Monday, May 9, 2011

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!

18 comments:

  1. Although of course it's completely different for an EU citizen I believe; for example, we don't have to have any proof of income =)

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  2. AOH - thanks! You are right, I added a little note about that at the post - but I think the same things still applies to coming to study in Sweden - you need to plan on having some pocket money per month, otherwise things could get tricky. But I'm sure some people manage to get by!

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  3. I think also it is the attitude of what is expected when you are a student. When I was in college I worked a Monday to Friday 9-5 job and then took classes at night. No one thought that was crazy it was what you did to survive, but when I told my husband that is what I did he could not believe it.

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  4. @hemborgwife - this is true, there is no such thing as work/study programs here - it's a shame, because working while studying can be a real perk on the CV I think.... But things are changing, for better or for worse, with every year that politicians refuse to increase the study grants/student loans - more and more students hit the workforce.

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  5. Hi,

    I have heard about this company, www.relocation.st that provides assistance when it comes to finding jobs for foreigners in Sweden. Would you know anything about how good their services are or if it's worthwhile to hire a companys services to get a job?

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  6. @gavin - I haven't heard of that company - so it is hard for me to say anything about it. Most of the relocation companies I have worked with or heard of assist people that already have jobs or are being headhunted by large companies. I am a little skeptical, only because a large part of the Swedish job market is based on who you know, and your network, and there is no info as to where they are based and what industries they work with.
    I would tread carefully, but I am weary of set-ups like this. The Unemployment office and job coaches work to get people in this country jobs as well, at no cost, and don't always have success.
    A lot of the services they seem to offer can be done yourself, with a little time and patience.
    Good luck either way!

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  7. It is so hard to get a job while you are still studying. But it's to you if you can handle and balance your time. As much as possible, not a tiring work so you'll have more time for studies. Good luck!

    Study abroad in Sweden

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  8. Need Help!!
    I'm planning to study MSc in International Marketing & Brand Mangement from Lund University.
    I wish to know how easy is it finding a job in Sweden after finishing the course for international students. Also, is it possible to get placements in other countries (in Europe) other than Sweden?
    I have almost 5 years of work experience but in a different field.

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  9. I am also planning to do my masters in computers/IT from Sweden. I would like to know about finding a job in Sweden after my studies,in the field I've graduated.

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  10. Do you have to get a permit or something to work besides your study visa.

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  11. I am planning to study Architectural Civil Engineering at KTH, Stockholm. Does anyone have an idea about finding a job while you are studying in Stockholm ?

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    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello,

    Im planning to study Masters in Computer Science in Sweden. Can you please clarify me if i would get a good salaried Software Job after completion. Currently i am working as a software eng in India having more than 2 years experience

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Did u get the answer for this question now ? As you might be in Sweden now doing masters.

      I am also in the same boat now and seeking answer for this question. Can you please share your views about the job prospects after masters from sweden.

      Delete
  14. i have finished my bachelor in architecture(5 years) in india i am planning to search for work in sweden can you suggest me some idas

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  15. I am from india,doing my BE final year. I am going to apply for my masters in Lund university . What are the job opportunities for logistics and supply chain management in swedan ?

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am from india,doing my BE final year. I am going to apply for my masters in Lund university . What are the job opportunities for logistics and supply chain management in swedan ?

    ReplyDelete