Sweden is considered as one of the best destinations to pursue higher education. The Swedish universities are known for their quality education and are regarded as amongst the finest educational institutes not only in Europe but also in the entire world. If you wish to study in this land of creative thinkers and innovators, you will have to obtain a student Visa or a residence permit.  

However, the precise Visa requirements for studying in Sweden depend upon your nationality. The students who wish to attain higher education in Sweden need to have a resident permit if they have to stay for more than a period of three months. However, this policy does not apply to students from Nordic countries.

Foreign students belonging to Non-Nordic and Non-EU/EEA countries ought to have admission in some education institute in Sweden prior to applying for visa or residence permit. As most of the undergraduate and postgraduate programs are meant for a period of more than 3 months, students have to apply for residence permit to be able to come to Sweden. In case if you opt for a course whose duration is less than three months, you will not require a residence permit. Nevertheless, you do need Visa to enter in Sweden. You can avail residence permit for educational purpose for one-year maximum. In case your chosen program is for more than a year, you will require renewing the residence permit. Furthermore, foreign students can get a residence permit if they have been admitted to prominent educational institutions in Sweden. In addition, the students have to prove that they can look after themselves during their studying period stay in Sweden. They will also require health insurance. The application fee to apply for Swedish Visa is about USD 145 or SEK 1000.

If you are a student from Non-Nordic EU/EEA country and intend to stay in Sweden for less than a period of 3 months, you will not need Visa. However, if your period of study exceeds longer than 3 month, you will have to apply for the residence permit within this period of time. You can also apply for residence permit in the embassy or seek advice from your respective country prior to coming to Sweden.

You will need to submit certain documentations along with your visa application to Swedish student Visa. You will have to submit a copy of valid passport bearing your identity, a certificate of formal enrolment for the full time study in a reputed education institute in Sweden and a health insurance certificate. In addition, you will also have to show a bank certificate which would confirm that you are financially stable and can manage your expenses during study. In case if you are going on scholarship basis, you will have to attach the documents of the same proving your scholarship, study grant, or financial aid.

Students from Nordic Countries which includes Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Finland can study and stay in Sweden as long as they wish. If you belong to any of these countries, you will not require any Visa or residence permit in order to work or study in Sweden.