The Swedish people and their government are known for their accommodating culture, The government sets the framework for education, but municipalities organize most education from preschool to upper secondary school.
While their country can boast of her wealth in terms of Natural resources, her educational development has served as one of their means of earning foreign exchange. The basic principle of Swedish education is “a school for all”, committed to ensuring that all students have access to an equivalent education.
Swedish teaching prioritizes active learning and critical thinking over memorization, focusing on interactive methods. The affordability of their education has endeared many foreign nationals to her. International students wishing to study in a university, higher vocational education, or folk high school at the post-secondary level in Sweden for longer than three months (90 days) must apply for a Sweden study visa and residence permit for higher education. The permit must be granted before students enter the country.
Eligibility
A non-EU/ EEA citizens who want to study in Sweden for over three months need a student visa and a residence permit for their studies. Before applying for a student visa, you must be accepted to a Swedish University. Students from the US, Japan, Canada, and other countries who don’t need a visa to enter Sweden can study freely for 90 days; after that, they will be required to apply for a residence permit directly.
Requirement
International applying to reside and study in Sweden for more than 90 days will be required to submit the following with their application:
- Copies of your passport showing your details, how long it’s valid for and whether you have permission to live in countries other than your country of origin
- Proof of admission from a higher education institution in Sweden
- Copies of documents showing that you have health insurance in Sweden
- Bank statements showing you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies
- If you are receiving a scholarship, you must provide proof which includes how much you will receive, and for how long
When applying online, you should attach these documents to your application in pdf, doc, docx, jpg, png, rtf, or txt formats.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A SWEDISH STUDENT VISA
International students wishing to study in Sweden will have to follow the following procedure:
- Accept a university offer: You must have been admitted to a program at a university in Sweden to be eligible for a residence permit.
- Pay your first tuition fee installment: You need to have paid a portion of your tuition fee before you submit your application.
- Prepare your supporting documents: When you apply, you need to provide several documents with your application. A full list of the required documents is listed above.
- Apply online: You can apply for your residence permit online, the applicant will provide information about themselves and enclose your supporting document.
- Pay the application fee: When you apply online, you will pay the application fee by credit or debit card which will be around $100.
- Visit your local embassy: If you’re from a country whose citizens need an entry visa for travel to Sweden, you’ll need to go to your local Swedish consulate to receive a residence permit card.
VALIDITY OF SWEDISH STUDENT VISA
Just like a visitor’s visa to Sweden, student visa to Sweden is valid for 90 days But If you have already stayed in a Schengen country for 90 days during the last 180-day period, you cannot extend your visa. Instead you can apply for a visitor’s residence permit. The permit will allow any foreign student to complete his or her studies. Again this permit is valid till the expiration of your study years.
WORKING WITH A SWEDISH STUDENT VISA
There are no limitations on how much you can work while studying as an international student in Sweden. However, When you apply to extend your permit, you’ll need to show the progress you’ve made on your program. If your grades suffer as a result of working you may not be able to continue your studies in Sweden.
If you want to continue working and living in Sweden after graduation, you can extend your visa for six months to look for a job. Once you have full-time employment then you are eligible for a work visa.
FREE TUITION FEES AND SWEDISH VISA.
Despite the affordability of Swedish education. The Swedish Migration Agency does not consider admitting you to an educational program before paying the tuition fee. You will not be granted a study residence permit until you pay the tuition fee. If a scholarship program finances you, you must submit proof of financial support when applying for a student visa.
COST OF GETTING A SWEDISH STUDENT VISA
The cost of a Swedish student visa is SEK 1,500, which is approximately INR 9,000. This fee covers the processing of the visa application and the residence permit. Other fees that students will be required to pay upon getting the visa include accommodation, health insurance and money for food. The last three items will be required if the applicant succeeds in getting the visa.