Residence permit

Residence permit for studies

When you are admitted, you can start your application for a residence permit for studies. If you are a citizen of a country other than the EU/EEA and plan to study for a longer period than three months, you need a residence permit.

When you are admitted, your proof is your Notification of Selection Results (can be referred to as Admission Decision, Admission Letter and Letter of Acceptance​) at your account at universityadmissions.se.

Make your application online at the Swedish Migration Agency website. Take note that the application process for a residence permit is between an applicant/student and the Swedish Migration Agency. Unfortunately, Chalmers is unable to influence, represent an applicant/student, or be involved in the application process.

The Swedish Migration Agency can have long processing times. You must submit your application with all necessary documentation before the 15th of June.
Chalmers recommends that you to plan ahead by reading the Swedish Migration Agency's webpage and gather all necessary documentation in advance.

You can state Chalmers admissions, admissions@chalmers.se and phone number: +46 31 7722590 as your contact. Do not enter the personal name of an employee at Chalmers.

If you have not received a decision from the Swedish Migration Agency before the semester begins and you have submitted your application after 15th June, then you will not be able to get a reimbursement of the tuition fee.
Read the conditions for reimbursement Tuition fees.

The residence permit application process

Extension of your residence permit

If you need to extend your residence permit, you should apply online at the Swedish Migration Agency web site.

You can apply for an extension no more than four months before your current permit will expire. You must apply before your current permit expires.

There are different certificates to support your application that you can obtain from Chalmers. Read more about which category you belong to below.

If you need further guidance, please contact your study guidance counsellor. 

Study break (leave of absence)

Since you are expected to study full-time (100%) during all semesters it is important not to make changes that could affect your study plan and thus put your residence permit at risk. Contact your Study guidance counsellor if you have any questions.

Regarding a study break (leave of absence) from your studies contact your Study guidance counsellor.
Withdrawal from studies, Transfer of Master's programme, Leave of absence (chalmers.se)

When you want to resume your studies you must contact your Study guidance counsellor for information and certificates regarding your Study situation and Study plan. You must apply for a new Residence permit for studies in higher education (not an extension).

Please note that it takes several months for the Swedish migration agency to process an application.

After your degree has been issued

You may work for more than 15 hours a week once you have completed your studies and your degree has been formally issued.

Apply for a residence permit to look for work after completing your studies

If you wish to stay in Sweden after your studies and find a job, you can do so for up to 12 months. There is a specific residence permit for that purpose.

Apply for a residence permit to look for work after completing your studies

Exception from the 15 hours a week work limitation when your degree has been issued

If you have completed a programme and your degree has been formally issued, you may work without limitations as long as you still have your permit. This only applies if you do not apply for a new residence permit for studies.

Work after you degree is awarded (you have finished your programme)

This rule applies to residence permits granted from 11 June 2026 onwards.