preschool: förskola
If you’re moving here with a child aged 1–5, you’ll probably hear about förskola (preschool) very quickly. Preschool isn’t compulsory, but it’s a normal part of family life in Sweden. Most children attend between ages 1 and 5. It helps children learn, play, make friends, and get comfortable in Swedish society — while also making it easier for parents to work or study. Förskola is affordable, subsidised, and widely available. In this article, we’ll walk you through how it works, how to apply, and what to expect — including the practical things expat parents wish someone had explained on day one. school
From preschool and school to university and adult education, there are plenty of study options. Learn about schools, enrolment, university, student finance and accommodation — so you can understand your options and choose the right path.
secondary school: gymnasieskola
After completing compulsory school, young people have the right to continue to upper secondary education. While not mandatory, it is widely seen as an essential stage of growth and preparation for the future. These 3 years offer more than academic knowledge — they provide direction, independence, and the opportunity for students to begin shaping their adult lives with confidence. Gymnasieskola combines academic learning, vocational training, and personal development in a system built on accessibility and trust in young people’s choices.new residence rules for foreign doctoral students and researchers
GOTHENBURG — New rules have been introduced in Sweden aimed at making the country more attractive to international researchers and doctoral students, while tightening rules around study residence permits. The changes took effect on 11 June 2026. The changes are part of a broader effort to attract international talent while strengthening controls around residence permits for studies. Doctoral students with a hosting agreement can now apply for a residence permit for research. The new rules also make it easier for eligible doctoral students and researchers to qualify for permanent residence. For qualifying permits, permanent residence can now be possible after 3 consecutive years in Sweden, provided the other requirements are met. Research permits, doctoral-study permits, certain long-term mobility research permits and EU Blue Cards can be counted towards this period. The period for looking for work or exploring starting a business after completing doctoral studies or research has been extended. It was previously limited to 12 months; under the new rules, the permit can now be granted for up to 18 months. The changes also introduce stricter rules for students in first- and second-cycle higher education. During semesters, students are generally limited to 15 hours of work per week, while work is unrestricted during June, July and August. There are also higher study-progress requirements and tighter rules for switching from a study permit to certain other permits. Are these changes impacting your academic career or job search after graduation? We would love to hear your thoughts — confidentially reach out to us at info@newroots.se.p.h.d. on offer to study authoritarian governments targeting people abroad
update: Applications for this PhD position closed on August 14, 2026. Shortlisting and interviews are underway for a January 2027 start. GOTHENBURG — For anyone interested in global politics, migration and human rights, Sweden may have just posted one of the more unusual PhD openings of the year. The University of Gothenburg is offering a fully funded doctoral position in Peace and Development Research focused on how authoritarian governments attempt to monitor, pressure or silence people living abroad — particularly activists, journalists and diaspora communities. The 4-year programme will examine how democratic countries such as Sweden, Norway and Estonia respond to what researchers describe as “transnational repression”, a growing issue where governments extend political pressure beyond their own borders. The selected candidate will join an international research team working on migration, democracy, security and global governance. The role includes both academic research and coursework, with the possibility of some teaching responsibilities along the way. Applicants are expected to have a master’s degree in a related subject such as International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies or Development Studies. Candidates will also need to submit a research proposal, academic transcripts, references and other supporting documents. Like most PhD positions in Sweden, the role comes with a salary and employee benefits, rather than tuition fees and unpaid research work. The programme is expected to begin in January 2027. If you applied for this position, we would love to hear your views on the initiative. You can confidentially share your thoughts via info@newroots.se.after the 2026 election: what could change for internationals
STOCKHOLM — Sweden has voted, but it is too early to say exactly what the next government will look like — or what policies it will introduce. The 2026 election produced a very close result. The Social Democrat-led opposition currently has a narrow lead over the parties supporting the outgoing government, but the final result is still being confirmed. The new Riksdag is due to meet on 28 September, with the earliest possible vote on a new prime minister on 29 September. For internationals living in Sweden, the important point is that most rules do not change immediately after an election. Changes to immigration, citizenship, work permits, benefits and other areas normally require decisions by the new government and/or Riksdag, and some changes require new legislation. So, for now, here is what we know — and what to watch. 1st: there is not yet a new government Socialdemokraterna (the Social Democrats), Vänsterpartiet (the Left Party), Miljöpartiet (the Green Party) and Centerpartiet (the Centre Party) have enough seats between them to form the parliamentary basis for a government, according to the current seat allocation. However, that does not automatically mean that all 4 parties will form a government together. The parties have different positions on several important issues, including taxation, migration and how the government should be organised. Negotiations will determine whether they can agree on a common programme. If a proposed prime minister cannot get enough support in the Riksdag, the process starts again. The Speaker has 4 attempts to find a candidate who can be accepted by the Riksdag. If all 4 attempts fail, an extraordinary election (extra val) must be held within 3 months. This is possible, although extraordinary elections are very unusual. what could change for internationals The election campaign included several issues that directly affect people who have moved to Sweden, particularly migration, work permits, citizenship, integration and family reunification. However, the direction of policy will depend on which parties ultimately form the government and what they agree to do together. 1 migration and residence permits Migration policy is likely to remain an important area to watch. Socialdemokraterna have said that Sweden's current restrictive migration policy should remain in place, while also proposing to stop certain so-called "teenage deportations". Centerpartiet has called for changes to several existing migration rules, including removing the current salary threshold for labour immigration and preventing some people who work and pay taxes in Sweden from being forced to leave because of the salary rules. what this could mean Do not assume that recent migration rules will simply be reversed. Some rules could change, while others may remain in place. 2 work permits and international workers Work-based immigration could be one of the areas where a change in government makes a practical difference. Centerpartiet has specifically proposed replacing the current salary threshold for labour immigration with a requirement based on collective agreements or normal industry practice. Socialdemokraterna, meanwhile, have said that their restrictive migration policy will remain in place. For international workers, this means that existing rules remain the rules until they are changed. If new proposals are introduced, the important questions will be: who will the changes apply to? will existing permit holders be protected? will applications already being processed be affected? will salary requirements change? what happens if you change employer? will family members be affected? 3 citizenship Citizenship has been one of the areas affected by Sweden's recent policy changes, and further changes could be considered after the election. For anyone planning to apply for Swedish citizenship, the important distinction is between rules that are already in force and proposals made during or after the election. For now: existing citizenship requirements continue to apply. 4 family reunification Family reunification is another area where political agreements could matter. Changes could affect requirements around income, housing, residence status and who qualifies to join a family member in Sweden. Centerpartiet has argued for changes intended to avoid family separation in certain migration cases, while Socialdemokraterna have maintained a comparatively restrictive migration position. For now: existing rules continue to apply. 5 integration and language Integration policy could also change, although exactly how will depend on the government that emerges. For example, the Centerpartiet has proposed replacing SFI with a more work-focused model called Jobbsvenska, combining Swedish-language learning with employment and vocational skills. Other parties have different approaches to language, employment and integration. For internationals, changes in this area could affect: Swedish-language education employment programmes support for newly arrived people recognition of previous qualifications routes into work conditions attached to some benefits what probably won't change overnight A change of government does not mean that Sweden's existing rules disappear on election night. If you already live, work or study in Sweden, your: residence permit work permit personnummer tax arrangements healthcare access school place benefits citizenship application do not automatically change because of the election. Policy changes normally have to go through the appropriate legal and parliamentary process, and some changes can take months or years to implement. what happens next The next few weeks are likely to be more about forming a government than immediately changing policy. Final election results are confirmed The new Riksdag meets on 28 September The process of selecting a prime minister begins after that The parties will need to agree on what they can govern together on. This is particularly important because the election produced a very narrow parliamentary margin. A government could therefore need support from parties that are not formally part of it. if no government can be formed The Speaker can make up to four proposals for prime minister. If all four are rejected, Sweden must hold an extraordinary election within 3 months. An extraordinary election would not automatically mean that existing rules disappear. Until a new government is appointed, the outgoing government can remain in place as a caretaker government and handle the ordinary business of government. what internationals should do now For most people, nothing immediately changes. If you are applying for a permit, citizenship, family reunification or another form of residence status, continue to follow the rules that apply to your situation. If a proposed change could affect you, wait for the actual legislation or official guidance rather than relying on election promises or headlines. We'll update this article as the new government, parliamentary agreements and specific policy changes become clearer.