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Sweden

Study Law in Sweden 2024

Study in Sweden

The Swedish Law Degree

In order to practice law in Sweden, graduates must hold either the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or the Master of Laws (LLM). The LLM is typically of a supplementary nature and offers additional qualifications to recipients, ranging from international corporate tax law to maritime law to European law. Combined, these two degrees typically span a 4-5 year period of study.

Law Higher Education in Sweden

Swedish universities are internationally known for their dedication to independent thinking, investigative research and exacting quality control. In addition to its world-class reputation, Sweden is recognized for its commitment to welcoming students from all over the world. These attributes make it an attractive destination for students in search of an international law degree, as well as in other areas of study.

In order to practice law in Sweden, degree recipients must complete an additional five years of legal work at a law firm or in private practice. They must also demonstrate worthy character and pass a rigorous academic test. Ultimately only its own residents, in addition to candidates from other EU nations as well as Switzerland, are eligible to become lawyers in Sweden.

Undergraduate tuition fees and costs depend upon the institution. Numerous scholarship funding opportunities are available for international students to help defray the costs.

There are no longer any public law offices in Sweden; lawyers operate exclusively in private practice. Generally, lawyers in Sweden provide legal advice, but law firms also cover a spectrum of legal duties, including corporate governance, financial restructuring, real estate, taxes, investments, economic development and more.

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Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    428
  • Share of utilities

    30
  • Internet subscription

    28
  • Local transportation

    74

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    8
  • Cinema ticket

    13
  • Pint of local beer

    6

About Sweden

Sweden is located in Northern Europe and is bordered by Finland, Norway and the Baltic and North Seas. From technology to politics to commerce, the Scandinavian country, known for its innovation and technology, is heralded for its many significant global contributions, ranging from the Nobel Prize to Ikea. Major Swedish industries include timber, iron ore, telecommunications, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals. Sweden is well-known for literature, films, fashion, and a universal health care system. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Sweden also shines in the area of higher education. Throw in the fact that English is widely spoken -- and is in fact an accepted mode of university teaching, as well as the official working language of a number of Swedish corporations -- and Sweden becomes a veritable hub of international study for students from around the globe.

The Swedish Legal System

Sweden’s laws are created by the country’s Parliament and upheld by a number of government agencies responsible for everything from law enforcement to correctional services. The country has both penal and civil law, as well as a comprehensive administrative law system.

Visa Requirements

  1. Short stay visa - if you are coming to Sweden for less than three months.
  2. Long stay visa type D (Resident permit for studies) - if you plan to stay in Sweden for longer than three months.

What type of Visa do you need?

Visa name

Short stay visa; Long stay visa type D

Price and currency

SEK 1000

The student visa application fee is currently 1000 SEK.

Who can apply for the visa?

Citizens of EU/EEA/Nordic counties can live and study in Sweden without a residence permit or visa.

Citizens of Switzerland must apply for a visa if their study lasts longer than three months. However, they can begin their studies immediately after arrival in Sweden or apply before the university admission is announced.

Students who are citizens of countries from outside the EU or EEA and want to study in Sweden will require a student visa or a residence permit. If you intend to stay in Sweden for less than three months, you will need a visa in case you are not a citizen of one of those countries that are exempted from visa requirement in Sweden. If your course of study will last more than three months, you will require a residence permit to enter and study in Sweden.

To be eligible for a residence permit, you must have been admitted to full-time studies on a program or course that requires you to be present at the university or university college.

Where can you make the application?

Online / Swedish embassy or consulate

After completing your visa application process online, you need to make an appointment with the Swedish embassy or consulate for an interview, to be photographed and fingerprinted, and to receive your residence permit card.

Website:https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden.html

How to make the application?

To apply for a residence permit for studies, you’ll need to:

  • Pay your first tuition fee installment.
  • Prepare your supporting documentation. This includes copies of your passport and letter of admission as well as proving that you can support yourself financially during your time as a student in Sweden. If you’ll be staying in Sweden for less than one year, you’ll also need proof of comprehensive health insurance.
  • Submit the online application.
  • Pay the application fee.

You can find a full overview of the required documentation here: https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Universities-and-university-college.html

When should you apply?

As the application process for residence permits can be lengthy, you should apply as soon as you have received your notification of admission. The current waiting time for a residence permit for studies is three months or more, so be sure to submit your application as soon as possible after paying your first tuition fee installment. A paper application takes much longer than an online application, so apply online if possible.

Visas and residence permits for international students in Sweden depend on the duration of your course of study.

Processing time

3 Months

Work opportunities

As an EU citizen, you are entitled to work in Sweden without a work permit.

Non-EU/EEA citizens will need a work permit. The employer in Sweden will apply for a work permit on your behalf.

You are allowed to work without hourly restrictions, but you are advised not to neglect your studies. You will have to prove that you have made study progress and to show satisfactory academic results.

Hours per week

0

Why do you need this type of visa?

Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.