Arrival guide

Students with citizenship in countries outside the EU/EEA are required to have a residence permit. In order to get a residence permit in time for your studies, it is essential that you apply for one immediately after you have paid your tuition fee. 

Non-EU/EEA citizens

To be granted a residence permit you must:

• be admitted to full-time studies;
• have paid your tuition fee (not applicable if you are an exchange student) ;
• prove that you are able to financially support yourself throughout the planned study period; and
• have a valid passport.

You apply for a residence permit at a Swedish embassy or consulate in the country you are living in. You must have a valid residence card before you travel to Sweden. You can apply for a student residence permit online at the Swedish Migration Agency's website.

EU/EEA citizens

As a citizen of a country within the EU/EEA you have the right to reside and study in Sweden without a residence permit. For practical reasons, students who are studying for longer than one year are recommended to register with the Swedish Tax Agency in order to get a Swedish personal identification number. 

The insurance you are provided when studying in Sweden depends on your citizenship and whether or not you are an exchange student. On the Swedish Social Insurance Agency's website you can read more about medical care while studying in Sweden.

EU/EEA citizens

The European Health Insurance Card is a free card that gives you the right to immediate medical treatment equal to Swedish citizens. If you do not bring this card, you risk having to cover all eventual costs. The card is provided by your national health insurance provider.

Non-EU/EEA citizens

If you have a residence permit valid for at least one year

If you are a bachelor’s student or a two-year master’s student, you are entitled to the same health benefits as Swedish citizens. You must, however, register for a personal identification number at your local tax office as soon as you arrive in Sweden.

Medical insurance does not cover your journey to Sweden, or any time prior to relocating. Therefore, to be fully covered, you will need some form of travel insurance.

If you have a residence permit valid for less than one year

Fee-paying students on one-year master’s programmes or courses who hold residence permits for less than 12 months are covered by The Swedish State’s Insurance for Fee-Paying Students (FAS).

Exchange students

All incoming exchange students are covered for accident, liability and legal expenses through the Swedish State’s Insurance for Foreign Students in Sweden (Student IN Insurance).

EU/EEA citizens are covered for emergency medical and dental care through their European Health Insurance Card. Make sure you bring your card with you when you come to Sweden.

Having a personal identification number gives you access to services offered by private companies and authorities, such as bank accounts and gym membership. You apply for a Swedish personal identification number by registering with the Swedish Population Register. To be eligible, you need to:

• have a residence permit valid for at least 12 months; or
• be admitted to more than two semesters of study.

You need to be registered as a student at Malmö University before you can apply. 

Read more at the Swedish Tax Agency’s website

Coordination number

You can get a coordination number if you are studying a one-year master's programme. Please contact The University's International Office for more information. 

We strongly recommend that students start looking for accommodation as soon as possible after sending in their application.

Malmö University cannot guarantee accomodation to students who are not on exchange and not paying tuition fees. There are a number of options when it comes to housing and accommodation. Most student apartments are available through the regional housing agency Boplats Syd. Many students choose to share a place with other students or sublet.

Advice and tips on finding student accommodation in Malmö

Fee paying students and exchange students

International students paying tuition fees during their studies are guaranteed housing from Malmö University. Exchange students will be offered accommodation according to availability.

More information for fee-paying and exchange students

If you have a condition such as dyslexia, ADHD or impaired vision, you can apply for support based on your individual needs. Support includes assistance with note-taking, time extensions and access to a computer during examinations. Temporary illnesses or injuries do not make you eligible for disability support. If you have any questions about Disability Service, please contact funk@mau.se.

How to apply

You must have a computer identity in order to apply for disability support. You apply online through the NAIS database where you provide information about your disability and how it affects your studies. You need to include a certificate verifying yourApply for a Malmö University computer identity

Apply for disability support through the NAIS database disability.

What happens next?

When your application has been processed, you will be contacted by a member of staff who works with educational support. After discussing your needs together, you will receive a decision outlining the support you're entitled to.