If you don't qualify for Korta vägen or Jobbsprånget, Sweden offers several alternative pathways to gain professional experience. From STEM-focused exchanges like Tekniksprånget and IAESTE, to global leadership networks like AIESEC, university-integrated placements, and roles within government or NGOs, this guide outlines your options, eligibility rules, and visa requirements.
For international students, newcomers, and foreign-born jobseekers in Sweden, Jobbsprånget and Korta vägen are well-known entry points into the local labor market. However, because these programs have strict eligibility criteria — often tied to registration with Arbetsförmedlingen (the Public Employment Service) or specific academic backgrounds — they aren't accessible to everyone.
Fortunately, the Swedish professional ecosystem offers several alternative internship programs across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Whether you are currently studying, a recent graduate, or a young professional, exploring these alternatives can help you secure that crucial first foothold in the Swedish market.
Tekniksprånget is a national internship initiative designed to encourage young people to pursue careers in engineering and technology. The programme offers 4-month paid internships with Swedish employers, allowing participants to experience real engineering work before committing to further studies in the field.
In 2026, the internship salary is SEK 19,270 per month.
The initiative is run by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, a prestigious Swedish institution focused on promoting technological and industrial development.
Since its launch, thousands of participants have completed internships through the programme, gaining hands-on experience and insights into engineering professions. The programme is supported by a wide network of Swedish companies and organisations that host interns and provide mentorship during the internship period.
programme structure
Tekniksprånget internships follow a clear structure designed to give participants meaningful workplace exposure.
Participants are typically placed within engineering departments where they assist with projects and daily operations. Interns are often assigned a supervisor who introduces them to workplace tasks, company culture, and industry practices.
The internship lasts approximately 4 months, and participants work full-time during this period. Interns receive a monthly salary, making it one of the few internship programmes in Sweden that offers direct financial compensation from employers.
Applications are normally open in April–May for autumn internships and October–November for spring internships.
eligibility
Tekniksprånget targets young people who are considering a career in engineering or technology:
- 18–21 years old when applying
- Have completed upper-secondary education in science, technology or economics, or an equivalent IB programme
- Certain applicants with a technical or scientific foundation year may also qualify
- Applicants with foreign upper-secondary qualifications can apply if they have a Swedish personnummer and live in Sweden during the internship
benefits
The programme offers several advantages:
- Early exposure to engineering careers
- Paid work experience in technical environments
- Professional mentorship
- Insights into Swedish industrial workplaces
For many participants, the internship helps them decide whether to pursue engineering education and provides valuable early career experience.
- Typically, a residence permit is required (non-EU)
- Most participants are young Swedish residents, but if you are international, you must have legal residence that allows full-time work, not just a student permit
IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) connects students with paid, subject-related internships abroad, primarily in STEM and other technical fields. Opportunities can include engineering, IT, natural sciences, agriculture and research.
IAESTE internships are generally paid and can range from short placements to longer internships, depending on the country and employer. In Sweden, students can create an account on the IAESTE international portal and browse available opportunities throughout the year.
benefits
Students and recent graduates looking for technical, scientific or engineering experience abroad.
AIESEC offers international professional internships through its Global Talent programme. Unlike IAESTE, it covers a broader range of professional fields, including business administration, IT, marketing, finance, business development and engineering.
You create a profile, search available opportunities and apply directly through AIESEC's platform. If selected, AIESEC provides support with preparation and logistics before and during the internship.
benefits
Young people looking for international professional experience outside the more technical focus of IAESTE.
- International students may use their student residence permit, because IAESTE internships are usually considered part of studies or approved work for students
- Before considering the programme, confirm with Migrationsverket that your permit allows internship work
Some Swedish government agencies and institutions occasionally offer internships open to international students or graduates, particularly in areas related to policy, research, and international cooperation. It occasionally offer internship opportunities within ministries, public agencies, and diplomatic missions. These internships provide students and recent graduates with experience in public administration, policymaking, and governmental operations.
Working within government institutions allows interns to observe how policies are developed and implemented, as well as how government departments collaborate with national and international stakeholders.
Internships may be offered by:
- ministries within the Swedish government
- government agencies
- Swedish embassies and diplomatic missions abroad
internship structure
Government internships are usually structured around academic semesters or shorter project-based placements.
Typical tasks may include:
- assisting with research and policy analysis
- preparing reports and documentation
- supporting administrative processes
- participating in meetings and workshops
Interns often work closely with civil servants and gain insight into the functioning of Swedish public institutions.
eligibility
These internships are generally intended for:
- university students
- recent graduates
- individuals studying fields related to public policy, law, economics, or international relations
Some positions may require Swedish language proficiency, while others may accept English-speaking applicants depending on the department.
benefits
Government internships provide:
- insight into public administration
- policy development experience
- professional connections within government institutions
- understanding of Sweden’s governance system
- A residence permit with work rights is usually required.
- Some ministries may require Swedish citizenship, but others accept internationals with work-authorised residence permits
- Student permits may work if the internship is officially part of your studies
Students enrolled at Swedish universities may be able to access internships built into their academic programmes, allowing them to gain professional experience while completing their studies.
Many universities in Sweden incorporate internships into their academic programmes. These internships allow students to gain professional experience while earning academic credits.
Unlike independent internships, these placements are usually formally integrated into coursework and supervised by university faculty.
Students often complete internships during their final semesters, when they have developed sufficient academic knowledge to apply in a professional environment.
structure
University-integrated internships typically include:
- a placement within an organiation related to the student’s field of study
- a defined internship period, often lasting several weeks or months
- academic supervision and evaluation
- a final report or reflection assignment
The internship may take place in private companies, research institutions, public agencies, or non-profit organisations.
eligibility
Eligibility depends on the academic programme, but generally requires:
- enrollment in a university programme
- approval from the programmem coordinator
- completion of certain prerequisite courses
Some programes require students to find their own internships, while others provide support through university career services.
benefits
These internships allow students to:
- apply theoretical knowledge in real workplaces
- develop professional skills
- build networks within their field
- increase employability after graduation
Because they are integrated into degree programmes, these internships often carry academic credit.
Erasmus+ can provide another route to an international traineeship. Students enrolled at eligible Swedish universities can apply for Erasmus+ funding to undertake a work placement in another participating country. The traineeship can sometimes be integrated into your degree programme, but Erasmus+ is primarily a mobility and funding scheme rather than an internship provider.
benefits
Students who want to combine an internship with an international study or exchange experience.
Your right to work depends entirely on your residence permit status with Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency):
- Student permit: You can work full-time alongside your studies, but non-curriculum internships may be scrutinised if they lack academic credits
- Exchange permit: Programs like IAESTE and AIESEC qualify for specialised training and exchange visas
- Post-graduation permit: The "seek work after studies" permit grants full working rights for paid internships and trainee roles
- Security clearance: Many government and ministry roles legally require Swedish citizenship for security reasons
- Check the pay: fully unpaid internships outside formal education or labour-market programmes are relatively uncommon in Sweden — always clarify compensation, insurance coverage and employment conditions before accepting an internship
- Pick the right language: Tekniksprånget and government roles usually require Swedish, while IAESTE, AIESEC, and tech startups operate primarily in English
- Get a written contract: secure a signed tripartite agreement before starting to protect your hours, insurance, and formal completion certificate (tjänsteutlåtande)
- Use university portals: avoid blind searching; use university career hubs (like JobTeaser or Graduateland) to find employers actively looking for interns
- Build your network before you need it: Career fairs, student events and professional communities can lead to opportunities that aren't advertised
- Don't limit yourself to the word “internship”: Search for terms such as trainee, working student, student assistant, thesis project and graduate programme
is i.a.e.s.t.e. the same as a.i.e.s.e.c.?
No. They are separate organisations with different focuses. IAESTE primarily offers technical and STEM-related internships, while AIESEC's Global Talent programme covers a broader range of professional fields.
do I have to be a student?
It depends on the programme. IAESTE opportunities are primarily aimed at students and, in some cases, recent graduates. AIESEC's eligibility varies by opportunity, so check the requirements for each placement.
are i.a.e.s.t.e. internships paid?
Yes. IAESTE Sweden states that its internships are paid, although the salary varies depending on the country and employer.
does a.i.e.s.e.c. guarantee an internship?
No. You apply for individual opportunities and go through the relevant selection process. AIESEC provides support around the process and logistics, but selection depends on the employer and opportunity.
can I use these programmes to find an internship in sweden?
It depends on the specific programme and your eligibility. Many opportunities through IAESTE and AIESEC involve international placements, so check the individual opportunity and any Swedish residence or work requirements before applying.