You have a permit in Sweden – Study Changes to your studies

You have a residence permit for studies in Sweden and your study situation changes.

If the higher education institution or education provider has postponed the start date of your studies to a later date than what is stated in your admission decision, you must inform the Swedish Migration Agency directly.

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If you are planning to change your education programme at the same higher education institution or change higher education institution, you can continue to study under the same residence permit, as long as your studies are at the same level and as long as you meet the conditions for the residence permit, such as the requirement that you be enrolled in full-time studies.

If you will be starting another type of studies than those for which you currently have a residence permit, you must submit a first-time application for the type of studies you intend to start. This means you should not apply to extend your current residence permit.

If, for example, you are currently studying at a folk high school with a residence permit for other studies, but plan to start studying at a higher education institution, you need to apply for a residence permit for studies at higher education.

For most residence permits, you must be outside Sweden when you receive a decision about a first-time application. In some cases, you can apply for a residence permit while you are in Sweden with another valid Swedish residence permit.

The guide below provides support on what applies in different situations. The guide does not provide answers on what the decision in an individual case will be.

If you have a residence permit for studies at the first-cycle, second-cycle, or third-cycle (doctoral) level in Sweden and have completed your studies, you can apply for a residence permit to look for work or explore the possibilities of starting your own business here.

You want to apply – Look for work after completing your studies in Sweden

If you want to take a break from your studies, you need to apply for approved leave from studies at your higher education institution. If your leave is approved but you have no reason to be in Sweden other than your studies, the Swedish Migration Agency can revoke your residence permit for studies.

Even if the Swedish Migration Agency does not revoke your residence permit during your approved leave from studies, it is important to know that the requirements for obtaining an extended permit are the same. This means that an approved leave from studies does not make the rules any less strict; for example, you must show that you have earned enough credits in your education programme.

You can keep your residence permit for studies in Sweden even if you will be spending time in another country during part of the permit period, as long as the stay abroad is part of the education to which you have been admitted in Sweden. If you will be travelling to another country as part of your education, you should contact that country’s authorities to find out what is required to stay in that country.

In order for you to be able to extend your residence permit for studies, you must have earned a certain number of credits. If you are studying at a university or college, you must have earned 15 credits in the first year of study, 22.5 credits in the second year, and 30 credits in the third and subsequent years.

If you do not achieve the results required by the education programme due to illness or a similar reason, then when you submit your extension application you must also provide documents proving your stated reason. For example, if you have been ill, you should submit a doctor’s certificate describing how your ability to study has been affected by your illness.

If you have not earned any higher education credits and have no reason to be in Sweden other than your studies, the Swedish Migration Agency can revoke your residence permit for studies.

If you have interrupted your studies, the Swedish Migration Agency may revoke your residence permit. If the Swedish Migration Agency revokes your permit and you do not plan to study something else, and do not have the right to reside in Sweden on any other grounds, you must leave the country.

In some cases, you can apply for a residence permit while you are in Sweden with another valid Swedish residence permit. For example, this applies if you currently have a residence permit for doctoral studies and are now about to start a job.

The guide below provides support on what applies in different situations. The guide does not provide answers on what the decision in an individual case will be.

News

2025-12-04

More Afghans may be able to receive passports from their home country

The Swedish Migration Agency estimates that Afghan authorities are now able to issue national passports to their citizens within a reasonable time. This means that Afghan citizens with a residence permit in Sweden no longer automatically have the right to an alien’s passport. Instead, the Swedish Migration Agency will review each application for an alien’s passport individually.

2025-12-03

The Migration Agency’s drop-in service closes on 1 January

On 1 January, the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centre will close for drop-in visits. If you have any questions about your case, please contact the Swedish Migration Agency by telephone or via My page. For guidance and assistance with your application, or with using the Swedish Migration Agency’s digital services, please visit the National Government Service Centre.

2025-07-23

Extended passports become invalid on 1 October

As of 1 October 2025, Swedish authorities will no longer accept passports that have had their period of validity extended by inserting a stamp or sticker into the passport. If you have such a national passport, you should apply for a new one.

The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for considering applications from people who want to live in Sweden, seek protection or become Swedish citizens. Our work is based on Swedish laws and international conventions, with a focus on legal certainty and effective reception and return.