New to Sweden and trying to break into the job market? Jobbsprånget is a national internship programme made for foreign-born academics looking to gain their first local experience. You’ll spend 4 months at a Swedish workplace, build connections, and learn how things work on the ground. While the company doesn’t pay a salary, you’ll receive financial support through arbetsförmedlingen, making it a solid first step into Swedish working life.
Breaking into the Swedish job market can be difficult if you don’t yet have local work experience. Jobbsprånget was created to solve exactly that problem. It’s structured, supportive, and actually leads to real jobs while giving you a safe place to learn Swedish workplace culture without pressure.
It also connects international professionals living in Sweden with employers who are willing to offer a short internship, helping participants gain real workplace experience, and build connections that can lead to long-term employment.
If you have been looking for work for a while without luck, then Jobbsprånget is your realistic next step.
Jobbsprånget is a nationwide, government- and foundation‑funded internship programme aimed at helping foreign‑born academics enter the Swedish labour market faster. The programme matches qualified candidates with Swedish employers for a structured internship lasting four months.
The programme operates through collaboration between employers and Arbetsförmedlingen, which provides financial support to participants during the internship.
Since its launch, thousands of internships have been completed through the programme, making it one of Sweden’s largest initiatives aimed at integrating international talent into the workforce.
why it exists
The programme tackles the biggest challenges newcomers face:
- lack of Swedish references
- lack of local work experience
- difficulty accessing professional networks
- difficulty navigating Swedish workplace culture
programme structure
Internships through Jobbsprånget typically follow a structured format designed to give participants meaningful professional experience.
key characteristics include:
- 4 months, full‑time internship
- on-site, hybrid, or remote depending on the employer
- related to the participant’s educational background
- conducted in English (project language)
- available across 50+ locations in Sweden
- interns are insured by arbetsförmedlingen, and participation is free for employers
outcomes & success rate
Jobbsprånget is known for its strong results:
- 70% of interns get a job after completing the internship
- 500+ employers have participated since 2016
- Employers consistently recommend the programme
- Many interns find permanent roles within their host company
To participate in Jobbsprånget, applicants must meet several criteria:
education
Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant academic field.
country of birth
Be foreign-born (outside Sweden). The programme is primarily aimed at people born outside Sweden; some placements may have additional employer-specific preferences.
residence
Live in Sweden with a valid residence status that allows participation in an internship or work placement. Student residence permits are generally not eligible.
employment status
Be registered with Arbetsförmedlingen as a job seeker (and in some cases have completed an initial planning meeting, depending on local process).
language
Good English proficiency is required.
additional note
People with:
- student residence permits
- or work permits tied to a specific employer
are typically not eligible, since the programme is designed for job-seekers available to the Swedish labour market.
Applications are submitted through the jobbsprånget online portal.
The typical process includes:
1
☐ register with arbetsförmedlingen
You must be registered as a job seeker and may need to attend an initial planning meeting.
2
☐ create a profile on Jobbsprånget’s portal
During the application window, go to the official portal and upload your details.
3
☐ browse and apply to internship roles
Apply to positions that match your background and interests.
4
☐ employers review applications
If selected, employers will contact you directly for an interview.
5
☐ employers select candidates
Final selection is made by the host employer.
6
☐ start your internship
Once accepted, you sign the relevant agreements and begin the 4-month internship.
Applicants may apply to multiple positions during each application round.
application periods
The programme runs twice per year:
- July 16 – August 16 → internships starting in autumn
- December 16 – January 16 → internships starting in spring
Profiles can be created at any time, but applications can only be submitted during these periods.
Internships in Jobbsprånget are not salaried employment, meaning you do not receive a wage from the host company.
Instead, eligible participants may receive financial support through Sweden’s public employment system.
This usually works through Arbetsförmedlingen (Public Employment Service), which determines whether you qualify for support such as activity-based compensation. If approved, payments are then administered and distributed through Försäkringskassan.
The amount and eligibility depend on your individual situation, including factors such as:
- your residency status
- whether you are registered as a job seeker
- previous work history or benefits eligibility
- participation in an approved programme like Jobbsprånget
This support is designed to cover basic living costs during the internship period, but it is not equivalent to a full salary.
It is important to note:
- Not all participants automatically qualify
- Approval is assessed individually
- You should confirm your eligibility with Arbetsförmedlingen before starting
In short, Jobbsprånget internships are unpaid by employers, but some participants may receive state-backed financial support depending on their circumstances.
☐ Internship length: 4 months
☐ Salary: No salary from the employer
☐ Financial support: Activity support/allowance through Arbetsförmedlingen and Försäkringskassan (if eligible)
☐ Application rounds: Usually twice per year
☐ Target group: Foreign-born academics/professionals living in Sweden
☐ Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree or higher
☐ Age requirement: Usually 25+ years old
☐ Residence/work status required: Valid work permit or residence status allowing work (student visas usually not eligible)
☐ Registration requirement: Must be registered with Arbetsförmedlingen
☐ Language requirement: Professional English required; Swedish often not required
☐ Cost: Free to apply and participate
☐ Application method: Online application through the official programme portal
- Jobbsprånget is not a study‑related internship; it’s a professional internship for graduates
- The internship does not guarantee employment afterward
- Participants must be registered with Arbetsförmedlingen
- Competition for positions can be high
- Your work permit must allow you to work full-time
- Many employers use this as a pre‑hire trial, so treat it like a real job
- Internships are unpaid, but you remain covered through Arbetsförmedlingen’s insurance
- Apply to several positions — more applications increase your chances of being selected for interviews
- Tailor your CV to Sweden: use a clear, clean layout with key skills upfront and avoid unnecessary wording
- Polish your LinkedIn before applying — recruiters often check your profile before interviews
- Highlight international experience — Swedish employers value diverse perspectives and global exposure
- Prepare for cultural differences — workplaces in Sweden emphasise collaboration, equality, and initiative
- Network during the internship — many participants find jobs through connections made during their placement
- Be honest about your Swedish level — the internship is usually conducted in English, so fluency in Swedish is not required
- Show initiative once inside — independence and teamwork are both highly valued in Swedish workplaces
is jobbsprånget a paid internship?
No. Interns do not receive a salary from the employer. Instead, financial support is provided through government employment programmes.
how long does the internship last?
Each internship lasts four months.
can students apply?
No. Student visas are not eligible. You must have a valid Swedish work permit.
can I apply to multiple positions?
Yes. Candidates can apply to several internship opportunities during each application period.
does the internship guarantee a job?
No, but many participants find employment after completing the program thanks to their experience and professional network.
do I need swedish language skills?
Not necessarily. The programme uses English as the working language.
do all interns get hired afterwards?
Not all, but around 60-70% do, which is exceptionally high.