Studying in higher education
If you are to study at a university, university college, higher vocational education or folk high school at the post-secondary level in Sweden for a period of time longer than three months, you can apply for a residence permit for higher education. The permit must be issued before you travel to Sweden.
EU/EEA citizens and long-term residents
If you are an EU/EEA citizen or family member of an EU/EEA citizen, Swiss citizen or are a long-term resident, you cannot apply for a residence permit for studies. Different rules apply to you.
Rules for EU/EEA citizens, Swiss citizens and long-term residents
Stays of less than three months
If your total period of stay in Sweden is less than three months, you should not apply for a residence permit, but should instead apply for an entry visa. Citizens of some countries may stay in Sweden for up to three months without a residence permit or visa. During this period, it is permitted to study.
Apply for a first residence permit for higher education
Undergraduate or graduate level studies at a university college or university include bachelor’s and master’s programmes. If you are admitted to such a programme, you can apply for a residence permit for higher education. There is a list on studyinsweden.se of which seats of learning are counted as universities and university colleges.
Apply for a residence permit for undergraduate or graduate studies
If you are going to participate in contract or specialisation education for doctors or dentists, you must instead apply for a residence permit for contract or specialisation education.
Apply for a residence permit for contract or specialisation education in Sweden
If you have been admitted to studies in higher vocational education or to studies at the post-secondary level at a folk high school, you can apply for a residence permit for higher education.
There is information on higher vocational education programmes at the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education. There is a list of all courses at Sweden’s folk high schools at www.folkhogskola.nu. The course descriptions state the level of the programme in question. It should be mentioned that the folk high schools also offer studies that are not at the post-secondary level, which are therefore not to be considered higher education studies.
List of all courses at Sweden’s folk high schools
External link, opens in new window.
Apply for an extension of a residence permit for higher education
If you are still admitted to studies in higher vocational education or to studies at the post-secondary level at a folk high school, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit for higher education.
There is information on higher vocational education programmes at the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education. There is a list of all courses at Sweden’s folk high schools at www.folkhogskola.nu. The course descriptions state the level of the programme in question. It should be mentioned that the folk high schools also offer studies that are not at the post-secondary level, which are therefore not to be considered higher education studies.