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Other studies
If you are planning to pursue studies in Sweden not connected with a university/college or upper secondary school or a folk high school (residential college) you must have a residence permit if the study period is longer than three months.
If you are a citizen in a EU/EEA country special rules apply, see page for EU citizens.
For studies that are shorter than three months, citizens in certain countries must have an entry visa; see link in the right column. You may not work without a work permit during your study period.
To be granted a permit you must:
You must show that you have funds for the whole of the planned period of study. You must show that you have your support secured by means of verification of personal bank assets, a scholarship or similar means of support, such as a foreign study grant. You must enclose a bank statement showing that you have your own bank assets available in an account belonging to you. If you have a scholarship, you must have a certificate confirming this. We do not accept that a sponsor (such as a relative or a company) supports you during your stay in Sweden.
The support requirement is at present a minimum of SEK 7,300 per month.
You apply at a Swedish mission abroad in the country you are living in. You must use the form Application for residence permit for students and doctoral students, no. 105031.
Make sure that you answer all questions in the questionnaire on the application form. You must also enclose all necessary documents so that your application is complete, otherwise there is a risk that the processing of your application will be delayed and you will not receive a decision in time.
Note that the embassy or consulate where you submit your application may require additional documents. You will find more information and contact information on the website of the relevant embassy. Click on the link in the right column to find the appropriate embassy.
Most people have to pay an application fee, see page on fees. If your application is refused, your money will not be returned. You must also pay a fee when you apply for an extension to your permit.
The longest residence permit you can get is for one year. If the period of study is shorter you will receive a residence permit which is valid for the length of the study period.
People who stay in Sweden for a period that is shorter than one year are not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here. It is therefore important that you and your family have good insurance cover when you travel to Sweden.
The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where you applied. If you have not previously been photographed and had your fingerprints taken, you will need to visit the embassy to do so. Once the residence permit card is ready, the embassy or consulate will issue, or in certain cases send, the card to you.
A residence permit for study purposes is temporary. Even if your stay has lasted for several years, you will normally not be allowed to reside in Sweden.
Those who receive a residence permit will be given a residence permit card. The card is proof of your residence permit. When you enter Sweden, you must therefore show your card along with a valid passport.
Requirements to be granted a residence permit
To be granted a permit you must:
- have a valid passport
- have reached the age of 18
- be admitted to full-time studies that last a maximum of one year
- have sufficient funds to support yourself for the entire planned study period.
You cannot be granted a residence permit for studies that:
- are only in preparation for further studies in Sweden
- are directed towards further activities in Sweden
- require you to take up permanent residence in Sweden.
You must be able to support yourself
You must show that you have funds for the whole of the planned period of study. You must show that you have your support secured by means of verification of personal bank assets, a scholarship or similar means of support, such as a foreign study grant. You must enclose a bank statement showing that you have your own bank assets available in an account belonging to you. If you have a scholarship, you must have a certificate confirming this. We do not accept that a sponsor (such as a relative or a company) supports you during your stay in Sweden.
The support requirement is at present a minimum of SEK 7,300 per month.
Applying for a residence permit
You apply at a Swedish mission abroad in the country you are living in. You must use the form Application for residence permit for students and doctoral students, no. 105031.
In order for the Migration Board to be able to issue a residence permit card, you will be photographed and will need to submit fingerprints in connection with:
- submitting your application or
- when you receive your residence permit.
Make sure your application is complete
Make sure that you answer all questions in the questionnaire on the application form. You must also enclose all necessary documents so that your application is complete, otherwise there is a risk that the processing of your application will be delayed and you will not receive a decision in time.
Enclose the following documents with your application:
- copies of the pages of your passport that show your identity, the validity period of your passport and whether you have permits to be in countries other than your native country
- a certificate stating that you have been admitted to full-time study
- a bank statement showing that you have your own funds to support yourself
- if permission is required from a central bank or equivalent to move money out of your country, you must enclose the relevant certificate with your application.
You do not need to enclose any school reports or grades.
Check the requirements of Swedish missions abroad
Note that the embassy or consulate where you submit your application may require additional documents. You will find more information and contact information on the website of the relevant embassy. Click on the link in the right column to find the appropriate embassy.
Application fee
Most people have to pay an application fee, see page on fees. If your application is refused, your money will not be returned. You must also pay a fee when you apply for an extension to your permit.
Permit validity period
The longest residence permit you can get is for one year. If the period of study is shorter you will receive a residence permit which is valid for the length of the study period.
Important to remember
People who stay in Sweden for a period that is shorter than one year are not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here. It is therefore important that you and your family have good insurance cover when you travel to Sweden.
If you are granted a residence permit
The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where you applied. If you have not previously been photographed and had your fingerprints taken, you will need to visit the embassy to do so. Once the residence permit card is ready, the embassy or consulate will issue, or in certain cases send, the card to you.
Page updated: 2011-10-07
Migrationsverket
