An investigator has been assigned by the Swedish government to suggest policies that would increase the nation's appeal to international researchers and doctorate students while also working to keep them in the country. Strengthening Sweden's standing as a research and innovation nation is the goal, according to a joint press release from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education. The investigator's responsibilities include examining the rules governing study residence permits and preventing their misuse. Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Migration Minister pointed out that international collaborations are vital for Sweden to maintain its reputation as an innovation nation. One way how Sweden can reach such goals includes setting up the best conditions for foreign doctoral students and researchers to work in the country. On the other hand, the Swedish Education Minister, Mats Persson noted that foreign students who have graduated from Swedish universities can become an important resource for meeting skills demands that are needed in the country. In this way, the authorities ensure that study residence permits are not being misused. The assignment must be reported by December 9, 2024, at the latest.

Number of Doctoral Students 5.14% Down In Last Decade

According to data from Statista, the number of doctoral students in Sweden has changed between 2010 and 2022, marking a decrease of 5.14 per cent. While in 2010, 18,397 doctoral students were recorded, this number fell to 17,450 in 2022. In 2013, the number of doctoral students in the country reached a high record of 19,611, and ever since then, the number has dropped down before reaching an all-time high of 17,450 in 2022. The Swedish Migration Agency reveals that a total of 1,043 student permits were issued in the first quarter of 2024, consisting of data for January, February and March. The number of applications was 893, with some 1,369 being pending cases with no decision yet. Another 1,911 received a decision, with 422 of those being recorded in March alone.