Studying in Sweden: Can I work and study?

I have gotten a few emails this spring with questions from wannabe students – interested in coming to study in Sweden, but curious about job opportunities. I thought I would post my reply here – in case anyone else was interested. Please note though: I am certainly not an expert in this matter, I can only speak from my own experience as I moved here as a student many many years ago. I realize some things might have changed.

ETA: The info about fees and required income is for students from outside the EU - but the amount can still be seen as a good guideline for any students. (Thanks for pointing this out - AAH). 

Question: I was accepted to a Masters program in Sweden – how easy is it to find a job? Can I easily work while I study?

My take:

You will read on countless ex-pat-in-Sweden websites that getting a job in Sweden is like winning the lottery. There is a lot of negativity out there, but I will weigh in on the slightly more positive side.

Don't come to Sweden counting on having a job to survive. I know they make you send in proof of income up to around 7,000 SEK per month to get a study visa. That would be a wise place to start.

Calculate basic living cost per month that would get you rent (3,000 SEK or more), food (1500 SEK or more), and a few nights out a month (500 SEK or more) yes, a few nights out a month are pretty essential if you are a study abroad student).

(ETA: Swedish students typically take a grant and student loan for living expenses of about 8,500 SEK per month)

Any money you might earn would be above and beyond this and allow you to travel, explore and experience.

Getting a job in Sweden as a student was a lot different than getting a job in the US during my college days. I have been working since I was about 12 years old – and pretty much could always get a job the same day I started looking: waiting tables, retail, horse-farm stuff. Just standard student side-jobs that helped pay the bills.

In Sweden it was harder. It took a little more time. I was a student here for a year. During that time I worked as a babysitter and a waitress. I didn't find a job in a day; it took about a month. There were very few hours and the working conditions weren't great. But they were jobs. I think I made, on average, about 5-6,000 SEK after tax, per month.

I also spoke some Swedish, which helped. If you don't speak Swedish, you can try dog-walking or babysitting for international families. Depending on where you live you can make 100 SEK per hour and with the new RUT deduction, you can find firms that will hire you to do this type of work, so that you can pay taxes and do everything above board.

I know it is a bit trickier now that Swedish universities charge an entrance fee. But you are throwing away your money if you cannot afford to live while you study. Make sure you have some savings before you take the plunge, or a reasonably sized grant.

Finding a job in Sweden as a student isn't impossible, but it takes time, and the jobs aren't great. If you are looking for jobs in your field while you study, you will probably have better luck with finding an unpaid internship than a paid position. This can help on your CV and with later job prospects, but won't help with the bills.

Good luck!