Sweden — Study (Salaried PhD position)

Main requirements

Per Study in Sweden, a doctoral student is both a student and a university employee with monthly salary, paid holiday and pension; the programme is four years full time (licentiate after two). No tuition. You apply directly to the department advertising a position, not via universityadmissions. Under the Higher Education Ordinance, the general entry requirement is a second-cycle (master's) degree, or at least 240 Swedish credits (ECTS-equivalent) of which at least 60 are at second-cycle level, or equivalent knowledge; an Iranian bachelor's alone usually does not meet this, so in practice you need a master's. Each advert adds its own specific requirements.

For the permit you need final admission to full-time doctoral studies; alongside it you may work up to 20% of full time on teaching, research or administration.

Documents

Usually CV, cover letter or research proposal, master's and bachelor's degrees and transcripts, referees and English proof (per advert). For the permit: passport and the university's certificate of admission showing the doctoral salary.

Language

Each advert sets its language requirement, usually English; Swedish is generally not required for international positions.

Costs and proof of funds

Maintenance is the same SEK 10,656 per month (2026), shown through the doctoral salary; add SEK 4,440/month for a spouse and SEK 2,664 per child. Permit fee SEK 1,500 (children SEK 750). Permits are granted for up to four years and not beyond the programme. Migrationsverket says complete applications are decided within 30 days.

Steps and timeline

Positions are advertised year-round (University Positions, Academic Positions, EURAXESS). After interviews and admission, apply online for the permit; spouse and children under 18 can apply at the same time.

Notes for Iranian applicants

Male conscripts still need exit clearance (deferment or bond; per a secondary source study trips are time-limited). Degrees from tuition-free programmes must be released in SAJAD. Biometrics and interviews are done at the Swedish Embassy in Tehran by appointment.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, path to permanent residence)

For permanent residence you need a total of four of the past seven years in Sweden on a residence permit (e.g. doctoral studies or work), or, since 11 June 2026, at least three consecutive years on a doctoral, research or Swedish EU Blue Card permit (time on these can be combined). Either way you must support yourself from employment or your own business and meet the conduct requirement. After the PhD you can get 12–18 months to look for work. For permanent residence you need at least SEK 6,243 a month left after housing (2026, single adult).