Study in Sweden
Sweden student visa: Generally there are two kinds of visas that someone can apply for when they want to visit Sweden. Applying for a Schengen visa is necessary for one to plan to visit Sweden for leisure. This basically amounts to a three month visa. Travellers usually use it as a means of gaining entry into the Schengen area of the European Union. The other visa is known as the Swedish Residence Permit which is a long stay visa that can be obtained for a number of reasons. In order to legally enter Sweden for the purpose of studying, students must apply for a Residence Permit or a Sweden study visa.
The Swedish Embassy and Consulates in India handle the processing of resident permits which are issued by the Swedish Migration Agency in Sweden.
Sweden visa processing time
The processing time for a visa is approximately 90 days as all applications are sent to Sweden. It is recommended that you begin the process as soon as possible though it may take longer. A paper application also requires a lot more time than an online application. Therefore, it is recommended that students use an online application.
Sweden study visa fees
At the current exchange rate the cost of a Sweden study visa is SEK 1,500 for a residence permit used for study in Sweden. Students must use a Visa or Mastercard to make the necessary online payment for the same. (Bank/debit cards as well as credit cards are accepted).
What documents are required for a student visa to Sweden?
In Sweden, there are certain documents that you must submit with your application for a residence permit. We advise you to make sure you have all of the following paperwork even before you begin the actual visa application.
- At the time of application a student must possess a passport that is currently valid for at least 6 months, it is also necessary that the passport be issued no earlier than 10 years before the application deadline.
- Students must have a letter of enrolment form a Swedish university that clearly outlines the length of the course and attests to their payment of the first instalment in full.
- It is important for the student to understand that this has to include a study period equal to at least 30 credits. You will be required to pay a fee for two semesters if your first semester’s credit total is less than 30. (Although normally this isnโt the case).
- Evidence of financial capacity demonstrates your ability to pay for the course you are enrolled in and sustain your stay in the nation. This could come in the form of a public or private scholarship, sponsor, student loan or personal funds totaling SEK 9,450 for each month you plan to stay in Sweden calculated for the intended stay with a minimum of 10 months for each year of stay.
- If your stay is shorter than 10 months you will be required to show proof of health insurance. Upon arriving in Sweden students who apply for extended stays will be required to obtain health insurance.
- Bachelor’s class X/XII or class II as appropriate, the year of course completion is clearly marked on the mark sheet and certificate.
- You will be required to submit a 1000 character (approximately 150 word) essay with your application explaining why you have decided to study in Sweden. You must provide a detailed explanation of what you think Sweden offers that your home country does not but there is no set format for the same.
- Note: you do not have to turn in every certificate. Only your most recent credentials and work experience would be requested by the system. You would need to present relevant proof if you wanted to disclose information about all of your previous certificates and work experience.
- Two sets of documents are required for paper applications: the original and signed true copies.
- You would need to upload the original documentโs scanned copies online. Do not upload photocopies instead remember to scan and upload the original documents.
- Additionally the catchment for online application must be in acceptable formats and no more than 2 MB in size. For official documentation PDF and JPEG are always the recommended formats.
How to apply for a Swedish student visa?
In order to apply for Swedish study visa candidates must follow the following instructions
- Confirm your admission to a Swedish university and get the paperwork ready using the above checklist.
- Verify your health insurance (if applicable)
- Complete the online application for a residence permit by visiting the Migrationsverket website.
- After uploading the files submit your application
- Pay the SEK 1,500 visa fee with a visa or Mastercard
- Get confirmation form the embassy or consulate
- After receiving the email, submit your biometric data and photo to the Swedish embassy or consulate nearest you.
Working while on a student visa in Sweden?
While studying in Sweden international students are permitted to work. There is no limit to the number of hours a student can work. However, a student is required to complete a minimum study of 40 hours a week mandatorily. Most of the universities in Sweden have career cells which help students to find suitable part time options.
Working after studies
After completing their studies in Sweden students can request and be granted a six month extension of their residence permit which allows them to look for work. After the student finds suitable employment a Swedish work permit will be needed. In order to launch their own company in Sweden students may also apply for a residence permit.
Scholarships for studying in Sweden
Sweden is the country of choice for many international students wishing to pursue higher education. However, going to school in Sweden is not cheap. As a result, in order to pay for their living expenses and tuition, students must find alternative sources of funding. Universities in Sweden provide scholarships to international students based on the demand from their student body. Listed below are a few well known scholarships for studying in Sweden.
- Inlaks Scholarships (University Courses)
- Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
