Sweden Student Visa

When it comes to higher education, Sweden, a beautiful and picturesque Scandinavian nation, has many degree programs and vocational courses on offer across numerous disciplines. However, if you are planning to study in Sweden, then you must apply for a student visa or a residence permit well before the commencement of your course. The Swedish visa lets you enter the country, pursue your chosen course as well as travel to and fro from the country. To make you understand the application process, the documents required, as well as the cost, we have collated all the essential details pertaining to the Sweden Student Visa in this blog. 

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Types of Visa in Sweden 

Majorly, there are two types of Sweden student visas depending on the duration of your stay. If your chosen program can be completed in a maximum duration of three months, then you have to apply for the Sweden student visa. However, those who have enrolled in a program that is 3 months long, have to opt for a Residence Permit. Both, the Sweden student visa, as well as residence permit, vary greatly in terms of their application, documents required, and formalities. Therefore, it is compulsory for the candidates to file distinct applications for the required visa. 

Sweden Student Visa (Visa Type C)

Every international student already holds the citizenship of their native country, thus, they only need a visa if their chosen program is shorter than or is strictly limited to a duration of 3 months or days. Generally, with this type of visa, students go on to pursue certificates, diplomas, or other short-term courses. However, in some cases and depending upon the country’s citizenship you hold, this visa can be exempted. So, to fly to Sweden without any visa, it is necessary for you to have a biometric passport of a country from the list mentioned on the official website. 

Do You Know? Sweden, like the majority of European countries, adheres to the Bologna system of education. This provides the required educational requirements for academic degrees, as well as the quality assurance of such degrees. This agreement between European states ensures that university degrees are recognized throughout Europe and on a global scale.

Sweden Residence Permit (Visa Type D)

Candidates aspiring to pursue long-term courses in Sweden opt for this type of visa or residence permit. It enables them to stay in the country and pursue a program that has a duration of more than 3 months. But to obtain the Sweden Residence Permit, it is mandatory for the applicants to be enrolled in a university and must have submitted the first instalment of the tuition fee. If you abide by the aforementioned criteria, then you can apply for Sweden Residence Permit. Make sure that you have all your documents ready before you start the application process. 

Sweden Student Visa vs Residence Permit

Both the resident permit and the student visa are for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to stay and study in Sweden. However, the length of your stay will determine whether you require a resident permit or a student visa.

Visa Type	Duration of Stay
Student Visa	Less than 90 days
Residence permit in Sweden	More than 90 days

Where to Apply for Sweden Student Visa?

Students can apply for a Sweden student visa online at the Swedish Migration Agency website or at their home country’s local Swedish embassy or consulate. If you want to apply online, the processing time will begin immediately and will be shorter because the papers will be delivered straight to the Swedish Migration Authority.

Following the submission of all required papers, you must visit the Swedish embassy or consulate in your country to be photographed and fingerprinted. After completing all of these requirements, you will be issued a residence permit card.

Note: 

• When you submit your visa application, you will be required to attend an interview.
• Schedule an interview at the embassy by making an appointment.
• Bring your passport and original copies of all papers, transcripts and application forms (duly filled).

Visa Processing Time

All visa requests are sent to Sweden, thus it typically takes 90 days to process a visa. If you intend to study in Sweden, however, it can take longer, so you should start the procedure as soon as you can. Additionally, submitting a paper application takes a lot longer than doing it online. Students are advised to apply online for a result.

Sweden Visa Requirements

• Applicants must download the Sweden Visa Application form, fill it completely and submit it. You can also fill out the Sweden Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard copy.
• Students are required to produce An enrollment certificate allowing attendance of courses, and a certificate of completion or courses attended.
• Applicants require 2 passport-size photos that must capture the whole-face capture with a light background. The photo must be recent and taken within 3 months. 
• Copies of your passport and previous visas – valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
• A copy of your return ticket reservation. Flight ticket reservation with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Sweden. Applicants can purchase the ticket after the visa has been issued unless stated otherwise.
• Travel health insurance confirmation of minimum 30,000€ (INR 26.1 Lacs) coverage within Sweden and the entire Schengen area.
• A cover letter stating the purpose of the visit to Sweden and itinerary
• Hotel booking reservations or other housing details for the whole duration of the intended stay in Sweden.
• Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable)
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Sweden. A foreigner who seeks to enter the territory of Sweden must be able to attest to possessing 450 SEK (INR 3,915) or 48.26€/day of stay in Sweden.

Language Requirements for Sweden Student Visa 

Although foreign students can enrol in English-taught courses, it is helpful for them to learn Swedish. This will enable them to communicate with the local population and become acquainted with the local culture. English study options are provided for postgraduate and PhD degrees. Universities in Sweden accept the following English language test scores:

• IELTS 
• TOEFL 
• PTE 
• C1 Advanced

Documents Required for Sweden Student Visa 

As soon as you receive your confirmation from the university, you must begin with your visa application. There is no fixed duration in which one receives visa confirmation but it is always advised to start it at least 5 to 6 weeks before the commencement of your program. Here is a list of documents that you must have while applying for a Sweden student visa:

• A valid passport
• A copy of the enrollment letter from the university stating your admission as well as the duration of the program.
• Proof stating that you have paid the first instalment of the tuition fee.
• Documents stating your financial stability to manage your expenses for at least a stay of 10 months in the country. 
• Proof stating that you will be able to pay your complete tuition fee. 
• Academic certificate or marksheet majorly of class 10th and 12th or graduation (if applicable).
• Documents proving that you have valid health insurance.  

Once you have all the aforementioned documents along with some others which are specifically mentioned by a chosen university, you are all set to apply for the Sweden student visa. 

Sweden Student Visa Cost 

The cost of a Sweden student visa varies according to the age of the applicant. At the current currency rate, the visa fee for a residence permit for study purposes in Sweden is SEK 1,500 (INR 13,021). Students must make an online payment for the same using a Visa or MasterCard. (Credit and bank/debit cards are both accepted.) 

Note: When making online fee payments, bear in mind that the card you’re using has the necessary amount and may be used to make overseas payments. It is best to check with the issuing bank ahead of time to ensure if this is the case.

Sweden Student Visa Rejection Reasons

The criteria that must be met in order to apply for a residence permit extension are quite severe according to the Swedish Migration Agency. For the 2019–2020 year, 40–50% of Swedish residency permits are rejected. Following is a list of the main grounds for denial of a student visa or residence permit:

• Inadequacy of funds
• Missing documents
• Counterfeit documents
• Inability to explain the factors for their preference in the particular university
• Poor communication skills
• Unsatisfactory answers to the interview questions

Check out our top reads: Cost of studying in Sweden for International Students

Work After Graduation in Sweden

If you want to work or even start your own business in Sweden upon completing your course, you can extend your Residence Permit for 1 year. However, you must apply before your permit expires. What is important to note is that the permit will be issued for exactly 12 months and cannot be further extended. Furthermore, you must prove that you can financially sustain yourself in the country during the 12 months period and should also be in possession of health insurance. To know what documents are required for extending the permit, you can visit the official website. 

Questions Asked During Sweden Visa Interview

• Which countries in the Schengen, are you planning to visit?
• Do you have any family members or friends living in Europe?
• What is the purpose of your visit?
• Who will pay for your visit?
• Are you married? If yes, what does your spouse do? For how long have you been married?
• Do you have any children? If yes, how old are they, and what do they do?
• How long are you going to stay in Europe?
• Where are you going to stay?
• What is your educational qualification?
• Which company do you work for?
• When is your return flight?

Hopefully, this blog about Sweden student visa has helped you gain the required knowledge about it. Securing a student visa for pursuing higher education abroad can be a daunting task, hence, we at Leverage Edu are ready to help you at every step of your application process. Reach out to our experts through an E-meeting and they will assist you thoroughly!