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Hej hej😄 
 I am Amber. I came from China and am currently studying at Uppsala University Sustainable  Destination Development Master&#8217;s Program. I am curious and like to explore myself and the  world. I have many interests and hobbies. The process of going to work and dorm in several  countries in Southeast Asia during my sophomore year gave me inspiration, about life, about travel, about sustainability, about the power of youth💪    I decided to come to Sweden, not only because of the master program I like, but also the   natural environment and social atmosphere here, especially the concept of sustainability and gender, which I want to experience. Coupled with taking classes at Gotland, it was hard for  me to say no to the sea. I wonder how many possibilities or manifestations the frequently mentioned &#8220;sustainable&#8221; really has, and I think Sweden is a great destination to explore. 💪    Being a student ambassador has given me a good opportunity to share with more people the events or lifestyles that I am curious and willing to participate in. In the next year I will be  creating content for the Chinese social media team. I hope that I can share more with you  from the perspective of sustainability and tourism-related majors. Also, real and fresh Swedish study life! 💪 (If you meet us for the first time, please continue to pay attention, you will get more surprises here!)

My name is Amber and I'm from China 🇨🇳. I'm a student at Uppsala University, where I study a Master's in Sustainable Destination Development.

Amber

Heyy!
My name is Annamaria, you can call me Anna 😉 and I am one of the digital ambassadors for Study in Sweden. I am so excited to share with you what studying in Sweden is like, my tips and tricks on how to choose the best location and programme to study, how to manage your time as a student, or how to make the most out of your university experience.
I am currently a student at the University of Skövde pursuing a Bachelor&#8217;s in Biomedical Sciences. Don&#8217;t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about my university experience or where and why you should study in Sweden. Based on what Sweden has to offer, it is in my opinion, the best choice to start your university student&#8217;s life in. Hopefully, I will be able to share with you my experience of studying and living in Sweden through the blog, so you can decide whether it would be the right path for you as well.
Outside of university, I truly love to write, read, (watch Netflix) and hang out with friends.
And that&#8217;s all about me. Now let&#8217;s read some blogs and learn more about Sweden, shall we?

My name is Annamaria and I'm from Slovakia 🇸🇰. I'm a student at University of Skövde, where I study a Bachelor's in Biomedical sciences.

Annamaria

Hej hej! 
 
I am Ceci, the new digital ambassador of Study in Sweden, and I am currently studying in the Master&#8217;s programme of Gendering Practices at  University of Gothenburg, Sweden. 
I’m from China and I work with CN team now.I’ve always been interested in the social sciences, especially the topics of minority groups and equality. Basically, I chose to study in Sweden because gender studies is an independent and degree-earning discipline in the Swedish discipline system. In addition, the social and cultural atmosphere of equality and inclusiveness in Sweden has aroused my curiosity and longing. I hope to explore the diversity of life and the possibility of equal and inclusive social practice through my own experience. 
For a long time I was used to being sucked into a tight urban life or staying at home with a book, but coming to Sweden made me fall in love with nature. As a student ambassador, I hope that in the coming year I can show the Swedish Way of studying abroad by sharing my life and study with curiosity and courage .Whether you&#8217;re already studying in Sweden or still undecided, I believe we can all find our paths.

My name is Ceci and I'm from China 🇨🇳. I'm a student at the University of Gothenburg, where I study a Master's in Gendering Practices.

Ceci

My name is Claire, I enjoy photography, travel and urban dancing. Yeah! I am looking forward to kicking off the journey of STUDYING in SWEDEN with you =) I will mainly share content with you on WeChat, Weibo, Bilibili, and occasionally on Instagram! 
Here is not only the Nobel Prize but also the Swedish people’s reverence for nature and the unique aesthetic style of people. From IKEA to ACNE, from Hasselblad, Ericsson to Volvo&#8230; Behind these Swedish brands, the “philosophy of life” of Swedish people is truly felt. For a brand marketing person, I can hardly not be attracted. 
“Delicate and soft” is probably how Sweden has always felt to me. She fits all my romantic imagination of Sweden, and I can’t wait to share with ya guys the details of the future collision with Sweden. 
 “Is Nordic really more alienating?” “Fines for working late?” “The pressure of schoolwork?” “Sunrise at 3am?” “Students are encouraged to study, so the library bathrooms offer showers?” &#8230;  Wait for me, answer them all on camera!BTW!! Feel free to reach out and ask any questions!

My name is Claire and I’m from China 🇨🇳. I’m a student at Lund University, where I study a Master’s in International Marketing and Brand Management.

Claire

Hej y’all!
My name is Jartu and I’m so excited to be part of the digital ambassador team for this year! I am 24 years old and I’m from Atlanta Georgia. I have my undergraduate in Philosophy and am currently pursuing my masters in International Development and Management (LUMID) here at Lund University. 
I love traveling and learning about different languages and cultures! I am something of a professional expat and I’m thrilled that Sweden is the next stop on my world tour! The decision to move here for my studies was really an easy one. Sweden’s stance concerning areas such as gender equality, diversity, inclusion, sustainability (just to name a few) align well with my own ideals!
My hope is that through my bubbly personality, I will be able to share some inspiring stories with the followers of the study in Sweden page!  
In my free time I enjoy reading, exploring new sites, and getting lost In the wormhole that is TikTok cat videos! I’m really grateful to be given the opportunity to share my experiences on this platform! I hope you enjoy following my journey on insta!See y’all around!
Jartu 🌻

My name is Jartu and I'm from the USA. 🇺🇸 I'm a student at Lund University, where I study a Master's in International Development and Management.

Jartu

Hola! Hej! Hello!
My name is Maria, I am 23 years old, and I am a new Digital Ambassador for the Instagram team of Study in Sweden! I am so excited about starting this new adventure and getting to share it with you all! 
I am from Barcelona, where I got my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and I am currently settled in Stockholm, to pursue a master’s degree in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology at Stockholm University (SU). 
I came to Sweden for the first time for an Erasmus in Umeå, the first semester of 2022, and I fell in love with the country immediately. I was so grateful that I applied for the master&#8217;s degree then and I am even more grateful now that I am back here. Sweden aligns with all my personal values; I could not be anywhere else where I felt more understood and visible than here. 
A little about me, besides being a bit of a scientific nerd, I love to watch TV shows (do not hesitate to share any recommendations with me!), I truly enjoy discovering new fika spots, catching sunset in every possible viewpoint. Last but not least, I can never say no to a boardgames night and having a nice dinner after.I hope you are thrilled to join me in discovering the Swedish way and make winter feel warmer! Let’s go!
Maria

My name is Maria and I'm from Spain 🇪🇸. I'm a student at Stockholm University, where I study a Master's in Neurochemistry.

Maria

Hej, It’s great to meet you! 
  My name is Marie, I am a 20 year old french student and I come from a little town in southern France. I just moved to Sweden to pursue a bachelor’s degree in international relations at the University of Gothenburg and am very grateful to be calling this beautify city home for the next three years.     I had always wanted of studying at a university in a different European country, following the Study In Sweden blog and instagram led me to discover its diversity and approach towards issues like individual freedoms, equality of gender, sexual orientation and racism. And that’s how I decided to take the final step.    I enjoy getting lost with my film camera, sharing ideas and changing the world over a hot cup of coffee.    I am very exited to be sharing this new adventure with you and hope that you will find something for you here whether you are thinking about coming to or already living here.Get ready for adventures and feel free to ask, if you have any questions! //Marie

My name is Marie and I'm from France 🇫🇷. I'm a student at the University of Gothenburg, where I study a Bachelor's in International Relations.

Marie

Sawubona.
My name is Nozinhle. Feel free to take a moment to try and pronounce that again..and again..and..again. LOL. You can call me Nozie.
I&#8217;m from the beautiful City of Kings (Bulawayo) in Zimbabwe and I am a Swedish Institute Scholarship holder currently pursuing an MSc in Robotics and Automation at the University West in Trollhättan. For me, Sweden was an obvious study choice. Besides the fact that it is well known for being a great study destination for international students, Sweden has the perfect combination of the three things that matter the most to me as a female engineering professional: innovation, sustainability, and gender equality. I thus look forward to experiencing the &#8220;Swedish Way of Life.&#8221;
When I&#8217;m not cracking formulae or playing with robots (literally), you can find me at the sports arena, the mall, or anywhere where there is food. I also love to travel and take a lot of pictures while at it. As a member of the blog team, I&#8217;m excited at having the opportunity to share my experiences with you through my blog posts. Most of my content will include scholarship application tips, academic life, traveling, and basically, all the things I get up to in order to make the most of my experience as an international student here.
Feel free to reach out with any comments or questions and I would be more than happy to assist to the best of my abilities.
Hejdå!
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My name is Nozinhle and I'm from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼. I'm a student at University West, where I study a Master's in Robotics and Automation.

Nozinhle

Hey! I’m so happy to see you here! 
 I’m Sara, a Polish Architecture student and videography enthusiast. I cannot wait to document my adventure in Sweden as an international (EU) student and share (in honesty) my experience. I am currently working on my Master’s in Architecture at KTH University Stockholm, the country’s capital. Sweden caught my attention with their healthy work-life balance, Swedish design and social culture of cosy dinners and city hangouts. Let me tell you my Swedish life so far has exceeded all my expectations!    Journaling, sunsets, chai lattes, going to art exhibitions and deep late-night chats are what makes my world go round. My metro rides to campus usually consist of my nose stuck in a book and you’ll probably see me designing in the KTH studio with a Kanelbulle in hand.    Have fun exploring our socials and blog. SIS was extremely helpful when I was settling in, so I am super excited to be part of this amazing community. Don’t hesitate to reach out and remember you’re in good hands here at SIS!    As part of the Digital Ambassadors team I will be posting on the SIS Instagram. Make sure to come say hi when I pop up on your feed!    Can’t wait to talk to you soon!

My name is Sara and I'm from Poland 🇵🇱. I'm a student at KTH, where I study a Master's in Architecture.

Sara

Hej, Hi, Ndeipi! 
 My name is Tatenda and I’m part of the Study in Sweden Digital Ambassadors team, focusing on Instagram. I come from a small town in Zimbabwe called Chinhoyi and I grew up surrounded by lakes, forests, mountains and fields….it’s no wonder  I ended up here living in the small town of Västerås right?    I’ve been living in Sweden since August 2021 and pursuing a Master’s Degree in Innovation and Design at Mälardalen University in Eskilstuna. This last year has been a dream come true for me, I’ve gotten to study a degree program that I truly love and met some amazing people along the way. I got to experience -24°C and survived, so I guess I am a true Viking now.    You can expect to see posts about living in a small town as a student, how to settle in and make friends, as well as how to take care of your health, mental and otherwise during the winter. I am also free to receive suggestions from you about what you would like to know about life as an international student in Sweden.    Looking forward to interacting with you all    Tatenda**     &#8211; my name literally translates to “thank you”

My name is Tatenda and I'm from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼. I'm a student at Mälardalen University, where I study a Master's in Innovation and Design.

Tatenda

Hello everyone! I’m TJ from the Philippines! I am a first year in Lund University&#8217;s Master programme in Molecular Biology. I chose to study in Sweden because it is innovative, beautiful, and actively strives for a sustainable society. Its high-ranking universities are a perfect blend of theory and practice that promotes sustainable technologies across disciplines.  
I am grateful to the Swedish Institute to receive the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals. It opens up a lot of opportunities to realize my potential as a global leader in the field of life sciences. 
I’m obsessed with nature. Hiking, watching sunsets, or a walk in the woods are therapeutic! Sweden has a lot to offer for outdoor activities! I can&#8217;t wait to trek its mountains, meander thru its streams, or sled across the Lapland to see the Northern Lights! 
An interesting thing about me is that I have Type 1 Diabetes. It just means I&#8217;m a sweet person  . Being too sweet requires me to inject insulin into my body twice a day. It may look sad but I have learned to overcome it. I use it to my advantage; weakness turned out to be a strength!  
I am here because I want to be that voice for the people with disabilities.  Having special needs should never limit us from pursuing our dreams. I want to share my journey in joining support groups and in accessing healthcare here in Sweden. In my first month in this country, I have seen how safe and supportive the country is to care for people with disabilities and special needs.I can’t wait to share Sweden with you by featuring my daily experiences here as a master&#8217;s student. I am looking forward to creating exciting moments with you! /TJ

My name is TJ and I'm from the Philippines 🇵🇭. I'm a student at Lund University, where I study a Master's in Molecular Biology.

Hej everyone! I&#8217;m Tullio. I come from a city in northern Italy called Brescia, but I&#8217;ve been living in Sweden for a year now.     I&#8217;m pursuing a BSc in Applied Mathematics at Linnaeus University in Växjö.    Coming to Sweden was definitely one of the best choices I&#8217;ve ever made. It&#8217;s a melting pot with equal opportunities for everyone to shine and truly be themselves&#8230; and it&#8217;s also a great study destination. What more could you ask for?    Outside of my student life, I am a content creator on social media! I have an actual obsession with anything music-related and I&#8217;m so happy to be able to share my passion with all my friends online.I can&#8217;t wait to work as a Digital Ambassador for the Instagram team at Study in Sweden and share my love for this Country with all of you!    A presto

My name is Tullio and I'm from Italy 🇮🇹. I'm a student at Linnaeus University, where I study a Bachelor's in Applied Mathematics.

Tullio

Hey Aslema,
My name is Wiem (you may call me wiwi as well), I am from Tunisia &#8211; North Africa. 🇹🇳
Currently, I am pursuing my Master&#8217;s studies in Digital Service Innovation at Halmstad University. 
This year I am honored to be part of the Digital Ambassadors that will work on the Study In Sweden Instagram channel. We will be sharing insights about life in Sweden from an international student perspective!Being huge fan of nature, art, diversity, I had always dreamt of moving abroad to a place where these elements are embedded in the society.
Therefore, Sweden was on top of my list when I was applying for universities abroad.
Throughout my application process, the Study in Sweden team was literally my North-Star that guided me from A to Z thanks to their wide variety of tips and tricks. And today, I am happy to be given such an opportunity to help you (as potential international students) with everything you need to successfully start  your life-time journey in the Swedish way!
Do not hesitate to reach out to me and ask any question,
Wiem

My name is Wiem and I'm from Tunisia 🇹🇳. I'm a student at Halmstad University, where I study a Master's in Digital Service Innovation.

Wiem

My name is Xiaoyan, you can call me Yan. I am from China. Currently, I am pursuing a master degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science at Lund University. I am mostly working for the Chinese social media team so you won’t see me too much on Instagram. But I am here!!    It is quite straightforward why I choose Sweden &#8211; Sustainability! The major I am taking is the best in its field in my opinion. Also, the country itself is famous for sustainability and innovation which I think are the two key words of the future! So I am here not only to study for the program, but also learn from the country and its people.    In my spare time, I love cooking, singing, going into the nature and doing yoga. Since I came to Sweden, I had one more &#8211; fika! (Search on the website to read what this is 😉    Okkk. Hope you enjoy the contents that we create for you. Even better, we hope to see you studying in Sweden! Hejdå!

My name is Xiaoyan and I'm from China 🇨🇳. I'm a student at Lund University, where I study a Master's in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science.

Xiaoyan

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Before moving here the biggest question I had in my mind was " how Swedes really are"? But really honestly can someone please tell me?&nbsp;And all I got as an answer was pure stereotypes and misconceptions....



Well, here I am. Telling you, what I (and this is important to highlight) think about Swedish people, and how they're like.&nbsp; Plus,&nbsp; I am going to give you some tips on how to become one (in case you're wondering about the procedure). Trust me there's no surgical change, there's no secret ingredient to Swedes... Maybe a little bit of a different approach to a world and different traditions. But isn't it just like with any other culture which differs from yours? How is so so special about Swedes that attracts you?



If you want to read a very interesting article about 11 weird things Swedes do: <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2017/01/23/11-things-swedes-do/">check this out!</a>



<h2>1. Being humble</h2>



One of the first things I have realized that Swedish people are very humble. They don't brag, they don't necessarily like to accept your compliments, whether it's simply just an "oh I like your shirt" or, more of an "academic compliment" like "I really liked your paper about the mating habits of white sharks".&nbsp; It's not about being unaware of your qualities. It is very simply about the idea that "no human is different from the other" and we're all equal.



Tip: Be proud of who you are and where you came from, but don't brag about your wealth, or externalities. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29121"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_5527-768x1024.jpg" alt="A group of Study in Sweden digital ambassadors." class="wp-image-29121"/><figcaption>This is (some) of Us, Digital Ambassadors, with our extremely humble laugh, almost giggles Photo: Lusanda</figcaption></figure>



<h2>2.&nbsp; Finding the humor</h2>



Where I come from (Central Europe, Hungary) people are very VERY very pessimistic. We don't believe that life can be good, we tend to complain, and complain, and complain. Sometimes I feel like that is what holds us together.



Swedes, on the other hand, are exactly the opposite.&nbsp;Yes it's dark, yes it rains, yes it's cold. BUT WHO CARES? Life goes on, and NO ONE, not even the sun itself can stop you from having fun. Do you remember the Sun from the Teletubbies?&nbsp; I feel like in Sweden it's the clouds that set the exact same vibe on your day. It does nothing else but giggles, and nothing matters.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29122"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7740-768x1024.jpg" alt="A person standing beside a blue tram." class="wp-image-29122"/><figcaption>When I posted this picture on Instagram, someone commented: "You put house doors on trams"? Well, if you look closely..... / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



Tip: Be positive, and take life easy. Very cliche 'advice', but try to see the glass full. (This is DEFINITELY something I am trying to follow every day)



<h2>3. Appreciating 'the little things'</h2>



Okay, nature is not something that can be labeled as a 'little thing' but we all forget to care about it sometimes. We just simply forget our surroundings. Swedish people are taking walks, they jog, they genuinely enjoy to be outside.



Hiking, swimming, wandering around, while touching, listening, and starring at the same time. I love how they just appreciate the clear air, the fresh and delicious water, and spend every time possible outside.



It makes me laugh every time how Swedes are smiling when a little sunbeam just catches their face. They just freeze and stay there breathing in its every molecule. Even in the city center. No matter how cold is it, if the sun is out, winter coats are hanged on their shoulder, and they just turning towards the sun like some kind of dazed sunflowers.



Tip: As soon as the sun is out, run outside and enjoy it! Our sweet Nguyen wrote an amazing and very decorative blog post about her latest adventure. <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2020/02/02/sun-sea-sand-and-friends-a-perfect-day-out-to-maklappen/">Give it a look</a>, and prepare to be amazed. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29126"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7896-768x1024.jpg" alt="Tropical plants inside a large greenhouse." class="wp-image-29126"/><figcaption>Nature in a glass box. But still. Walking around in the Palm House feels liberating. / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



<h2>&nbsp;4. Fika culture</h2>



Northern and Western people are often labeled as workaholics and robots. Hmm.... every time when someone mentions this with a mocking tone, I tend to get very annoyed. Swedes do work, they work hard, but they know EXACTLY where and when to stop. If you're working hours are over, during weekend, and holidays, you won't be seeing a policeman in his uniform, nor your administrator answering your thousandth email. (Except some of our teachers... they even answer you at 4 am in the morning. But I am sure they are made of kryptonite or something.)



Nothing else proves this than the amazing, the one and only FIKA.&nbsp; At any time of the day, you have ti remind yourself to stop, have a good conversation with someone or with yourself (yep!) and just enjoy the delicious bryggkaffe and something sweet to eat.



Tip: I will not even try to further explain, check <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/07/19/50-shades-of-fika/">this blog post about fika culture out</a> and you will get the general image. 



<h2>5. Wearing 'whatever'</h2>



What Swedes wear? Yet again, there's no golden rule, but in general, Swedes are very fashionable. And the most fashionable thing about them is that they do not care about fashion (seemingly). Their way is gender-neutral, retro, <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/11/19/dare-to-care-sustainability-for-dummies/">SUSTAINABLE</a>, recycled, clean, minimalistic, <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/02/03/sustainability-challenge-second-hand-shopping/">THRIFTED</a>, free, extravagant. There's no such thing that you can't wear here. This is something I absolutely love and admire.&nbsp; You can wear whatever, with whatever, wherever. Isn't it great?



TIP: Thrifting and recycling is not  something that only Swedes can do 😉



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29124"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/2F1F2B66-556C-46B1-B97D-68B110F0F8A7-616x1024.jpg" alt="A child standing at a bus stop." class="wp-image-29124"/><figcaption>A very fashionable tiny human / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



<h2>6. Hating hierarchy</h2>



Everyone always calls everyone on first name bases. There's no Mr., Miss, or Mrs., at the university there's no Professor XY. But it can also a bit confusing when you don't know who is the professor in the classroom!



Tip: When you introduce yourself in Sweden, the 'who are you' often means 'what are you' as well. Mentioning your profession, and interest can come handy later on :)



<h2>7. They're just being Swedes</h2>



They say 'Oj!' all the time. It means 'wow', 'really', it means 'excuse me', it can mean a lot of things.



Swedish people also like to repeat words in a very cute way. Hej, hej! Tack, tack! Puss puss! Mors, Mors!, etc. It is adorable, and at least you can easily learn them :)



Tip: You don't have to be Swede. Absolutely not. These are just small things that I personally noticed, but everything that is written above can be something absolutely opposite of what YOU have seen. 



Generalizing, and creating stereotypes is unfortunately in our nature. But don't let anyone (including me ) else influence your impressions. And don't let your first impressions (especially quickly made ones) fool you. Just like everyone else in the world Swedes are unique, colorful, and beautiful. How do you see Swedes?

'How to become Swedish?'

If you are reading this and have been admitted to study in Sweden, congratulations!! In this blog, I will be explaining how to apply for a student residence permit to study in Sweden as a non-EU citizen. As a Lebanese citizen, any visa application can be a nightmare. You have to collect thousands of documents, wait endless hours and it can be a really stressful process. However, my student residence application for Sweden was really smooth! Here is everything you need to know to have a smooth experience as well.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/y59x6OJm2TU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">How to apply for a Swedish residence permit for studies - updated 2023</figcaption></figure>



In order to get your student residence permit, you will need to check that your documents are in order and then apply for the residence permit online. Once a decision has been made, you will book an appointment at the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sweden where your passport will be reviewed and you will get your fingerprints and picture taken. Once your residence card is ready, you will be informed and you can go to pick it up and actually even choose to <a href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-and-researching-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-card.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">let it be sent to your home</a>↗️! Easy, no?



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/04/graphics-01-1024x410.png" alt="Illustration explaining the 4 steps for applying for a residence permit which are: Prepare the documents, apply online, visit your embassy, then collect your card." class="wp-image-34788"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The steps to get a residence permit. Photo: Lara</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Required documents for your residence permit application</h2>



But let’s first start with the required documents to prepare before applying online: - A valid passport: You can only get a permit for the duration of your passport validity! So the first thing you need to do is to check that your passport is valid for the duration of your studies. If not, start by renewing it as soon as possible! (Please note, you will need to visit the closest Embassy or Consulate of Sweden to have your passport reviewed) - Full times studies: In order to receive a permit, you have to be admitted for a programme that requires full times studies! - Support yourself: You will need to show proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your study period. The living expenses requirement amount may be reduced in some situations and can vary from year to year, so read more info on <a href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-and-researching-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-for-higher-education.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Migrationsverket.se</a> - the Swedish Migration Agency’s website ↗️). If you are awarded an SI scholarship, you only need to submit your scholarship decision letter as proof. Super important note: if you are submitting your own bank assets, you must submit your application no earlier than three months before the date from which you apply for a residence permit (This does not apply if you will receive continuous income, such as a stipend or scholarship). Also, if you are showing your own bank assets, the bank account should be in YOUR NAME only, not your parents or siblings, so make sure you have your own bank account. - Have comprehensive health insurance if you are enrolled in a one-year programme. Many universities offer insurance called <a href="https://www.kammarkollegiet.se/engelska/start/all-services/insurance-for-foreign-visitors/student-insurance/students-who-pay-tuition-fees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“FAS+”</a> ↗️ to their fee-paying students. SI scholarships also offer insurance to its scholarship holders. In other cases, you need to arrange your own insurance. If you’re coming for two or three years, you don't need to submit insurance proof, because you can apply for a Swedish personal identity number when you arrive and you will be covered by the <a href="https://sweden.se/society/health-care-in-sweden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish Healthcare system</a> ↗️, so the costs won’t be so high. And also, make sure you check the terms and conditions of the insurance you will get from your university or scholarship, and purchase extra healthcare or property insurance if you need it. <a href="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/moving-to-sweden/health-insurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about health insurance in Sweden on our website</a>. - Pay your tuition fee or have a scholarship covering at least the first installment. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/04/graphics-02-1024x410.png" alt="Illustration showing what's needed to apply for a residence permit: a valid passport, acceptance for full time studies, proof that you have sufficient funds, health insurance, and proof that you've paid your tuition fee." class="wp-image-34800"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Documents to prepare for your residence permit application. Photo: Lara</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Next steps</h2>



The permit is given for the study period plus 2 weeks before and after in normal times. The permit is usually valid for 13 months at a time for students enrolled in a two- or three-year programme. And you can renew it every year. There is currently a pilot project with these institutions: Jönköping University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Linnaeus University, Lund University, and Umeå University. If you are accepted in these universities you may apply for a two years residence permit. In that case, you have to show proof that you can support yourself for both years. Now that you have prepared the documents mentioned above, you are ready to start your application online! You will enter to <a href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-and-researching-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-for-higher-education.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migrationsverket </a>↗️ and press on “E-service for students in higher education” where you can create an account and start filling up your application! You will need: - A clear copy of your passport that shows personal data, signature, period of validity, etc… - For the admission decision from universityadmissions.se, you can get the printable pdf of the decision. The PDF file is called “Notification of Selection Results” and it should be downloaded from your page on <a href="http://universityadmission.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universityadmissions.se</a> ↗️ - Insurance documents if you will be staying for a year or less. - An account statement that verifies that you have sufficient funds for your living expenses OR documents issued in your name that show that you have been granted a stipend or the like with information on the monthly amount and the period during which you will receive the money. - Finally, pay the application fee (for adults SEK 1500) – if you are an SI scholarship holder, you don’t need to pay this fee.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/04/graphics-03-1024x410.png" alt="Illustration showing the steps of applying for your residence permit online: go to the Swedish Migration Agency's website, create an account, then complete your application and wait for the decision." class="wp-image-34808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Applying online. Photo: Lara</figcaption></figure>



And just like that by filling all the information asked in the application, you would have finished the process! You will hear back from migrationverket in case they need any additional information. When a decision is made, you will receive an email. You will then take an appointment at the embassy in your region for collection of your picture and fingerprints. When your card is ready, they will reach out to you! In order to make the process as smooth as possible, make sure you prepare all the documents mentioned before and fill the entire application. If you are a citizen of a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Sweden, you only need to visit the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sweden to have your passport reviewed as you can aquire your residence permit card in Sweden. This means you can enter Sweden once you got a positive decision on your residence permit application and you will visit a Swedish Migration Agency's office in Sweden after you've arrived to leave your photo and fingerprint. Can’t wait to see you in Sweden! Best of luck!!



<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/04/aeronautics-research.jpg" alt="A small passenger airplane taking off from a runway in the north of Sweden." class="wp-image-34812"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Hans-Olof Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se</figcaption></figure>

The Student blog

Hi! 👋 In this blog you can read about our experiences as international students in Sweden!

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