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Scholarships and Part-Time Work for Students in Sweden

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Sweden is generous to its own students and to students from the EU, but there is little money for non-EU students at bachelor's level. If you are planning to pay for a Swedish degree with a scholarship, it is better to know this early. This guide covers what does exist and what you can earn alongside your studies.

Government scholarships: none for bachelor's students

The best-known Swedish scholarships, from the Swedish Institute, are for master's studies only. University Admissions in Sweden states plainly that there are no Swedish Institute scholarships for bachelor's studies. There is no other national scholarship for international undergraduates.

University scholarships

Most universities have scholarships of their own for fee-paying students, but at bachelor's level they are few and usually cover part of the tuition fee, never living costs. Three examples:

Each university has its own form and deadline, often linked to a complete application on universityadmissions.se and a paid application fee. Ask every university on your list.

Who pays no fee at all

Tuition is charged only to citizens of countries outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. You also study for free if you hold, for example, a permanent Swedish residence permit or a residence permit granted for work or family rather than studies. The full list is in how much it costs to study in Sweden.

Student finance for EU citizens

Swedish student finance from CSN, the state grant and loan, is mainly for Swedish residents. An EU, EEA or Swiss citizen can qualify if they work in Sweden and keep working during their studies, which CSN says normally means at least 10 hours a week, with a minimum employment period of 10 weeks. Another route is permanent right of residence, normally after five years of legal residence in Sweden. Students from outside the EU who are in Sweden on a study permit should not count on CSN.

Working while you study

At 15 hours a week, a job helps with living costs but cannot pay tuition. The Swedish Migration Agency also wants proof of money for your whole permit period before you arrive, so earnings cannot replace it.

Pay and tax

Sweden has no statutory minimum wage. Pay is set by collective agreements between unions and employers, which include minimum rates for each sector. Ask whether your employer is covered by a collective agreement and check the rate that applies to your job.

Your wages are taxed in Sweden. Students staying a year or more register with the Swedish Tax Agency and receive a personal identity number, which employers and banks ask for.

Where to find work

Outside the university, many employers expect some Swedish, so a Swedish course in your first year is worth the time.

Where to look next

Official sources

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.