Average Salary in Sweden for International Students

Learn about the average salary in Sweden for international students, including part-time job wages, internship stipends, and potential earnings after graduation.
authorImageMbbs 27 Jun, 2025
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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. 

Work Rights for International Students in Sweden

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

Types of Part-Time Jobs Available

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

Average Salary in Sweden for International Students

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

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

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.

Cost of Living in Sweden for International Students

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

Salary After Graduation in Sweden

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

How to Find Jobs in Sweden as an International Student

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

Networking and Career Fairs:

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.

 

Average Salary in Sweden for International Students FAQ's

What happens after graduation in terms of work?

Graduates can apply for a 12-month extension to find full-time work, and then apply for a work permit once employed.

Can international students work full-time in Sweden?

During academic breaks, yes. But during semesters, academics should be the priority, though there's no formal cap on hours.

Is it easy to find part-time jobs in Sweden as a foreign student?

It can be competitive, especially in non-English speaking roles. Learning basic Swedish and using the university career services helps.

Do part-time student jobs in Sweden pay enough to cover living costs?

In many cases, yes. Most students cover a significant portion of their monthly expenses through part-time income.
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