an enrolment letter from a University in Sweden. Since all visa applications are sent to Sweden, the Visa is processed in about 90 days
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Hello Nidhi. The article talks about Sweden Study Visa. Is there anything you wish to know further? You can also get in touch with our Shiksha Counsellors for assistance with university admission here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply
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Hello Adelle. Know all about the important details regarding Chalmers University of Technology (Chalmers) here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/sweden/universities/chalmers-university-of-technology Our admissions team would be more than happy to assist you with the admission process, you can reque
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Hello Pavan. To apply for a Sweden Student Visa you will be required to apply to one of the Swedish Universities. Once you have successfully got an acceptance letter, you can go ahead with applying for the Sweden Studnet Visa. Every university would have its individual admission criteria. Check ou
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