Studying in Sweden is a dream for many Indian students due to its high-quality education, safe environment, and global career opportunities. But the cost of living and tuition can become a concern for students and their families. One of the most practical ways Indian students manage their expenses in Sweden is through part-time jobs. This guide will walk you through the real aspects of working while studying in Sweden and how RG International helps students manage their journey better.
Cost of Studying in Sweden for Indian Students
Before diving into part-time jobs, it’s important to understand the overall cost.
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Tuition Fees: Public universities in Sweden charge between SEK 80,000 to SEK 140,000 per year (approx. INR 6.5 to 11.5 lakhs) for international students.
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Living Costs: The average monthly living expense ranges from SEK 8,000 to SEK 12,000 (approx. INR 66,000 to 99,000), depending on lifestyle and city.
This means that over the course of a two-year master’s degree, a student may spend INR 20 to 25 lakhs in total.
Rules for Part-Time Work on a Swedish Student Visa
Sweden offers flexible work rules for international students, including Indians. Here’s what you need to know:
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Work Limit: There is no official limit on work hours during the semester, but students must prioritize their studies. Universities expect students to spend around 40 hours per week on academic work.
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During Holidays: Students can work full-time during holidays and semester breaks.
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Tax Requirements: If you earn above a certain limit, you must register for a Swedish Tax ID (personnummer) and pay taxes accordingly.
👉 Note: Students should inform their university or academic supervisor if they are working more than casual hours.
Average Hourly Pay for Part-Time Jobs in Sweden
The hourly wage depends on the job and location. Here’s a practical breakdown:
| Job Type | Average Pay (SEK/hour) | Approx. INR/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant staff | 100–130 | 800–1,050 |
| Delivery jobs (Foodora, Uber Eats) | 110–150 | 880–1,200 |
| Retail or cashier roles | 100–140 | 800–1,120 |
| University assistantships | 120–160 | 960–1,280 |
| Cleaning jobs | 90–120 | 720–960 |
💡 On average, Indian students working part-time earn between SEK 8,000 to 10,000 per month (approx. INR 66,000 to 82,000), which can cover their living expenses comfortably.
Common Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Sweden
Here are the most popular and accessible part-time jobs:
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Cafés and Restaurants: Waiters, kitchen helpers, dishwashers.
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Supermarkets and Retail Stores: Cashiers, stockers, shelf arrangers.
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Delivery Services: Bicycle and car delivery jobs with apps like Foodora, Wolt, Uber Eats.
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Cleaning Services: Office and house cleaning jobs.
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On-Campus Jobs: Research assistants, library assistants, lab helpers.
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Tutoring: Teaching English or academic subjects to local or international students.
✅ Tip: Basic knowledge of Swedish can help find better part-time opportunities, but many jobs in major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö accept English-speaking students.
How RG International Helps Indian Students in Sweden
At RG International, we understand that the financial side of studying abroad is just as important as academics. Here’s how we assist:
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Complete Guidance on Part-Time Work: We educate students on how and where to find legal and safe jobs.
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University Selection with On-Campus Job Options: We help students choose universities that offer assistantships and campus jobs.
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Visa Guidance: Accurate counseling on Swedish student visa regulations related to part-time work.
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Post-Arrival Support in Sweden: From job board access to community connects, we guide students even after landing.
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Budget Planning: We help families understand how much they’ll spend and how much can be earned through part-time work.
Final Thoughts
Part-time jobs are not just a source of income they’re also a way to integrate into Swedish society, build experience, and manage living expenses without burdening your family. For Indian students in Sweden, managing studies and part-time work responsibly is completely doable, and many are already doing it successfully.
Looking to study in Sweden and work part-time to support your stay?
RG International has guided over 100+ students in finding the right universities and making smart financial choices.
