Residence permits after completing your studies
If you are a non-EU/EEA student and want to stay in Sweden after completing your studies at KI, you may need to apply for a new residence permit. The type of residence permit you need depends on what you plan to do after completing your studies.
Before your current residence permit expires
If you want to stay in Sweden after your studies, it is important to check when your current residence permit expires and prepare your next application in good time.
For several of the residence permit options available after studies, you must submit your application before your current residence permit expires. This applies, for example, if you want to apply for a residence permit to look for work after completing your studies or apply for a work permit from within Sweden.
If you plan to continue your studies in Sweden
To remain in Sweden for continued studies, you must apply before your current residence permit expires, but no more than four months before it expires.
Master's degree studies
If you are completing a bachelor's programme and plan to continue your studies in Sweden, for example by starting a master's programme, you need to apply for an extension of your residence permit for studies.
Doctoral studies
If you have been admitted to doctoral studies (PhD studies) in Sweden, different residence permit rules apply.
Depending on your situation, you may need a residence permit for doctoral studies or a residence permit for researchers. Check the Swedish Migration Agency's information to find out which residence permit applies to you.
Read more about residence permit for doctoral studies on the Swedish Migration Agency's website
If you want to stay in Sweden to look for work or explore starting a business
After completing your studies, you can apply for a residence permit to stay in Sweden to look for work or explore the possibilities of starting your own business.
To be granted this residence permit, you must meet the requirements set by the Swedish Migration Agency. Among other things, you must:
- have a valid passport
- apply before your current residence permit for higher education expires
- have completed the entire education programme to which you were first admitted and have passed all your courses
- plan to look for work or explore the possibilities of starting your own business in Sweden
- be able to support yourself financially during the period for which you are applying
- have, or have applied for, comprehensive health insurance if this is required in your situation.
After completing a bachelor's or master's programme, the residence permit can be granted for up to one year.
If you have already found a job in Sweden
If you have found a job in Sweden, you may be able to apply for a work permit without leaving Sweden.
To apply for a work permit from within Sweden as a former student, you must meet the requirements set by the Swedish Migration Agency. Among other things, you must:
- have a valid passport
- have a residence permit for higher education in Sweden or a residence permit to look for work after completing your studies
- have completed a higher education programme corresponding to at least two semesters of study
- apply before your current residence permit expires
- have an employment contract that meets the requirements set by the Swedish Migration Agency.
Your employer must also meet certain requirements.
Frequently asked questions
My residence permit is about to expire, but my final grades are not yet registered. What should I do?
If your current residence permit for studies is about to expire but you have not yet received passing grades for your entire programme, it is still important to submit your application for a residence permit to look for work before your current residence permit expires.
You can then supplement your application with documentation showing that you have completed your studies once this becomes available.
What if I need more time to complete my studies?
If you are unable to complete your studies within the regular programme period, for example because you have remaining courses or need more time to complete your degree project, you may need to apply for an extension of your residence permit for studies.
When applying for an extension due to delayed studies, you need to provide an attestation from KI describing your study progress, what remains to be completed and when you are expected to complete your studies.
If the delay concerns your degree project, the attestation should include information about the degree project, the reason for the delay, when it is expected to be completed and how much of the project you have completed.
Please contact your study counsellor if you need an attestation to support your application.
If you have questions about your residence permit
Residence permit and work permit applications are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency. Always check the Swedish Migration Agency's website for the current requirements before applying.
Karolinska Institutet cannot assess whether you will be granted a residence permit or influence the outcome or processing time of your application.
KI Migration
For general questions about residence permits in relation to your studies at KI, you can contact KI Migration.