Information for scholarship holders

When welcoming a scholarship holder, it is important to be aware of several key issues. A scholarship holder is not regarded as an employee of Örebro University and, therefore, does not have the same rights or access to employment-related benefits.

Sick and parental leave

Scholarship holders are not eligible for or entitled to sick or parental leave benefits from Örebro University. Nor does a scholarship count as income on which sickness benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) are based. For doctoral students funded by scholarships, health and parental insurance policies can  be taken out with the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet). Contact HR for further information.

Scholarships do not entitle holders to reimbursement from Örebro University for medical visits or medicine.

Annual leave

Scholarship holders are not covered by the statutory right to annual leave. However, compensation is paid in full throughout the scholarship period.

Pension

Scholarship holders are not entitled to a pension from Örebro University.

Wellness

Scholarship holders are not eligible for a wellness allowance or other wellness-related benefits, such as swimming passes.

Insurance

Foreign scholarship holders who stay in Sweden for less than one year and are not assigned a Swedish personal identity number are covered by Kammarkollegiet’s “Insurance for Foreign Visitors” (FUB). The insurance is valid at all times and covers emergency medical and dental care. However, it does not cover routine check-ups or medication for pre-existing conditions.

Foreign scholarship holders who will stay in Sweden for more than one year and who apply for a Swedish personal identity number are covered by FUB. After the scholar obtains a personal identity number, coverage continues with Kammarkollegiet’s occupational injury insurance, known as “Special Personal Injury Protection” (SPS). The SPS insurance covers the scholarship holder while they are engaged in activities or assignments, or travelling to or from activities/assignments, as long as their travel is direct without stops along the way.

Foreign scholarship holders who will stay in Sweden for more than one year and who apply for a Swedish personal identity number are covered by FUB until the insurance provider has been notified of the holder’s personal identity number. After that, coverage continues with Kammarkollegiet’s occupational injury insurance, known as “Special Personal Injury Protection” (SPS). The SPS insurance covers the scholarship holder while they are engaged in activities or assignments, or travelling to or from activities/assignments, as long as their travel is direct without stops along the way.

Scholarship holders are advised to review their private insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage, including accident coverage and home insurance.

Insurance terms and conditions – FUB
Insurance terms and conditions – SPS (in Swedish)

Social insurance

Social insurance in Sweden is administered by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). The Swedish social insurance provides two main types of benefits: work-related benefits and residence-based benefits.

Since scholarship holders do not have paid employment in Sweden, they are not eligible for work-related benefits.

Scholarship holders who stay in Sweden for more than a year are generally eligible for residence-based benefits. However, doctoral students with a scholarship are not considered residents in Sweden (according to Chapter 5, Section 8 of the Social Insurance Code) and therefore do not qualify for such benefits.

Sickness and parental insurance for doctoral students with scholarships

Scholarships are not considered sickness benefit qualifying income (SGI) by the Försäkringskassan. Therefore, doctoral students with scholarships are not eligible for sickness benefits or parental benefits from Försäkringskassan.

Via Örebro University, doctoral students with scholarships are covered by Kammarkollegiet’s “Sickness and parental insurance for doctoral students with stipends”. Please note that this applies only to doctoral students.

Contact HR for more information.

Residence permit

Scholarship holders who require a residence permit must verify which type is required. Read more on the Swedish Migration Agency website.

Residence permit for research
Residence permit for doctoral students

NOTE: Doctoral students who are not admitted to studies in Sweden must apply for a residence permit for visits, not a residence permit for studies.

HR cannot assist with documentation as the stay is not connected to employment, but can offer basic guidance.