The higher education sector in Sweden has welcomed proposed legislative amendments designed to make it easier for international researchers and doctoral students to study and work in the country. At the same time, student representatives are calling for further improvements in long-term retention policies.
The Swedish Legislative Council published a report on 27 January outlining changes aimed at improving conditions for foreign researchers and doctoral students and addressing potential misuse of study residence permits. If approved, the amendments are expected to take effect on 11 June 2026.
Under the proposals, international researchers and doctoral students would be able to obtain a permanent residence permit after three consecutive years in Sweden. It would also become easier to switch between different types of residence permits without leaving the country. Doctoral students could be granted a research residence permit instead of a study permit, facilitating mobility within the EU.
The amendments also include improved provisions for those covered under the Mass Displacement Directive, such as Ukrainian refugees, and tighter rules to prevent abuse of the visa system, including limiting students’ working hours to 15 per week during term time.
Swedish stakeholders stress that these changes are key to maintaining Sweden’s competitiveness in research. According to the 2024 report “Better migration rules for researchers and students,” around 40% of doctoral students in Sweden are international, with roughly half coming from outside Europe. However, many leave the country after completing their studies, resulting in a loss of expertise and potential workforce.
Robert Andersson, head of negotiations at the Association of University Teachers and Researchers (SULF), described the proposed changes as “a step in the right direction” after years of advocacy. While noting concerns over student work-hour limits, he welcomed the flexibility for summer employment and the removal of restrictions after graduation.
Experts also highlighted the benefits of extended residence permits post-graduation or after fixed-term positions, and the ability to apply for residence without leaving Sweden. They caution, however, that further policy improvements are needed to ensure that gains are not offset by new restrictions affecting residence security or access to welfare for international researchers and their families.
Student representatives, including the Doctoral Students’ Association at Karolinska Institutet, emphasize the importance of long-term retention strategies to fully realize Sweden’s potential as a destination for top international academic talent.
Topias Tolonen-Weckström, former chair of the Doctoral Committee at the Swedish National Union of Students, noted that the new rules correct unintended restrictions imposed by previous updates to the Aliens Act, which had tightened migration conditions for many groups, including researchers and doctoral students.
Lund University’s rector, Professor Erik Renstrom, called the amendments “another significant step forward” while acknowledging that Swedish migration legislation still requires a broader overhaul. He added that the current government has shown an understanding of higher education needs and a willingness to address major shortcomings.
