Pre-departure information
There is a lot to think about before moving to a new country for studies, below we have collected some useful information that will help you make sure everything is in order before your departure to Sweden.
Exchange student?
This information is for international students who have applied to Stockholm University through Universityadmissions.se, exchange students should follow the instructions they receive from their international coordinator instead.
The information below is general and applies to all international students. Specific information about courses and programmes is usually sent to admitted students by the responsible department. Be sure to check the departmental website and your inbox (and spam folder) regularly.
Make sure your finances are in order
Students in Sweden should budget for at least 8,568 SEK per month to cover all of their living costs. Find out more about an average student budget and available discounts for students at Stockholm University.
Living costs in Sweden
Pay the tuition fee, if required
Students with citizenship from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland are required to pay the tuition fee but can apply for the Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme, a tuition fee waiver for especially qualified Master’s students. The application period for students admitted to Master's programmes starting in the autumn 2022 is 7 - 11 April 2022. The deadline for the payment of the fee for courses starting in the autumn 2022 is 1 June 2022.
Stockholm University Scholarship
Tuition fee payment, timeline autumn semester 2022
EU/EEA citizens and Swiss citizens are not required to pay the tuition fee. There are currently no scholarships offered by Stockholm University for EU/EEA citizens. On studyinsweden.se, you can find a list of scholarships for students from a variety of countries as well as country-specific scholarships to which you can apply.
Prepare the right documentation
All students should have a valid passport for the period of their study in Sweden. Whether or not you need additional documents depends on where you come from.
If you are a citizen from a country outside the EU/EEA, you are generally required to apply for a residence permit for studies. You must apply before travelling to Sweden.
EU/EEA citizens who are registered students at a Swedish university do not need to apply for a residence permit at the Swedish Migration Agency.
If you are a Swiss citizen, you may move to Sweden to study. However, if you wish to stay for longer than three months, you will need a residence permit. You may begin studying as soon as you arrive in Sweden and you do not need to wait for your application to be processed.
Check what type of insurance you have
Start looking for accommodation in Stockholm
Start looking for accommodation in Stockholm well in advance. All admitted students are encouraged to sign up at Stockholms studentbostäder (SSSB), a student housing provider in Stockholm, to start collecting queue days for student accommodation. Since the queue is quite long, make sure to also look for accommodation on the private rental market.
Accommodation through the Housing Office
All international students at Stockholm University are eligible to apply for accommodation from Housing Office. Please note that due to a high demand for housing, we might not be able to offer freemovers housing. Exchange students from partner universities and master students with a scholarship from Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme are a prioritized group. The application period for the autumn semester 2022 will start 18 May.
Make your travel arrangements
Before booking your trip, remember to verify when and how you need to register at the department, as the registration may take place some days before the start of the course or programme. Also, check the dates for the Welcome activities to be sure to be able to participate.
Activate your university account and register
You will find the information you need to get started with your studies (including how to activate your university account and other important steps) on our checklist for admitted students
Facebook group for new international students
The purpose with the group is to find friends and discuss questions related to the move to Stockholm. The group is not moderated by Stockholm University.
Once in Sweden - apply for a personal number
International students who study in Sweden for 12 months or longer must apply for a Swedish personal identity number (“personnummer” in Swedish) at the Swedish Tax Agency (“Skatteverket” in Swedish).
Still wondering over something?
You're welcome to contact us for any questions you might have: See our FAQ and contact. You may also join our webinars for admitted students! We will focus on topics such as registration, university account, insurance, living costs, arrival service and accommodation. You will also have the chance to ask us all your questions via the chat.
Webinars for new international students
Living in Sweden: students have their say!
Want to know more about life as an international student in Sweden?
Last updated: December 13, 2022
Source: Student services