have you been seeking how to Work And Study In Sweden? This post has got you covered on all you need to know.
Sweden has a long history of innovation and cultural contributions, from the sciences to the arts.
The fact that it’s also one of the most beautiful countries in the world can’t hurt either. But you probably didn’t come here just to admire the scenery, did you?
If you want to work and study in Sweden, there are many opportunities available to you if you know where to look.
Let’s take a look at how studying and working in Sweden might be right for you!
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Why study in Sweden?
Home to some of Europe’s leading universities, studying in Sweden is a wonderful way to gain new skills, develop professionally and enhance your CV.
Studying abroad is also an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture; learning a language and meeting new people can help you understand other cultures better.
If you’re passionate about working for global brands, Scandinavia is one of Europe’s fastest-growing business regions – so a period spent studying here could land you your dream job.
Most importantly, when it comes to higher education, there are few countries as respected as Sweden: courses are innovative and teaching standards are high.
This means that studying at a Swedish university will provide you with both first-class teaching and strong links into international networks (including those in London).
Why Work In Sweden
If you’re looking for a fun, culturally diverse and forward-thinking place to start your career, why not take a look at Sweden?
A country known for its high standard of living, progressive attitude and high ranking on UN’s World Happiness Report 2018 (4th), Sweden is one of Europe’s best places to live. But what about for students? Well, let me introduce you to some facts about working in Sweden as a student!
- 1) You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during holidays with no restrictions on what type of work you do or how much money you earn. It’s important to note that there are certain restrictions based on your citizenship status though: EU/EEA citizens can work without restriction while non-EU/EEA citizens need a work permit before they can start working in Sweden.
The Swedish Welfare System
The Swedish social welfare system is universal, which means that every resident in Sweden who holds a residence permit (also known as a personnummer) is entitled to use it.
There are also strong institutions that make sure every individual has equal access to his or her basic needs and is encouraged to work hard at finding employment.
These benefits, however, are intended for Swedish citizens only.
If you’re planning on studying abroad in Sweden, you’ll need to find alternative ways of supporting yourself financially.
Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities out there if you know where to look! Here’s what you need to know about working and studying in Sweden
Studying in Sweden comes with additional costs beyond tuition fees: Books, transportation to school, food on campus and other expenses will add up quickly—and can become overwhelming when your income isn’t enough to cover your expenses.
Luckily, government agencies like CSN (Centrala studiestödsnämnden) provide grants and loans that can help offset some of these costs while giving students freedom to choose how they want to study without forcing them into full-time employment while studying abroad in Sweden.
These financial aid opportunities are intended for Swedish citizens only, but there are still plenty of ways to support yourself financially if you don’t qualify for a grant or loan.
Universities in Sweden
- Chalmers University of Technology
- Dalarna University
- University of Gothenburg
- Jönköping University
- Karlstad University
- Karolinska Institutet
- University of Skövde
- Uppsala University
- Halmstad University
- Kristianstad University
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Linköping University
- Linnaeus University
- Luleå University of Technology
- Lund University
- Mälardalen University
- Malmö University
- Mid Sweden University
- Örebro University
- SLU – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Student Jobs in Sweden
Students are able to work in some cases. You need to be registered as a student, but there are exceptions.
The maximum amount of hours you can work is 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during breaks.
If you are non-EU citizen, you must apply for a permit for working before starting work.
It is best to apply for your work permit at least 6 weeks before starting your job.
As a general rule, it takes about 4–6 weeks to get a reply from the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket).
A reply may take longer if additional information is needed or if you have applied from abroad.
When applying for your first residence permit after entering Sweden on a visa that allows employment, you should contact Migrationsverket as soon as possible.
How to Study in Sweden
If you are planning to study in Sweden, you’ll want to begin by obtaining a student visa. Students may either attend university or earn a degree at a högskola (higher education institution).
The application process for each is slightly different; however, most students apply through their country of origin’s embassy or consulate.
The application process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on your nationality and where you plan to study.
For example, U.S. citizens typically receive a visa within three weeks. Once you have received your residence permit, it will be valid for up to one year with multiple entry opportunities.
This means that even if you aren’t able to start school right away, you will still be able to enter and exit Sweden as many times as needed during that period of time.
Upon arrival in Sweden, students must register with Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency) within three months or face fines and possible deportation.
Conclusion
There are opportunities to work abroad in Sweden, although it might not be as simple as you imagine.
Most jobs in Sweden require proficiency in Swedish. If you’re planning on staying for an extended period of time, then you will also need a residence permit and a passport from your home country that is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date.
Of course, it’s helpful if you can demonstrate some degree of proficiency in Swedish or another Scandinavian language before making any plans to study or work there.