Student work rights in Sweden
Rules for working while studying in Sweden, including work limits, internships, tax steps and post-study routes where covered by the guide.
Read the complete Sweden study abroad guide.
Part-time Jobs
The rules changed on 11 June 2026. If your residence permit was granted on or after that date and you study at bachelor's or master's level, you may generally work a maximum of 15 hours per week. Working more than the permitted amount can affect your right to remain in Sweden and a later extension.
The 15-hour cap does not apply to work that forms part of your education, such as an internship, to student representation, administration, research or artistic research at your own institution, or to work during June, July and August. There are also situations after completing higher education equivalent to at least two semesters where the cap no longer applies; check the exact rule for your next permit application.
If your permit was granted before 11 June 2026, the earlier rules continue to apply until the relevant permit situation changes. EU and EEA citizens work under free-movement rules. Swiss citizens follow the separate rules that apply to them.
Sweden has no statutory minimum wage; pay is commonly governed by collective agreements. Doctoral students are normally employed and salaried.
Source: https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/study/higher-education.html
Internships
Internships in Sweden are called praktik, and how you obtain one depends on your programme. Many degrees, especially professional and applied programmes, build an internship or a thesis project with a company into the curriculum. Ask your programme coordinator first. Outside the curriculum, internships are less formalised than in some countries and long unpaid placements are uncommon; paid roles or structured thesis collaborations are often a stronger route.
A master's thesis completed with a company (examensarbete) is a particularly useful route into Swedish working life. It puts you in contact with an employer on a real project and can lead to a later job. University career services and employer networks are useful places to start.
For residence permits granted on or after 11 June 2026, many bachelor's and master's students are subject to a 15-hour weekly cap on ordinary work. Work that forms part of the education, including a qualifying internship, is an exception. Always distinguish between an internship that is formally part of your studies and an ordinary job alongside them.
Source: https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/study/higher-education.html
Post-study Work
After completing your studies, you may be able to apply from within Sweden for a residence permit to look for work or investigate starting a business. It is a separate permit with its own maintenance requirement and other conditions.
For bachelor's and master's graduates, you normally need to have completed an entire higher-education programme in Sweden corresponding to at least two semesters. The permit can be granted for up to one year. Doctoral graduates have a related route with a possible permit period from one to eighteen months. Apply before your current residence permit for studies expires.
Rules for changing from a study permit to other permit types were also changed on 11 June 2026. Treat the transition as a deadline and confirm which route fits your situation with the Swedish Migration Agency before your study permit ends.
Source: https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-extend/study/look-for-work-after-completing-your-studies-in-sweden.html
Common questions
What should international students know about work in Sweden?
For many bachelor's and master's permit holders, permits granted from 11 June 2026 limit work to 15 hours per week, with important exceptions.
What should international students know about internships in Sweden?
Internships (praktik) and company-based thesis projects are common routes into Swedish working life; internships forming part of your education are exempt from the new 15-hour study-permit work cap.
What should international students know about post study in Sweden?
A separate post-study permit can let qualifying graduates stay to seek work or explore a business; apply before the study permit expires and check the rules that changed on 11 June 2026.