Before you arrive as a student

Pay your tuition fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you must pay before you start your studies at the University of Gothenburg. It is important to complete your payment on time, as it may affect your residence permit application.

About tuition fees and how to pay

Residence permit

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, your requirements depend on how long you plan to stay in Sweden. It is important to begin preparing your application as soon as possible, as processing times may be long.

As an EU/EEA citizen, you have the right to study, work and live in Sweden without a permit. You do not need to contact the Swedish Migration Agency. When entering Sweden, you need to bring a valid passport or national ID card.

Read more about residence permits and visas for students

Check your insurances

Make sure you are fully insured throughout your entire stay in Sweden, as well as during travel to and from Sweden. As a student at the university, you are generally covered by various kinds of insurance.

Insurance as a student at the University on Student portal

Other insurances depending on your stay

Acommodation in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city and housing can be difficult to find, particularly at the beginning of each semester. We strongly recommend that you begin looking for accommodation as soon as possible.

To increase your chances of finding housing, consider areas outside the city centre. Public transport in Gothenburg is reliable and well developed, making it easy to commute from surrounding areas.

Student housing

Plan your finances

Make sure you have a plan for your finances before arriving in Sweden. Living costs can vary depending on your lifestyle. 

Sweden is largely a cash-free society. You will need a debit or credit card for most payments.

Living costs in Gothenburg

Register as a resident

If you are going to stay in Sweden for a year or more, visit the Swedish Tax Agency’s online service “Moving to Sweden” to register yourself as a resident. You will complete the registration when you have arrived in Sweden and visit a State Service Centre. 

Moving to Sweden (skatteverket.se)

Documents to prepare

Before travelling to Sweden, make sure you bring all necessary documents. Some documents are required for official procedures, while others may be useful during your stay. Examples of documents to bring:

• Valid passport
• Residence permit decision
• Housing contract
• Recent bank statements
• Degree certificates
• Vaccination and medical records

We also recommend scanning important documents and saving digital copies.

Travelling to Gothenburg

Gothenburg is located on the west coast of Sweden and is well connected to other European cities by air, train, bus and ferry.

The closest airport is Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT). From the airport, you can travel to the city centre by airport shuttle bus (Flygbussarna). The main stop is Nils Ericson Terminal, located next to Gothenburg Central Station.

Practical travel information, (goteborg.com)

Before travelling, make sure you review entry requirements and required travel documents.

Information about border control requirements, (polisen.se)

If you are travelling with medication, please check the regulations regarding medicines for personal use with the Swedish Medical Products Agency before departure.

Guidelines for travelling to Sweden with medicines, (Swedish Medical Products Agency)

Apply for student buddies

Student buddies are students who work on a voluntary basis to welcome international students to the University. They organize many social activities especially at the start of the semester, but also throughout the year. 

Support and contacts

Find out what resources are available to support your education and everyday student life.

Student Services and Support