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Studying in Sweden is one of the best routes to working here. Graduates can stay to look for work, switch to a work permit without leaving, and since June 2026 they need a lower salary than other applicants. 2026 also brought stricter rules while you study.
The study permit
- Admission to full-time studies at a Swedish university. Distance learning doesn't qualify.
- Tuition paid before you apply, if your programme charges fees.
- Funds: SEK 10,656 a month if you apply in 2026, plus SEK 4,440 a month for a partner and SEK 2,664 per child if they come with you.
- Comprehensive health insurance if the studies last less than a year.
- Fee SEK 1,500 for adults. At the time of writing, 75% of applications were decided within about three months.
Working while you study: new limit from June 2026
For study permits granted on or after 11 June 2026, bachelor's and master's students may work at most 15 hours a week. Work in June, July and August, and work that is part of the education such as an internship, doesn't count towards the limit. After at least two completed semesters you may work more for the rest of the permit, unless you apply for a new study permit below doctoral level. Working more than allowed can lead to the permit being withdrawn or an extension being refused, and the new rules also bring higher requirements for study results, so the studies must come first.
After graduation: up to 12 months to look for work
- Graduates can get a permit to look for work (or look into starting a business) for up to 12 months. After doctoral studies it can be up to 18 months.
- You must have completed a higher education programme of at least two semesters, with all courses passed.
- Apply before your study permit expires. Fee SEK 1,500.
- You need funds to live on while looking: at least SEK 10,656 a month if you apply in 2026.
Switching to a work permit, at the 75% level
When you find a job you can apply for a work permit from inside Sweden. Since June 2026 people who hold a student or researcher permit in Sweden when they first apply for a work permit need only 75% of the median salary (SEK 28,725 a month at the median published on 16 June 2026) for two years, or until the permit ends if it runs longer, instead of the standard 90% (SEK 34,470). The salary must still be on par with the collective agreement or what is normal in the occupation. See the June 2026 rules.
Tips for employers hiring graduates
- Check that the graduate applies before their current permit expires.
- Use the 75% level only where it applies, and still pay at least the collective agreement rate.
- Plan the expert tax and family steps as for any other hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can international students work in Sweden?
For study permits granted on or after 11 June 2026, bachelor's and master's students may work at most 15 hours a week. Work in June to August and work that is part of the education, such as an internship, is exempt.
Can I stay in Sweden after graduating to look for a job?
Yes. After completing a programme of at least two semesters you can apply, before your study permit expires, for a permit of up to 12 months to look for work or look into starting a business.
What salary do I need for a work permit after studying in Sweden?
Since June 2026 people who hold a student permit when they first apply need 75% of the median salary for two years, instead of 90%. The salary must also be on par with the collective agreement or what is normal in the occupation.
How Settio helps
Planning your own move? Our free tools answer the common questions in under a minute: is this salary enough for a permit and how long the decision takes.
Once you are hired, Settio helps your employer or immigration agency run the case in one place: a plan with every step before the move, an employee portal on your phone after arrival, and reminders before your permit runs out.
Sources
5 official sources
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