Question 1

Are international students allowed to work while studying in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Sweden is one of the very few countries worldwide with no statutory limit on the number of hours international students may work while holding a valid residence permit for higher education. However, students must dedicate at least 40 hours per week to full-time study and achieve at least 15 ECTS credits in their first year and 22.5 ECTS credits in subsequent semesters to be eligible for permit extensions.

Question 2

What is the official Migrationsverket living expense requirement for Sweden?

Accepted Answer

For 2025/2026, the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) maintenance requirement is exactly 10,314 SEK per month. For a standard 10-month academic year, students must show at least 103,140 SEK (approx. $10,000 USD) in a bank account in their own name. Furthermore, the first tuition instalment must be registered as paid by the Swedish university before Migrationsverket will process the permit.

Question 3

Do international students in Sweden get free healthcare?

Accepted Answer

If your study program is 1 year (12 months) or longer, you are entitled to register in the Swedish Population Register (Folkbokförd) with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) and receive a Swedish Personal Identity Number (Personnummer). This gives you the exact same access to Swedish subsidized public healthcare as Swedish citizens. If your program is less than 1 year, you must have comprehensive private health insurance covering all medical costs.

Question 4

How long can graduates stay in Sweden to find a job after university?

Accepted Answer

Graduates of Swedish higher education programs lasting at least two semesters (Bachelor, Master, or PhD) can apply for a 12-month residence permit to seek employment or explore starting a business (Uppehållstillstånd för att söka arbete). You must apply before your student permit expires and show maintenance funds of 10,314 SEK/month. When offered employment paying at least 80% of the Swedish median wage (~28,480 SEK/month), you can transition to a Swedish Work Permit.

Sweden Post-Study Residence Permit (Job Search) & Work Permit Requirements & Roadmap

Eligibility Requirements

Documents Checklist Drawer

Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Core Rejection Reasons

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