If you plan to study in Sweden from Bangladesh, the very first step is sorting out the Sweden student visa requirements, or as Sweden calls it, the residence permit for studies. Without it, nothing really moves
forward. The embassy in Dhaka will ask for your admission letter, passport, and proof that you can handle your costs there.
Sometimes they may also check your English test results, a receipt for tuition, or health insurance if the course is short. Students who arrange these papers early usually avoid the stress others face at the last
moment.
Need help with your application to study in Sweden from Bangladesh? This guide explains Sweden student visa requirements, how to be eligible, and what documents and steps you’ll
need.
What is the student visa & residence permit for studies in Sweden?
For Bangladeshi students, the student visa for Sweden is officially called a residence permit for studies. If your course is longer than three months, this permit is mandatory. It allows you to live, study, and even
work part-time in Sweden while completing your education. But if your program is less than three months, a different permit or visa may apply.
Why study in Sweden from Bangladesh?
For those planning to study abroad from Bangladesh, Sweden stands out with globally ranked universities, affordable tuition, research-based learning, part-time work options, and strong
career opportunities in Europe.
Excellent quality of education, international recognition
English-taught programs are widely available
Innovative and research-oriented environment
Possibility of scholarships and funding for international students
Safe, multicultural society with a good quality of life
Sweden student visa eligibility and requirements
Applying for a student visa to Sweden is not difficult if you know what the embassy looks for. As a Bangladeshi student, you must prove that you are admitted to a
recognised university, have enough funds to support yourself, and hold a valid passport. Here are the main criteria you must meet:
Admission to a full-time program: You need an official letter of acceptance from a recognised Swedish university or higher education institution. The program must be full-time and must start in Sweden.
Valid passport: A passport that is valid for the duration of your stay (and sometimes beyond) is required.
Proof of financial means: You must show you can support yourself while studying — living costs, tuition, etc. The Swedish Migration Agency has guidelines on how much money per month you need.
Health insurance: For courses under one year, you must have health insurance for emergencies, hospital care, and return travel if needed.
Application fee: There is a fee to apply for the residence permit. For students, the visa application fee is around BDT 15,000 (this can change).
Other supporting documents:
Passport-size photos
Academic transcripts and diplomas/certificates
IELTS/TOEFL or similar may be required for admission
Proof of tuition payment or first installment confirmation may be needed
Note: Each document should be original, clear, and properly prepared. A complete file increases your chance of getting approval without delay. Need guidance with your application? Call us +880-1615-000125 for
step-by-step Sweden student visa support.
Sweden student visa application process from Bangladesh?
Most students here in Bangladesh first get their admission letter, then pay the initial fees before moving to the visa step. The application is filed online, but you still need to go in person to the Swedish Embassy
or VFS office in Gulshan for biometrics. The wait can be long, so it’s smarter to apply months ahead instead of rushing at the last moment.
Here is a suggested workflow:
Step-by-step Visa application process for Bangladeshi students (Sweden)
Bangladeshi students who wish to study in Sweden must carefully complete each stage of the visa and residence permit application process. Following these steps ensures a smoother journey to Sweden.
Step
What to Do
1. Choose University & Program
Use UniversityAdmissions.se or individual Swedish university sites. Decide whether undergraduate or a postgraduate degree. Check program deadlines.
2. Meet Academic Requirements
For undergrad: HSC or equivalent with good grades. For Master's: a recognised Bachelor’s degree (often 3-4 years), sometimes with honours.
3. English Proficiency
If required, take IELTS, TOEFL, etc., or use alternate means if your prior education was in English.
4. Get the Offer & Pay First Tuition (if needed)
Once you get acceptance, some universities require an initial tuition payment before the visa/residence permit process.
5. Apply Online for Residence Permit
Go to the Swedish Migration Agency website. Fill out the application form for studies. Attach required documents.
6. Submit Documents & Biometrics
After an online or paper application, you’ll need to give fingerprints and a photo. Possibly appear at the Embassy/Visa Application Centre in Dhaka.
7. Wait for Decision & Collect Permit
Processing time can be 2 months or more. Once approved, you’ll receive a residence permit card. Then prepare for your arrival in Sweden.
If you ask students who have already gone to Sweden, most will say the visa wasn’t impossible, but the waiting felt long. Many in Dhaka make the mistake of applying just weeks before classes, and then panic when
nothing moves. Another common issue is paperwork. So it’s not about tough rules, it’s more about being careful and starting on time.
Apply early: Don’t wait for the last moment. Visa and residence permits often take months. Better to finish the process a few months before classes start.
Keep papers clean and honest: If one page is missing or not translated properly, your file can sit for weeks. Always keep the documents genuine and in order; it saves a lot of trouble later.
Show money clearly: Whether it’s a bank statement, sponsor’s support, or scholarship, the proof of funds must be very clear. Confusing papers usually get questioned.
Check your passport: In Bangladesh, many students extend their passports with stamps. Sweden often doesn’t accept this, so better to renew your passport in advance.
Count all costs: Tuition fees are only one part. You’ll also need to think about living expenses, visa fees, and health insurance. Sweden can feel expensive if you’re not ready.
Think beyond study: After finishing your degree, you may apply to extend your stay for job hunting or post-study work. It’s good to know your options before going.
How does Sangen Edu Ltd help you?
Sangen Edu Ltd has built a strong name as one of the best education consultancy firms in Bangladesh, trusted by students for guidance on admission and visas abroad. Many Bangladeshi students face delays in the
Sweden visa process because of small mistakes with bank papers or missing documents. We guide you step by step, including:
Conclusion: Student visa for Sweden from Bangladesh
Getting the Sweden student visa from Bangladesh isn’t really about tough rules; it’s about being ready. First, you need admission, then show you can cover your costs, and keep your papers in order. Many students
here face delays just because they start late or miss one small document. If you plan a bit early and follow what the embassy asks, the whole process feels easier, and your study abroad journey begins without
extra stress. Need help with your application? Contact us today for step-by-step guidance on admission and visa support.
You need to show money for your living costs along with tuition. At present, it’s around SEK 10,314 per month, which comes to about BDT 1 lakh. For a one-year course, that’s nearly BDT 12 lakh, plus
tuition fees.
The Sweden student visa (residence permit) fee is about SEK 1,500, which is close to BDT 15,000. This fee may change slightly with the exchange rate.
In most cases, yes. Universities usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL. If your previous degree was fully in English, sometimes the test is not needed. But for Bangladeshi students, IELTS is almost always
safer.
The rejection rate is around 40%, with success usually between 50–60%. In 2024, some reports showed approval as high as 82%. Most rejections happen due to low funds, incomplete papers, or wrong
information.
Yes, after finishing your studies, you can stay back to look for jobs. If you work and live in Sweden for a few years with a legal permit, you can apply for permanent residency (PR).
For Bangladeshi students, the payment is SEK 1,500, about BDT 15,000. You pay this online when submitting your residence permit application.