Average Salary in Sweden for International Students: Sweden is one of the most student-friendly countries in Europe, renowned for its high-quality education, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent work opportunities. Many international students choose Sweden not only for its universities but also for the opportunity to gain work experience during and after their studies. For candidates planning to study in Sweden, understanding the average salary in Sweden for international students is important for budgeting and financial planning.
International students in Sweden are legally allowed to work while studying. Unlike some other countries, there is no official limitation on the number of hours candidates can work per week. However, students must make sure that part-time jobs do not interfere with their academic responsibilities.
Important Points:
No hourly limit, but academics must be the priority
A residence permit is required to stay and work
Students can apply for a 12-month residence permit extension after graduation to search for jobs
There are various part-time opportunities for students in Sweden. These range from on-campus roles to off-campus positions in different sectors. Below are types of part-time jobs available in Sweden:
Job Role |
Average Hourly Wage (INR) |
Description |
---|---|---|
Research/Teaching Assistant |
INR 960 – INR 1,200 |
On-campus academic jobs |
Cafe/Restaurant Staff |
INR 800 – INR 1,040 |
Serving, barista, kitchen help |
Retail Jobs |
INR 880 – INR 1,120 |
Cashier, sales, and inventory roles |
Freelance/Online Gigs |
INR 800 – INR 2,000 |
Writing, graphic design, tutoring |
Delivery or Courier Services |
INR 720 – INR 960 |
Food or package delivery |
Babysitting/Dog Walking |
INR 800 – INR 1,200 |
Flexible and casual opportunities |
The average salary in Sweden for international students working part-time ranges between INR 80,000 to INR 1.2 lakh per month, depending on job type, location, and working hours.
Monthly Salary Overview
Type of Job |
Average Monthly Salary (INR) |
---|---|
Part-time on-campus |
INR 64,000 – INR 96,000 |
Part-time off-campus |
INR 80,000 – INR 1.2 lakh |
Freelance/Online Jobs |
INR 96,000 – INR 1.6 lakh |
Sweden’s universities often have tie-ups with various companies for internships and cooperative education programs. These can be both paid and unpaid, but offer invaluable work experience. The average internship salary is INR 1.2 lakh - INR 1.6 lakh per month.
Top Industries Offering Internships:
Information Technology
Engineering
Life Sciences
Finance
Sustainability and Environmental Sciences
Note: Internships often lead to permanent job offers after graduation.
While earning through part-time jobs is helpful, it’s equally important to understand how much candidates spend each month.
Monthly Expenses Breakdown:
Expense Category |
Average Monthly Cost |
---|---|
Accommodation |
INR 28,000 – INR 52,000 |
Food |
INR 16,000 – INR 24,000 |
Transportation |
INR 4,800 – INR 7,200 |
Utilities & Internet |
INR 4,000 – INR 6,400 |
Leisure & Others |
INR 8,000 – INR 12,000 |
Total |
INR 60,800 – INR lakh |
Graduating from a Swedish university opens doors to many high-paying jobs, especially in STEM and finance. Below are the salaries after graduation in Sweden:
Average Monthly Salary by Field:
Field |
Entry-Level Salary |
---|---|
IT & Software Development |
INR 2.4 lakh – INR 3.2 lakh |
Engineering |
INR 2.2 lakh – INR 3 lakh |
Finance & Accounting |
INR 2.1 lakh – INR 2.8 lakh |
Healthcare & Life Sciences |
INR 2.4 – INR 3.3 lakh |
Education & Humanities |
INR 1.76 – INR 2.24 lakh |
Finding a job in Sweden as an international student requires effort and familiarity with the local job market. Sweden offers a range of platforms, career services, and events that help students connect with companies. Whether candidates are looking for part-time work, internships, or freelancing, it's important to leverage both online and offline resources to increase their chances of success.
Popular Platforms:
Academic Work – Student and recent graduate jobs
Arbetsförmedlingen – Swedish Public Employment Service
LinkedIn – Professional networking and job search
Blocket Jobb – Local job listings
Universities organise regular career events where students can connect with recruiters. Building a strong LinkedIn profile and attending local networking events significantly helps.
Sweden offers international students not just world-class education, but also workable income opportunities through part-time work and internships. The average salary in Sweden for international students ranges between INR 80,000 to INR 1.2 lakh per month, which is sufficient to manage living expenses and gain real-world experience.