The choice to kick-start your graduate career in Sweden after your studies is a no-brainer. Sweden has an impressive history of technological, creative dexterity and strong global industries, creating a lot of job opportunities. If you’d like to stay on after you’ve completed your studies, read our post-study options guide.

What’s the graduate market like?

Ranked as the world’s sixth most competitive economy, Sweden has one of the lowest levels of national debt within the EU. With only 8.6% unemployment rate, graduates in Sweden face one of the world’s lowest poverty rates and highest GDP per capita.

The strong economy favours industries such as technology, timber, hydropower and iron ore. The nation is also well-known for its innovation and technological prowess and is responsible for developments such as Skype, Soundcloud, H&M and IKEA. Transferable skills of Engineering graduates are in high demand and students with Design, Computer Science and Business skills are highly sought after.

Sweden’s telecommunications, automotive, ICT and pharmaceutical industries are strong, with large companies and organisations dominating the scene. As Sweden continues to be a ‘talent magnet’, there’s always room for graduates who are creative and hard working.

Can I stay in Sweden after my degree?

Malaysian students will need a work permit to stay on in Sweden to work after completing their studies. You’ll need to have received a job offer from a Swedish employer before you graduate. They will need to fill out an ‘Offer of Employment’ form that details insurance information and the particulars of your employment, including your salary. You can apply for a work permit after you’ve been sent the completed offer.

You will need to apply for a work permit online. Before you start, you will need to make sure you have a valid e-mail address, a VISA or Mastercard to pay the application fee and all of the required documents in electronic format. You will receive the decision on your work permit via e-mail. Check out the Swedish Ministry of Education website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the online application process.

How can I find a job?

Picking up some Swedish will work to your advantage when searching for a job in Sweden. There are plenty of English-speaking jobs available in Sweden but you will increase your options if you’re able to understand, read or speak basic conversational Swedish. This will also assure employers that you are serious about staying on and have taken the initiative to learn.

Malaysian students may only apply for jobs that have been advertised through the EURES portal, an EU public employment service where all job listings from the Swedish Employment Agency (SEA) will appear. In some cases, you will be able to apply for a job listed by a private company or organisation if they agree to post the vacancy through SEA. If you see a position like that, contact the company directly and ask them to list the position through SEA. If they agree, then you will be able to apply and be considered for the position. You will also need to make sure that the position has been advertised for at least 10 days before you apply for a work permit.

Can my university help?

Swedish universities are aware how difficult it can feel for international students to search for and secure a job in Sweden, and will try their best to help you. Seek for advice on preparing a CV and gain invaluable interview techniques from your university’s career advisors.

Now that you’re ready to tackle Sweden’s job market, why not browse for courses in Sweden?