Sweden, the third largest country in Europe, is one of the best but overlooked countries for quality education.
Fortunately, many Nigerians have begun to look at this country as a study destination in recent times.
It is because of the country’s formal educational sector, constantly churning out global leaders.
Aside from this, Sweden is also a home of creativity, and Nigerians will undoubtedly maximize their potential in the country.
If you are considering moving to Sweden for your studies, this post is for you.
Here, I will show you all you need to know about the Sweden student visa requirements for Nigerians, among other relevant information.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to hear from you.
Table of contents
Sweden Student Visa
Nigerians who desire to further their education in Sweden must get a Sweden student visa.
This visa permits you to study, live and work in Sweden throughout your studies.
However, the kind of visa you would need depends on the duration of your program.
If the time of your program is up to ninety (90) days or less, then you need a short-stay student visa called a Type C Visa.
But if you would be going for a program over three (3) months, you should get a Type D visa, also known as a residence permit.
However, if you wish to remain in Sweden even after your degree is over, you must apply for another visa or renew your visa at the immigration office.
Sweden Student Visa Requirements
If you want to obtain a Sweden student visa, then you must get the following documents ready.
Ensure that these documents are original and not forged, as you may face the consequences if caught forging documents.
The required documents include the following:
- International Passport
- Sweden Student Visa Application Form
- Passport Photographs
- Admission Letter
- Medical Insurance
- Proof of Financial Ability
- Proof of Accommodation
- Flight Reservation
- Proof of Paid Visa Fees
International Passport
You need an international passport that would be valid until at least three months after the expiration of your student visa.
Your passport must also have at least two blank pages where your visa stamps would be placed.
It would help if you also photocopy the first page of your international passport, which shows your personal information, whether you have permission to stay in other countries apart from Nigeria, and the date of expiry.
Sweden Student Visa Application Form
You are required to fill out the Sweden student visa application form correctly.
You can either fill out the form online or submit the paper form at the Swedish vis application centre in Nigeria.
Note that if you are filling out the form online, you must create an account before proceeding.
It is essential to use correct details as you would receive information on the email and phone number you provide.
After filling out the form, you must sign it.
Passport Photographs
You are to present two passport photographs that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.
Hence, your passport photographs must have a 35mm by 45mm dimension and not be older than six (6) months.
The photos must be coloured and have neutral facial expressions without accessories or head covering except for a religious purpose.
Admission Letter
You must prove that you have already been admitted into an approved Swedish university for a full-time program.
This letter must also show all the details of your program and the payment of your tuition fees.
Medical Insurance
This requirement applies if you stay in Sweden for less than a year.
In such a case, you need to provide a document that shows that you have comprehensive medical insurance that covers your health needs throughout your stay in Sweden.
It would cover health costs of at least €30,000.
Proof of Financial Ability
You must prove that you can support yourself throughout your stay in Sweden.
You must provide your bank statements for the last six months. If you are going through means of scholarship, you must provide proof.
This proof must indicate your sponsor, the amount you would receive, and the period during which you would receive the money.
Proof of Accommodation
You must provide verifiable proof that you have secured accommodation in Sweden.
It could be your hotel reservation or hostel receipt if you stay in your university’s residence hall.
If you have a friend or relative in Sweden, you can get an invitation letter from the person and present it.
Flight Reservation
You must present proof of return flight to show that you will return to Nigeria after completing your studies.
Note that you don’t have to purchase travel tickets before your visa is confirmed because you would bear the losses if your visa application is denied at the end of the day.
Proof of Paid Visa Fees
You must provide proof that you have paid the visa fees.
A Letter From Your Sponsor
If you have someone sponsoring you, they must write a letter stating they will sponsor you and pay for your living expenses while you stay in Sweden.
Your sponsor must also sign this letter.
Sweden Student Visa Application Guide
- Fill Out the Sweden Visa Application Form
- Get Your Documents Ready
- Book an Appointment With the Embassy
- Pay the Visa Fees
Fill Out the Sweden Visa Application Form
After getting admitted into a Swedish university, please fill out the application form online or print out the form and fill it out.
Remember that you must carefully fill out this form, as any careless mistakes could cause your application to be rejected once you have filled out the form, download it, print and sign on it.
Get Your Documents Ready
Get all the documents stated above ready.
You can make photocopies of these documents just in case they are needed in your application process.
Ensure you check the documents properly to make sure none is missing.
Book an Appointment With the Embassy
You can book an appointment with the visa application centre online.
Note that the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja no longer handles visa applications, so your application will be handled by the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.
You must book an appointment with the embassy through the email address: [email protected].
Your email will be responded to in 1-2 weeks.
You must include the following details in your request:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Contact information
- Visa fee receipt number(if you have paid online)
- Citizenship.
Submit Your Documents
Now, submit your documents and passport at the visa application centre on your appointment date.
Note that you don’t need to submit your documents physically if you have already done so online.
Your biometrics will also be taken at the embassy, and you may be scheduled for an interview.
Pay the Visa Fees
You can do so at the visa application centre if you have not paid your fees online.
Note that this fee is non-refundable even if your visa may be denied in the end.
Collect Your Passport
Once you have been notified that your passport is available for collection, you can visit the visa application centre to collect your passport.
You can also track your application during the process to see your status.
Sweden Student Visa Processing Time
There is no specific time for processing the visa application, but it could take up to three months, depending on various factors.
Also, it may take up to six weeks during spring or summer.
It is why it is advisable to apply much earlier than the date of your resumption at the university.
Sweden Student Visa Fees
A Sweden student visa costs SEK 1,500; however, this is subject to change.
Hence, you should contact the visa application centre for the current fees.
You can pay the fee online or at the visa application centre if you haven’t done so online.
Sweden Student Visa Rejection
If your visa application has been rejected, then it may be due to any of these reasons:
- Inadequate funds
- Missing documents
- Forged documents
- Lack of good communication skills
- Unsatisfactory answers to the questions asked at the interview.
Working with a Sweden Student Visa
Nigerians can work while they study in Sweden, provided they have a residence permit.
Common Sweden Visa Interview Questions
These are some of the questions that are usually asked during the visa interview:
- Who will pay for your visit to Sweden?
- Why do you want to come to Sweden?
- Where are you going to stay once you arrive in Sweden?
- When is your return flight?
- Do you know anyone living in Europe?
Conclusion
Sweden is an excellent choice for Nigerians seeking to study abroad.
The country has various programs to choose from at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and its degrees are recognized worldwide.
However, getting a Sweden student visa may be challenging, especially if you don’t know how to go about it.
We have discussed all you need to know to get your student visa, and following our guidelines will give you a hitch-free experience.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
You can watch my videos on the Studentship YouTube Channel by clicking here.
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Hi
can someone that is not a relative sponsor me to study in Sweden ?
No, in general, a person who is not a relative cannot sponsor you to study in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) requires that a sponsor be a close relative, such as a parent, spouse, or child.
If you are unable to find a close relative to sponsor you, you will need to find other ways to fund your studies in Sweden. You can do this by applying for scholarships, student loans, or by working part-time while you study.
Hi
Please how do i apply for Study visa
To apply for a student visa to Sweden from Nigeria, you will need to follow a series of steps. Here is a general outline of the application process:
1. Research and Choose a University: Start by researching universities in Sweden and choose the one that suits your academic goals and preferences. Make sure the university offers the program you wish to study.
2. Check Entry Requirements: Visit the official website of the chosen university or contact the admissions office to learn about the specific entry requirements for international students. Ensure you meet the academic criteria and language proficiency requirements.
3. Apply to the University: Complete the application process for your chosen program directly with the university. Provide all the necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, certificates, and a personal statement, as per the university’s requirements.
4. Pay Tuition Fees: If you are accepted into the university, you will receive an acceptance letter. You will then be required to pay the tuition fees or provide proof of financial support to cover your expenses while studying in Sweden.
5. Obtain Health Insurance: As an international student, you will need to have health insurance coverage. Explore the options available to you and secure appropriate health insurance that meets the requirements set by the Swedish government.
6. Apply for a Residence Permit: Once you have received your acceptance letter and paid the tuition fees, you need to apply for a residence permit. The following steps are involved in this process:
a. Visit the Swedish Migration Agency website and create an account.
b. Fill out the online application form and attach the required documents, such as your acceptance letter, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and a valid passport.
c. Pay the application fee.
d. Submit the application and wait for a decision.
7. Wait for the Decision: The processing time for the residence permit application can vary. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date to allow for any delays.
8. Travel and Arrival: If your residence permit is approved, you can make travel arrangements to Sweden. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents, including your passport, residence permit, acceptance letter, and proof of financial support.
How do i apply?
To apply for a Sweden visa from Nigeria, you can follow these general steps:
1. Determine the type of visa: Identify the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit, such as a tourist visa, study visa, work visa, or family visit visa. Visit the official website of the Swedish embassy or consulate in Nigeria to find information about the different visa types and their requirements.
2. Gather the required documents: Once you have identified the type of visa you need, gather all the necessary documents. These may include a valid passport, completed visa application form, photographs, proof of travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation details, financial documents (such as bank statements), invitation letter (if applicable), proof of employment or study, and any other specific documents mentioned in the visa requirements.
3. Fill out the application form: Obtain the visa application form from the official website of the Swedish embassy or consulate. Fill out the form accurately and honestly, providing all the required information.
4. Make an appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Swedish embassy or consulate in Nigeria to submit your visa application. The embassy’s website should provide instructions on how to schedule an appointment.
5. Pay the visa fee: Pay the applicable visa fee. The fee amount and payment method should be specified on the embassy’s website. Keep in mind that the fee is usually non-refundable, regardless of the visa outcome.
6. Attend the appointment: On the scheduled date, visit the Swedish embassy or consulate with all your documents and submit your visa application. Some consulates may require you to provide biometric data (such as fingerprints) during the appointment.
7. Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, you will have to wait for a decision. The processing time can vary, so it’s best to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
8. Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will be notified by the embassy or consulate. You can then collect your visa from the embassy or consulate or arrange for it to be delivered to you, depending on the procedures in place.
How much in total do you think I can spend studying in Sweden for a degree programe in the first year including admission, visa etc. Secondly, can I work while studying?
Maryjane,
Are you applying for a first degree or postgraduate studies to study in Sweden?
So where is the visa application documents for Sweden submitted ? Abuja or do I have to travel to Kenya for that or for any other purpose?
Nonye,
Check this post to get clarification for your question.
Let me know if you need further assistance.
Hi,
Can you share a reputable travel agency that can help with this? Down to the visa process. Also I’m traveling with my dependents.
Thank you!
I advise you search for a travel agency at your city.
I need someone who can handle Sweden student visa for me to travel also with dependant
It depends on your state of residence.
There are travel agencies that can assist you with your student visa.
Please share!
Can one travel with his dependents with student visa?
Yes, Pete.