Sweden is a popular destination for international students, including those from Nepal. The country’s high-quality education system, welcoming environment, and emphasis on innovation and research make it an attractive option for students seeking a rewarding academic experience overseas.
Are you considering studying in Sweden but feeling unsure about the financial costs and job opportunities? This guide is for you. Here are some tips for international students who want to study in Sweden and make the most out of their experience.
Costs of Studying in Sweden
First things first, let’s talk about the costs of studying in Sweden. As an international student, you will have to pay tuition fees that range from €8,000 to €13,000. On top of that, the cost of living and housing in Sweden is relatively high. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and figure out if Sweden is the right country for you based on your financial situation.
Tip for Nepali Students: To get a better idea of the costs, you can refer to the Study In Sweden blog, which is written by international students and addresses common concerns.
Eligibility for Jobs in Sweden
If you need to work part-time to finance your studies, you need to be eligible for a Personal Identity Number (Personnummer) in Sweden. Note that your study programme’s duration should be more than 13 months to be eligible. Without a Personnummer, it’s impossible to get a job in Sweden legally. Moreover, it’s not advisable to seek illegal jobs in Sweden, as it could lead to severe consequences.
Tip for Nepali Students: Be wary of education consultancies that misguide you by claiming that you can work in Sweden even when you’re enrolled in courses less than 1 year. It’s not true, and many students have faced problems because of this.
Working in Sweden
One good thing about Sweden is that there’s no limit to the number of hours that a student can work. However, it may take a few months to find a job, even in big cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. It’s advisable to look for menial jobs like cleaning, housekeeping, or restaurant help, as they don’t require fluency in Swedish. However, you need to network with people who are already doing such jobs.
Tip for Nepali Students: Learning Swedish is a must if you want to excel in your career and stay in Sweden for an extended period. Although Swedes speak good English, it’s better to learn the language to find better job opportunities.
Residence Permit Extension
To extend your residence permit, you need to earn at least 30 credits, and getting less than that may lead to your extension application being rejected. It’s important to pass the courses you’ve enrolled in to get enough credits. If you want to change your residence permit to work or business, you need to have at least 30 credits from university. You also need to earn SEK 13,000 before-tax for a work permit.
Tip for Nepali Students: Majoring in IT and Data Technology could increase your chances of getting a job in Sweden after graduation.
Bringing Spouses and Kids to Sweden
Students are allowed to bring their spouses and kids to Sweden. However, they need to show a certain amount of money for their spouses’ stay in Sweden. Student spouses can work full-time, but it may be challenging to find jobs in small towns. If you have either Swedish residence permit based on work or Swedish PR or Citizenship or Passport, you need not pay tuition fees in the university if you plan to study further.
Tip for Nepali Students: You need to meet specific English language requirements to study in Sweden, such as IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 5.5 or TOEFL 4.5 written or overall 575. Ensure that you check if your degree programme has additional requirements.