Residence permit for studies
All non-EU/EEA citizens who plan on studying for more than three months must have a residence permit for studies in Sweden.
The authority responsible for issuing residence permits is the Swedish Migration Agency, (”Migrationsverket”). Students from outside the EU/EEA can apply for a residence permit for studies online (recommended), or through the Swedish Embassy/Consulate in their country of residence.
Special instructions apply for Swiss citizens, who may move to Sweden to study and apply for a residence permit after entrance in Sweden.
Residence permits for Swiss citizens
Applying for the first time
First time applications for residence permits for studies must generally be submitted before entering Sweden. It is important that you apply for a residence permit well in advance, to make sure that your application is processed in time. Do however not apply more than four months before the start of your residence permit period.
How to apply for a residence permit for studies
How long does it take to get a decision from the Swedish Migration Agency?
Video series on the application for residence permit for studies
Payment of the tuition fee
International students who are liable to pay the tuition fee, must have paid the first instalment of the tuition fee before handing in the application for a residence permit for studies.
Payment and repayment of tuition fee
Exchange students are not required to pay fees and can directly apply for the residence permit.
Letter of acceptance
When applying for the residence permit you must submit admission decision that shows that you are finally admitted to full-time studies in a programme or courses.
International students can use the Notification of Selection Results (that can be downloaded from University Admissions).
Exchange students can use the Acceptance letter they receive from their international coordinator.
Proof of health insurance
International students who pay the tuition fee are covered by "FAS+ - The Swedish State’s Insurance for Fee-Paying Students". Fee-paying students can use the Notification of Selection Results (that can be downloaded from University Admissions) as an insurance certificate.
Insurance for fee-paying students
Exchange students are covered by the Student IN insurance
Validity period of the residence permit for studies
Start date
The advice is to apply for a residence permit valid from 1 August, since that is the earliest possible date and gives you the most time. Use this starting date even if you plan on arriving later.
For spring semester starting date, please put the date two weeks ahead of the starting period of your studies.
End date
The end date for the permit depends on the length of your studies.
- If you are admitted to one semester, put two weeks after the end of your semester as the end date.
- If you are admitted to a one year long programme, put two weeks after the end of the spring semester as the end date.
- If you are admitted to a two year long programme, you can either apply for 13 months or for the entire study period and two weeks after the end of your studies.
Find the relevant end dates of your study period in your Notification of Selection Results (international students) or Letter of Acceptance (exchange students).
For those admitted to studies longer than one year, we recommend applying for a 2-year permit if you can. This makes sure you can focus on your studies and do not need to make a renewal of residence permit in the middle of your studies.
Note that you need to show that you can support yourself during the period you are applying for and that your passport needs to be valid during that same period.
Contact information
The following information may be useful when you fill out the residence permit application:
International students: Address: Stockholm University, Universitetsvägen 10A, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
Contact person: Stefan Norrlén, study@su.se. Phone: +468-161770
Exchange students: the contact person is your international coordinator at Stockholm University: Departmental international coordinators at Stockholm University.
Extending a residence permit for studies
Extension of a residence permit must be done before the existing residence permit expires. You are however entitled to stay in Sweden while the permit is being processed.
Extending a residence permit for studies
Residence permit to seek employment after studies
If you have a residence permit for studies and have completed a programme that has lasted for at least two semesters, you can get a residence permit for 12 months to seek employment or examine the possibilities of starting your own business here. You must apply for a residence permit while you are still in Sweden and before your current permit for studies expires.
Residence permit to seek employment or start business after studies
FAQ Costs, fees and scholarships
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Last updated: March 27, 2025
Source: Student Services
