If you are looking to start working while studying in Sweden, there’s good news. Unlike so many countries around the world, you are allowed to work while studying in Sweden if you have your residence permit (student visa). That is all that you need. You can even stay in Sweden to work after you’ve complete your degree program, if you are from the EU/EEA countries. If not, you will have to contact the Migration Board, who can help you apply for an extension on your visa and give you other information that you may need.
Many international students have shared that finding a part time job in Sweden is difficult. Some native students feel this way at times, too. This is for a few reasons, first, because most part-time jobs require you to speak Swedish. This is not the case for every job, but it’s definitely the case for most of the jobs that are there. Jobs for people who speak other languages will just take some time to find, and you have to be deliberate about it. Visit the companies that you want to work at. Put ads up and look at job ads on notice boards at your university or at public buildings in the area.
Another place that you can look is on campus at your university. They may have jobs that are set aside for those who are paying tuition to go there, and all of them are on campus or through campus programs. These positions are not very common, and they will differ depending on what university you are going to. Work programs on campus can also give you opportunities that you wouldn’t get in other jobs, so if you can find them, seek them out first. You may even be granted a working position as a part of the exchange program that you are in, if you are coming into the country as an exchange student.
Even though it may be difficult to find a job, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. There are a number of search engines that you can use in order to find part time jobs in Sweden, and many of these sites will offer you jobs from all over the country. Here’s a quick list of job hunting resources that you can utilize while searching for a part-time position.
Arbetsförmedlingen – This is the largest agency in the country, and helps thousands of Swedes and migrants to get jobs every single year. Even though most of its services are for Swedish speakers, you can find jobs that aren’t on occasion. Some jobs may even require English as part of the requirements, so make sure that you take a look.
Academic Work – This Swedish agency was developed especially to help students, both those who are studying abroad and those who are native to Sweden. It even includes jobs that do not require you to speak Swedish. This agency has an easy to use format and can help you find the job that you are looking for.
The Local – The Local is an online newspaper that prides itself in offering Swedish news to the masses in an easy-to-read, English format. Even if you aren’t looking for a job, keep an eye on this website; they give up-to-date information and news that you may want to know while living in Sweden. They, like most newspapers, have a job ads section that you can check out. It is kept up-to-date as well.
EURES – EURES is a job portal that offers jobs all throughout Europe, not only Sweden. But you can still find a number of Swedish jobs on there that you can apply for, even on a part time basis. Make sure to keep an eye out for where the job is located, especially because it includes jobs from all around the continent.
So, if you are looking for a job so that you can work while you are studying, those are some of the places that you can look. There may also be resources local to the area around your university; your university can give you more information on that if it is applicable for your situation.
It may take you awhile to find a job that works for you, especially if you live in a more populated area of the country. You may want to start your job search a couple of months before you start your education. This is why it’s especially important for you to have money saved and/or available before you arrive in Sweden, because you have to show proof of funding before you can be approved for a student visa.
Just do your best and try to find a job as soon as you possibly can after you’ve been accepted to your university and have started to secure your funding. The earlier you start, the more likely you will find a job that will be able to help you stay sustained while you are completing your degree program.