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Sweden student visa guide
Sweden student residence permit and post-study work for Indian students: funds, fees and 12 months to find a job
Indian students need a residence permit for studies before moving to Sweden, and graduates can later apply for a permit to look for work. Bachelor's and master's graduates can receive up to one year, and doctoral graduates between one year and 18 months. In 2026 the monthly maintenance requirement for the look-for-work permit is SEK 10,656, and the adult application fee is SEK 1,500.
Check my eligibilityJump to the FAQAt a glance
- Post-study permit (bachelor's or master's)
- Up to 1 year
- Post-study permit (doctoral)
- 1 to 18 months
- Monthly funds, 2026 (look-for-work)
- SEK 10,656
- Adult application fee
- SEK 1,500
- Apply for it
- Before your study permit expires
The residence permit for studies
Non-EU students need a residence permit for studies, issued by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). You apply after you are admitted, and universities normally require the first tuition instalment to be paid before you apply. You must show you can support yourself for the study period and have health insurance where required. Check the current maintenance amount for studies on the Agency's website, because it is updated each year.
Tuition for non-EU students is set by each university and commonly runs from about SEK 80,000 to SEK 300,000 a year. Compare costs in our Study in Sweden guide and the broader cost of living comparison.
The permit to look for work after your studies
Swedish immigration authorities allow graduates to stay and look for work, or to explore starting a business. The permit lasts up to one year for bachelor's and master's level, and between one year and 18 months for doctoral studies. It cannot be longer than your passport's validity.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Programme | A higher education programme of at least two semesters, with all courses passed. Vocational programmes do not count |
| Funds | Enough to support yourself for the whole permit period |
| Insurance | Health insurance if your continuous stay is under one year |
| When to apply | Before your current study permit expires, even if you have not yet passed all courses |
2026 maintenance requirement and fees
| Item | Monthly amount, applied in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Minimum for the applicant | SEK 10,656 |
| Reduction if free food is provided | SEK 2,960 |
| Reduction if free housing is provided | SEK 4,736 |
| Added for a spouse or partner | SEK 4,440 |
| Added per child | SEK 2,664 |
The application fee is SEK 1,500 for adults and SEK 750 for children under 18, non-refundable if the application is rejected. These are the Agency's figures for the look-for-work permit. Check the current requirement for the study permit before you apply.
Step-by-step: from admission to job search
- Get admitted and pay the first tuition instalment as your university requires.
- Apply for the study residence permit online and attach funds and insurance proof.
- Study and keep up your progress. Aim to pass all courses so you qualify later.
- Apply for the look-for-work permit before your study permit expires. You can add proof of completion afterwards.
- Search for work in your field and switch to a work permit tied to a job offer.
Working while you study
Students generally have no fixed hour limit during studies, as long as studies remain the main activity and you keep progressing. Do not plan to fund your degree from work. Compare with Germany's 18-month route and the Netherlands orientation year.
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Get my free eligibility checkAsk the AI counsellorFrequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Sweden after my studies to look for work?
Up to one year after bachelor's or master's studies, and between one year and 18 months after doctoral studies.
What is the Sweden monthly funds requirement in 2026?
For the look-for-work permit, SEK 10,656 a month, with reductions if you receive free food or housing. Check the current figure for the study permit.
How much is the Sweden residence permit application fee?
SEK 1,500 for adults and SEK 750 for children under 18, non-refundable if the application is rejected.
When should I apply for the look-for-work permit?
Before your current study permit expires. You can add proof that you completed your studies afterwards.
Do I need to pay tuition before applying for a Swedish study permit?
Universities normally require the first tuition instalment before you apply. Check your offer letter for the exact rule.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, if your total continuous stay is under one year. If it is longer, you should register in the population register.
Sources and how we verify
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.