Sweden Study Visa Requirements and process

Sweden Study Visa Requirements: Broadly, there are two different types of Visa a person can apply for when planning to go to Sweden. A person intending to travel to Sweden for recreational purposes would apply for a Schengen Visa. This is essentially a visa that is valid for 3 months. It is typically used by tourists as this allows them a pass through the European Union’s Schengen Area. The other visa called the Residence Permit for Sweden are long-stay visas and can be applied for a variety of reasons. Students planning to study in Sweden have to apply for these Residence Permits.

Resident Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Agency in Sweden but processed by the Swedish Embassy and Consulates in India.

Visa Processing Time

Sweden Study Visa Requirements: Since all visas applications are sent to Sweden, the Visa is processed in about 90 days. However, it might take longer and you are advised to start the process as soon as possible. Also, a paper application takes much longer than an online application. Hence, students are advised to opt for online application.

Visa Fees

The Visa Fee for Residence Permit for Study purposes for Sweden in SEK 1,500 at the current exchange rate. Students are required to make an online payment for the same by using a Visa or a MasterCard. (Both Credit and Bank/Debit Cards are acceptable).

What Documents are Required for Student Visas for Sweden?

Sweden Study Visa Requirements: If you are applying for a Residence Permit for Sweden, you would have to provide certain documents. Even before you start the actual visa application, we suggest you must ensure you have all of the following documents.

  • A student must have a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months at the time of application. Also, the passport should be issued not earlier than 10 years preceding the time of application.
  • Students need an enrolment letter from a University in Sweden that clearly states the duration of the course and that you have paid (in full) the first installment of the fees.
  • The student needs to note here that this must include a study period which is equivalent to at least 30 credits. In case your first semester does not equal 30 credits, you would have to pay a fee for two semesters. (Though this usually is not the case)
  • Proof of financial capacity which means that you have the funds to pay for the course you are enrolled in as well as support your stay in the country. This could be in the form of a scholarship/ sponsor (public or private), student loan or own funds to the tune of SEK 8,190 for each month of your stay in Sweden, computed for the intended stay with a minimum of 10 months for every year of staying in Sweden.
  • You would be asked to provide proof of health insurance if your stay is less than 10 months. For students applying to longer stays, you would be provided with compulsory health insurance when you reach Sweden.
  • Class X/ XII/ Bachelors (whichever applicable) Mark-sheet and Certificate showing clearly the year of completion of the course.
  • Your application would also ask you to submit a 1000 character (roughly 150 words) essay as to why you have chosen Sweden as the country for your studies. There is no specific format for the same but you have to give a specific reason what you believe Sweden offers which your home country does not. 
  • Note, you are not required to submit all the certificates. The system would prompt you only to provide the last qualification/ work experience details. In case you wish to provide information for all the previous qualifications and/or work experience, you would have to provide relevant documentary proof.

Note:-When making the online fee payment, you should keep in mind that the card you are using has the requisite balance and you can make international payments with the same. It would be advisable to speak with the issuing bank beforehand to be certain of the same.

We’re the global leaders. Find out why we are the best at what we do.

Listen to what other students have to say about their experiences abroad.

Sweden Study Visa Requirements and process