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.
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.
Pre-departure to-do list
Follow the instructions of your department
Be sure to follow the instructions of the department that is responsible for the programme you have applied to. Unsure about which department is yours? The responsible department is always specified on the programme- or course-page on Stockholm University's course catalogue.
Apply for a scholarship
This step is of course optional. There are two main scholarship opportunities for students coming from countries outside of EU/EEA/Switzerland and who are required to pay tuition fees for studies.
Stockholm University scholarship scheme
Swedish Institute Scholarships
Other scholarships
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.
Pay the first instalment of the tuition fee (non-EU/EEA students)
Note that you must have paid the first instalment of the tuition fee before handing in your application for a residence permit.
Check your insurance status
The ”FAS - The Swedish State’s Insurance for Fee-Paying Students”, is a health insurance that covers all international fee-paying students at Stockholm University.
The FAS Insurance is accepted by the Swedish Migration Agency as a comprehensive health insurance. Note that your Notification of Selection Results (that you can download from Universityadmissions.se) can be used as an insurance certificate, when applying for the residence permit at the Migration Agency.
More information about insurance
If you have questions about FAS, you can send an email to study@su.se.
EU/EEA/Swiss/Nordic Citizens should bring the EHIC card
If you are a citizen of any of the EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, you should register for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country before coming to Sweden. This card gives you the right to medical care at the same cost as Swedes.
Apply for a residence permit (non-EU/EEA students)
You apply for a residence permit at Migrationsverket, the Swedish Migration Agency. On their website, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the first time.
It is important that you apply for a residence permit well in advance, to make sure that your application is processed in time. Do not apply more than three months before the start of your residence permit period. You can for example apply for the residence permit for studies starting in the autumn semester at the earliest from the beginning of May.
Start looking for accommodation in Stockholm
In the beginning of the semester, it can be quite difficult to find accommodation in Stockholm and we strongly recommend students to start looking well in advance. All admitted students are encouraged to sign up at SSSB (Stockholms studentbostäder, a student housing provider in Stockholm) to start collecting queue days for student accommodation provided by SSSB.
Since SSSB’s queue is quite long, make sure to start looking for accommodation on the private rental market also. The Housing Office provides some general advice regarding housing in Stockholm, as well as a list of links to websites with housing ads.
Make your travel arrangements
Verify the registration dates
Before making any travel arrangements remember to verify when and how you need to register at the department before you book your trip, as the registration may take place some days before the start of the course or programme.
Check the dates for the Welcome activities
Welcome activities
Once in Sweden - apply for a Swedish Personal identity 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?
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.
Get started with your studies
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
Preparing for your life in Stockholm
Stockholm is a cultural hub and economic centre, with many green areas and surrounded by water. The ideal place to enjoy an exciting and pleasant student life!
Getting to know Stockholm
Visitstockholm.com is the official guide of Stockholm where you can find information and get inspired.
Local transportation
Stockholm’s public transportation, “SL”, provides travel by commuter trains, underground, buses and ferries throughout the greater Stockholm area. Underground stations are marked with a blue ’T’ and commuter train stations with a blue ’J’. Students who are studying at least 22.5 credits per semester can buy a student travel card that gives a discount on the cost of travel. The student travel card can be bought at all major SL ticket agents such as Pressbyrån and at SL Access ticket machines at underground and commuter rail stations. When travelling with a student travel card you must always be able to prove that you have the right to do so by showing your student union member discount card “Campuskortet”. For more information about the discount visit the Stockholm University Student Union webpage.
Student discount on commuter traffic
If you are not a frequent user of the transport system you can buy a single ticket that is valid for one hour, but it should be noted that this is the most expensive option. Further information, prices and a trip planner (which you can use to find the quickest route between two addresses or stations) can be found at: sl.se/english
Learning Swedish
Even though it is very easy for international students to get by with English only, learning Swedish could be a great advantage. Students at Stockholm University are offered various possibilities for learning Swedish while studying in Sweden. And for those who can't wait to start there are free courses available online!
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.
Student unions and faculty associations
The purpose of a student union is to represent the common interests of students and guarantee that students are able to influence their own education. In fact, student unions also have a major role in the social aspects of university life.
FAQ and contact
Last updated: January 12, 2021
Source: Student services