International PhD candidates from outside the EU are urging prospective students to reconsider choosing Sweden for higher studies, citing significant hurdles to securing permanent residency under the country’s revised migration policies.

According to a report by the Swedish Association of University Teachers and Researchers (SULF), international early career researchers—particularly PhD students and recent graduates—have faced employment difficulties, lengthy visa processing times, and alleged bias in residency assessments since Sweden tightened its rules in 2021, reports Times Higher Education.

The study, which draws on interviews with around 40 researchers, paints a stark contrast between Sweden’s international reputation in higher education and the lived experience of many foreign researchers.

Respondents shared that restrictions on international travel during the application period cost them career opportunities. One remarked, “If your intention is to stay in Sweden, you can’t prioritise your research or career – you have to sacrifice it.” Some were reportedly unable to leave the country for several years while awaiting decisions.

In addition to facing discrimination based on nationality—particularly those from countries like Iran or Russia—many interviewees reported mental health challenges due to the uncertainty surrounding their legal status. “I went from an aspiring researcher with a lot of potential to a defeated person,” one said.

While the Swedish government has proposed allowing doctoral students and researchers to apply for permanent residency after three years instead of four, the SULF Doctoral Candidates Association (SULF-DCA) believes these changes fall short. “If the aim is to improve long-term recruitment and retention of international talent in Swedish higher education, these proposals do not go far enough,” the organisation stated.

Asked whether they would recommend Sweden to aspiring researchers, many respondents said they would not. As a word of caution to others, SULF-DCA advised: “Do your homework, know what to anticipate, and beware the fine print.”