Visit Ukraine - Studying in Sweden for Ukrainians: how to obtain a student visa

Studying in Sweden for Ukrainians Insurance in Sweden 📌 Advice from Visit Ukraine How to obtain a residence permit to study in Sweden? What documents are required to obtain a permit to study in Sweden? Cost of obtaining a permit Validity of a study permit in Sweden Rights of students with a residence permit

Studying in Sweden for Ukrainians

Ukrainians who plan to study in Sweden for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit for studies. This is not a regular visa, but a separate document that gives you the right to legally live and study in the country for the entire duration of the program.

This permit allows you to:

officially study at Swedish universities or colleges;
use student dormitories, libraries, and transportation discounts;
work while studying (there are no restrictions on working hours in Sweden, but it should not interfere with your studies);
travel to Schengen countries without additional visas;
invite family members for reunification if you have confirmed finances.

📌 Important: Ukrainians who have temporary protection in Sweden can study without a separate student permit, as they already have a residence permit.

How to obtain a residence permit to study in Sweden?

1. Enrollment at a university

First, you need to obtain official confirmation from the educational institution — an admission letter. It is issued after successfully submitting documents through the Universityadmissions.se platform and paying the tuition fee (if applicable). Without this document, it is impossible to apply for a permit.

📌 Important: the letter must be final (final admission), not conditional. If it states that you still need to provide a language certificate or diploma, the visa will not be approved yet.

2. Submit an online application to Migrationsverket

All applications are submitted through the Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) website.

You must:

create a personal account;
fill out the application form in English or Swedish;
upload scanned copies of documents (passport, admission letter, proof of finances, insurance, etc.);
pay the state fee of 1500 SEK (≈130 €).

The application is considered submitted only after payment.

3. Biometrics

After submitting the application form, you need to make an appointment at the VFS visa center or the Swedish embassy. There:

your fingerprints will be taken;
your photo will be taken;
your passport will be checked.

This data is stored in a database and then transferred to a plastic residence permit card.

4. Waiting for a decision

The standard processing time is 1–3 months. During the summer (June–August), when there are the most student applications, the process may take longer.

If the documents are incomplete or additional questions arise, Migrationsverket may send a request for clarification (additional financial information, references, or insurance confirmation).

📌 Therefore, it is very important to submit a complete and correct set of documents right away.

5. Obtaining a residence permit

After a positive decision, a plastic residence permit card is issued. It confirms your right to study and live in Sweden.

If you are applying from Ukraine, you can obtain the card at the visa center where you submitted your biometrics.
If you are already in another Schengen country, you can pick up the card at the embassy/center of that country.
If you are arriving with a preliminary decision, you may sometimes be allowed to enter the country first and pick up your card in Sweden.

The card is valid for the entire duration of the program (e.g., 2 years of master's studies) and serves as your primary identification in Sweden.

What documents are required to obtain a permit to study in Sweden?

The following are required for a student residence permit:

Valid foreign passport (must be valid for the entire period of study).
Admission letter from the university or Universityadmissions.se.
Proof of financial solvency: for 2026 — at least 10,314 SEK/month (≈ 920 €), i.e. about 110,000 SEK per year. This can be a bank statement, a certificate of an open account in a Swedish bank, a document about a scholarship or grant.
Medical insurance — only if the course lasts less than a year. If it lasts more than a year, the student will be enrolled in the public health care system after receiving a personnummer.
Completed online application (e-application) on the Migrationsverket website.
Receipt of payment of the fee (1500 SEK ≈ 130 €).
A photo is taken during biometrics, but in some cases, you are also asked to upload a photo when submitting the application.

📌 If the student has a scholarship (for example, from the Swedish Institute or under the Erasmus Mundus program), it can fully or partially replace the requirement for bank funds.

Insurance in Sweden

If the course lasts less than one year, the student must have private medical insurance that covers the entire period of stay. It must guarantee payment for treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation in the event of serious illness or injury. Insurance with coverage of at least €30,000–50,000 is usually required.
If the program lasts longer than one year, after registering with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), the student receives a personal number (personnummer) and automatically becomes eligible to use the public healthcare system on the same terms as citizens. In this case, private insurance is not mandatory, although universities often recommend having basic insurance for the first few months until you receive your personnummer.

📌 Important note: some universities in Sweden already include student insurance in the tuition fee (for example, FAS+ for scholarship holders). Therefore, before purchasing private insurance, it is worth checking the conditions of your educational institution.

Cost of obtaining a permit

The processing fee is 1500 SEK (approximately €130). It is paid online. In case of refusal, the funds are not refunded.

Validity of a study permit in Sweden

The permit is issued for the entire duration of the study program (e.g., 2 years of master's studies). If the program is longer, the document can be extended. After completing their studies, graduates have the opportunity to obtain a job seeking permit for up to 12 months to find a job in Sweden and transition to working status.

Rights of students with a residence permit

Work: permitted to work without restrictions on hours.
Healthcare: when studying for 1 year or more, students have access to the Swedish healthcare system.
Travel: the ability to move freely within the Schengen countries.
Family reunification: students can invite their spouse and children, provided they can prove their financial capacity.
Extension of status: the permit can be renewed until the end of the program.

📌 Advice from Visit Ukraine

Applying for a residence permit in Sweden for study purposes is a process that requires attention to detail: finances, insurance, questionnaires. Mistakes can lead to rejection or delays in processing. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you compile a complete set of documents and accompany you through all stages — from submitting your application to receiving your card.

Sweden is one of the most popular countries in Northern Europe among international students. Higher education here combines academic freedom, a practical approach, and modern technologies. Ukrainians can study on an equal footing with EU citizens, and programs are often geared toward an international audience.

The higher education system in Sweden is based on the Bologna model, so diplomas are recognized in most European countries. This means that you can easily continue your studies or work in another EU country.

Types of educational institutions

Higher education is provided by various types of institutions:

Universities (Universitet) — offer programs at all levels, conduct scientific research, and have developed international ties.
University colleges (Högskola) — are more focused on practical training and work closely with employers.
Private educational institutions — less common, but often offer modern and flexible programs.

Thanks to this system, students can choose an educational institution that suits their goals — academic or practical.

Levels of education

There are three main levels of education in Sweden. This makes the system understandable and transparent for foreigners:

Bachelor's degree (3–4 years, 180–240 ECTS) — basic training in the chosen specialty.
Master's degree (1–2 years, 60–120 ECTS) — often English-language programs in IT, economics, engineering, and business.
Doctorate (PhD, about 4 years) — a fully research-based cycle with the opportunity to work on scientific projects.

At each level, students have a certain amount of freedom in choosing courses and building their curriculum.

Language of instruction

Most bachelor's programs are taught in Swedish. To enroll in such programs, you need to confirm your language proficiency with the TISUS test.

However, Sweden is one of the European countries with the largest number of English-language master's programs:

There are many courses in English at the master's and PhD levels.
IELTS or TOEFL is usually required for English-language programs.
Universities offer preparatory Swedish language courses for foreigners.

This flexibility allows Ukrainian students to start studying in English and improve their Swedish at the same time.

Accessibility for foreigners

Swedish universities actively recruit foreigners. Ukrainians can apply through the centralized portal Universityadmissions.se. This simplifies the procedure, as all documents are uploaded to a single system. Competition for popular majors (medicine, psychology) is higher, but for most programs, it is sufficient to meet the basic requirements.

Recognition of Ukrainian documents

Ukrainian certificates and diplomas are mostly recognized automatically. For professional majors, additional confirmation of qualifications may be required through the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR). Universities usually request official translations of documents into English or Swedish.

What else you should know

Admissions campaigns in Sweden are held twice a year. The main enrollment period begins in the fall, and the submission of documents ends 6–8 months before the start of the academic year. Universities also offer support through international offices that help with documents, housing, and adaptation.

Useful links

The admission process to Swedish universities is as digitalized and transparent as possible. Ukrainian applicants can submit their documents online, track the status of their application, and receive responses from the university through the official portal. However, each institution may have its own requirements, so it is important to check the conditions of a specific program.

What do you need to apply?

The standard package of documents for Ukrainian students includes:

A secondary school diploma or bachelor's/master's degree (depending on the level of study).
Official translation of documents into English or Swedish.
Language proficiency certificate:

- for English-language programs — TOEFL or IELTS;

- for Swedish-language programs — a certificate of Swedish language proficiency (TISUS or equivalent).

Motivation letter (especially for master's programs).
Letters of recommendation (more often for master's or PhD programs).
Portfolio — for creative and artistic majors.

Proof of financial resources and health insurance may also be required to apply for a residence permit.

Do I need to take exams or complete a preparatory year?

Most Swedish programs do not require separate entrance exams — selection is based on academic results and grade point average.

For some fields, such as medicine, art, and design, there may be additional tests or competitions.
If your Ukrainian certificate does not meet Swedish requirements, the university may offer a preparatory course (Foundation Year, Komvux, or Folkhögskola) to adapt your knowledge to the Swedish system.

How do I submit my documents?

Documents are mainly submitted online via the portal UniversityAdmissions.se. In some cases, it is possible to submit documents through the consulate.

Make sure that all documents are uploaded in the correct format and meet the university's requirements.

Main platforms for submission

UniversityAdmissions.se — the official portal for international students.
University websites — for additional information about the program and submitting documents directly.

‼️ Always check the exact dates on the website of the specific program, as they may differ from the general ones.

When is nostrification required and who does it?

Nostrification (official recognition of diplomas and certificates) is required for regulated professions — medicine, education, law. In most cases, the university checks the documents itself. For detailed information and to apply for diploma recognition, please contact UHR — Swedish Council for Higher Education.

Key points for Ukrainians

Prepare your language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or TISUS) in advance.
Have your documents translated only officially.
If your Ukrainian certificate or diploma does not meet Swedish requirements, the university may offer a preparatory course.

Housing for students in Sweden is no less important than admission itself. Demand for rooms and apartments in large university cities far exceeds supply, so you need to start looking as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. Students who put it off until the last minute risk being left without dormitory accommodation and having to rent more expensive apartments on the private market. The problem is particularly acute in Stockholm, Lund, and Gothenburg, where universities accept thousands of foreign students every year.

Student dormitories

In Sweden, dormitories are not assigned automatically. Each student must apply independently through housing companies that cooperate with universities or through student organizations. The largest operators have their own portals where you can register and get on the waiting list. Conditions in dormitories vary: there are small rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms, and there are studios with private facilities. Most residential complexes are equipped with laundries, common areas for study and recreation, and sometimes even gyms.

The cost of living in dormitories:

3000–5000 SEK/month (≈ 260–430 €) — standard range;
prices may be higher in popular cities;
the deposit is usually 1–2 months' rent.

Useful websites for searching:

https://www.sssb.se — Stockholm;
https://bopoolen.se — Lund.

Renting accommodation

When dormitories are not available, students turn to the private market. The most common option is to rent a room in a shared apartment. This is cheaper than renting accommodation on your own and also gives you the opportunity to meet other students.

Average rental prices:

Room in a shared apartment: 4000–6000 SEK/month (≈ 350–520 €) in Stockholm and Lund; from 3000 SEK in smaller cities.
Private apartment: 7000–9000 SEK/month in medium-sized cities; from 10,000 SEK (≈ 870 €) in the capital.
Utilities: an additional 800–1200 SEK/month.

Popular resources for finding accommodation:

💡 Important: there are many scams in Sweden, so do not transfer money for rent before signing the contract and verifying the owner.

Is insurance mandatory?

Yes, health insurance is a prerequisite for studying in Sweden. If the program lasts less than a year, the student must have a private insurance policy that covers basic medical services:

visits to doctors;
diagnosis and treatment;
hospitalization;
emergency care.

If the program lasts longer than a year, after registering with the tax office (Skatteverket), the student receives a personnummer and is connected to the public health care system on the same terms as Swedish citizens.

📌 On our website, you can purchase international insurance that is suitable for studying in Sweden and meets the requirements of the immigration service.

Sweden offers strong English-language programs and modern campuses, but for Ukrainians, education is usually paid. A residence permit for study does not reduce the cost or exempt you from tuition — it is only a basis for legally living and studying. Benefits come from status (temporary protection) or from university/state scholarships.

How much does it cost to study

At state universities, the range depends on the level and field of study:

Bachelor's degree: 80,000–130,000 SEK/year (≈ 7,000–11,500 €).
Master's degree: 90,000–150,000 SEK/year (≈ 8,000–13,200 €).
High-cost programs (business, law, medicine, some IT/engineering): often more than 200,000 SEK/year.

At private universities, the amounts are higher: 100,000–200,000 SEK/year (≈ €8,800–17,500), top programs — up to 250,000 SEK and more.

Important: most universities ask for an initial payment (the first part of the annual fee) before the start of the academic year; proof of this payment is often required when applying for a residence permit.

Are there any benefits for Ukrainians?

Ukrainians with temporary protection in Sweden are entitled to study on the same terms as EU citizens, i.e., without paying tuition fees at public universities. All other students from Ukraine who have obtained a regular residence permit for study pay the full cost, as do other citizens of non-EU countries.

In addition, there are scholarships and grants, and some university scholarships can cover both the full and partial cost of tuition, and sometimes accommodation.

Additional mandatory/typical expenses

Even with a scholarship, you need to budget for living expenses. Guidelines by country (city and type of accommodation have a significant impact):

Accommodation: dormitory/room 3,000–6,000 SEK/month; separate apartment — from 7,000 SEK (in Stockholm, more often 10,000+).
Food: SEK 2,500–3,500/month (less if you cook at home).
Transportation (student pass): SEK 600–800/month depending on the region.
Materials and textbooks: 500–800 SEK/month (many courses have e-resources; used books reduce costs).
Communication/internet: 300–400 SEK/month

Total living expenses: approximately 8,000–12,000 SEK/month (≈ 700–1,050 €).

Also, for most non-EU applicants, there is an application fee when applying through Universityadmissions.se (usually 900 SEK), which is non-refundable in case of rejection.

Insurance

Programs up to 1 year: private health insurance is required to cover doctor visits, treatment/diagnostics, hospitalization, and emergency care.
Programs longer than 1 year: after receiving a personnummer, students are enrolled in the public health care system; many universities recommend having private coverage for the first few months before registration.
There may be separate student fees/insurance from the university (sometimes included for scholarship holders or exchange students).

👉 You can purchase an international insurance policy that is suitable for applying for a student permit in Sweden and is accepted by universities at Visit Ukraine.

Although in most cases Ukrainians pay the full cost of studying in Sweden, there are a number of opportunities to reduce costs or study for free. This is possible thanks to temporary protection status, government and university scholarships, and international grant programs.

Are there free places for foreigners/Ukrainians?

Temporary protection (TPD) in Sweden exempts you from tuition fees for the duration of this status. This is directly confirmed by universities (Lund, Stockholm University, Malmö, Umeå). If a student falls under the Temporary Protection Directive and has the appropriate permit in Sweden, tuition is not paid. If not, standard rates for non-EU citizens apply.
A PhD in Sweden is essentially a job: graduate students are university employees with a salary, and there are no tuition fees for any nationality.

Conditions for participation in scholarship competitions

Most Swedish scholarships are aimed at master's programs and are selected based on academic performance, motivation, and relevant experience. As a rule, you must be accepted into an accredited master's program in Sweden and meet the deadlines/criteria of the specific program.

Programs from the government and universities

State and national programs

Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SI Scholarships): the most well-known state program for master's students. It covers the full cost of tuition, provides a monthly scholarship of approximately SEK 12,000, as well as a one-time travel allowance (SEK 10,000 for Ukrainians). Competition is very high, but this program allows you to study in Sweden without financial costs.
Erasmus+: allows you to spend one or two semesters at a Swedish university through an exchange program. In this case, the student does not pay for tuition in Sweden and also receives a grant for accommodation, food, and tickets.
Nordplus: a regional mobility program for Northern European and Baltic countries. Ukrainians can participate through partnership agreements with their universities.

Scholarships from universities

Many universities in Sweden offer their own grants or full/partial tuition waivers.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm). Scholarships that fully cover tuition fees for master's programs.
Lund University Global Scholarship. Discounts from 25% to 100% of tuition fees for the best applicants.
Uppsala University Global Scholarship. Full or partial exemption from tuition fees for master's students.
Umeå University Scholarships. Grants for international students that can cover either full or partial tuition fees.
Linnaeus University Scholarships. Financial support for students in international programs in English; some programs cover up to 75% of tuition fees.
Dalarna University Scholarships. Partial grants that reduce tuition fees.

Special scholarships for Ukrainians/refugees

As of 2026, there are almost no special nationwide scholarships “only for Ukrainians” in Sweden; the key mechanism is exemption from fees through temporary protection. Individual universities occasionally launch their own support initiatives (grants/fee waivers), but this needs to be checked on the websites of the universities.