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INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Universitet (University)
Högskola (University College)
School leaving and higher education credentials:
Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola
Kvalificerad yrkesexamen
Högskoleexamen
Yrkesexamen (Undergraduate)
Kandidatexamen
Magisterexamen med ämnesdjup
Magisterexamen med ämnesbredd
Yrkesexamen (Postgraduate)
Licentiatexamen
Doktorsexamen
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 7
Age of exit: 16
Structure of school system:
Basic
Type of school providing this education:
Grundskola
Length of program in years: 9
Age level from: 7 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Slutbetyg Från Grundskola
Upper Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Gymnasium
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 16 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola
Upper Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Folkhögskola
(Folk high school)
Certificate/diploma awarded: Intyg om allmän behörighet
(certificate concerning general eligibility for higher education) or
"Intyg om särskild behörighet" (certificate concerning specific
eligibility)
Upper Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Municipal
adult school (Komvux)
Certificate/diploma awarded: Slutbetyg
Från Komvux
School education:
The Swedish state school system comprises compulsory
school and various types of voluntary schooling. Compulsory school includes
nine years of compulsory basic school, school for the Saami people of Northern
Sweden, special school and compulsory school for the mentally handicapped.
Post-compulsory education is offered through 17 National Programmes providing
qualifications that allow students to go on to higher education. Some of these
programmes also include industrial work placements. The National Programmes of
upper secondary education are offered at Gymnasia and lead to the award of the
Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola.Tuition is free.Outside the upper secondary school
system there are folk high schools (Folkhögskolan) which provide
state-supported adult education lasting between one and three years of studies.
There are no formal examinations. Post-secondary studies include advanced
vocational training (Kvalificerad yrkesutbilding) which is intended to meet the
labour market's needs for the skills required for modern production of goods
and services. About one-third of the course period takes place at the
workplace. As from January 2002, this form of training is a permanent part of
the Swedish educational system but does not belong to the higher education
sector. Admission is based on three-year upper secondary education or
corresponding proficiency. The training is normally intended to correspond to
two years of study and leads to a Certificate of Advanced Vocational Training
(Kvalificerad yrkesexamen).
Higher education:
The Swedish system includes not only traditional
university studies, but also Teacher Training, Health Care Training, Technical
Training, etc. It is the responsibility of: the central government, regional
authorities and private interests. All higher education institutions fall under
the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education except for the University of
Agricultural Sciences (Ministry of Agriculture). Higher education is divided
into undergraduate studies (courses combined towards a first degree) and
postgraduate studies and research.
Main laws/decrees governing higher
education:
Decree: Förordning för Sveriges
Lantbruksuniversitet SFS 1993:221 Year: 1993
Concerns: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Decree: Förordning om tillstånd att utfärda vissa examina SFS
1993:956 Year: 1993
Decree: Government bill on the degree system Year: 2004
Decree: Högskoleförordningen SFS
1993:100 (Higher Education Ordinance)
(http://utbildning.regeringen.se/inenglish/pdf/heo_jan03.pdf Year: 1993
Concerns: the whole higher education system
Decree: Högskolelagen SFS 1992:1424
(Higher Education Act)
http://utbildning.regeringen.se/inenglish/pdf/higher_education_act.pdf Year: 1993
Concerns: the whole higher education system
Decree: Lag om kvalificerad yrkesutbildning
(SFS 2001:239) Year: 2001
Concerns: Advanced Vocational Training
Decree: Lag om tillstånd att utfärda
vissa examina SFS 1993:792 Year: 1993
Concerns: Private higher education
Academic year:
Classes from: Aug to: Jun
Long vacation from: 15 Jun to: 15 Aug
Languages of instruction: Swedish,
English
Stages of studies:
University level studies:
University level first stage: Undergraduate
studies:
All
basic higher education is offered in the form of courses. There is scope for
individual choice but students may combine different courses into a degree
programme. Study programmes are divided into credits. One credit corresponds to
one week of full-time study. One year usually represents 40 credits. The
Diploma (Högskoleexamen) is awarded after the completion of at least 80 credits
(two years' full-time study). It is awarded by all universities and higher
education institutions. The Bachelor's Degree (Kandidatexamen) is conferred after the completion of at least
120 credits (three years' full-time study). In the major subject, in-depth
studies of at least 60 credits (three terms) are required, including an independent
special project of at least 10 credits. Since 1 November 2001 there are two
types of Magistersexamen (Master of):
1)The Magisterexamen med ämnesdjup is awarded after the completion of at
least 160 credits (four years' full-time study). In the major subject, in-depth
studies of at least 80 credits (four terms) are required, including an
independent special project of at least 20 credits or two projects of at least
10 credits each. 2) The Magisterexamen med ämnesbredd requires at least 40
credits including an independent special project of at least 10 credits. The
Magisterexamen med ämnesbredd is awarded in addition to a degree of at least
120 points. Apart from the general academic degrees, there are some 60
professional degrees (Yrkesexamen) which vary in length between 40 and 220
points, depending on their character and field of study. They include the
degrees of Doctor of Medicine, Master of Science in Engineering or in
Agriculture, as well as the Bachelor of Education for the Compulsory School.
University level second stage: Postgraduate
studies:
The Licentiatexamen (Licenciate degree) requires 80
points (two years of study and research) including a larger thesis, after
completion of at least 120 points at undergraduate level. This degree can also
be awarded as an intermediate degree towards the Doktorsexamen. which requires
a minimum of four years' full-time study beyond completion of at least 120
points at the undergraduate level. Doctoral studies consist of seminars,
reading and methodology courses, individual literature surveys and independent
research. The thesis must describe and account for organization and results of
research, be published and be publicly defended.
Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and
primary/basic school teachers
A
new teacher training programme was introduced on July 1 2001. It includes a
60-credit course in pedagogics, special education and teaching practice that is
common to all students. There is, in principle, only one teaching degree
(lärarexamen) for the public school but with different specializations in terms
of age groups, subject areas or other competences. The length of study for
pre-school teachers and teachers at lower grades of primary/basic school is at
least 140 credits. According to provisional regulations, students who started
studying in teacher training programmes (to become e.g. grundskollärare) before
July 1 2001 have the right to be awarded a degree according to the previous
regulations until the end of June 2008.
Training of secondary school teachers
Teacher training for upper secondary schools
(Gymnasielärarutbildning) is based on a combination of subjects within often
one and the same field, e.g. Mathematics-Natural Sciences, Languages,
Humanities. A total of 180-200/220 credits including pedagogical training is
required. These subjects are studied up to a level of 60 or 80 credits. Instead
of this integrated model for teacher training, it is also possible to follow a
consecutive route. In this case, the subjects are studied first at the
university followed by a 60 credit education course (Kompletterande-Pedagogisk
Utbildning, including pedagogics, teaching methods and teaching practice) at a
teacher training institute/faculty.
Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
IT-supported
higher education distance courses are offered by various higher education
institutions in Sweden.
Lifelong higher education
Folk
high schools: each school determines its own curriculum within the framework of
the Folk High School Code. Some courses can qualify students for university
studies. Studies focus on topic areas rather than on single subjects. Other
forms are correspondence schools and courses organised by the broadcasting
media. Formal adult education ("komvux"), both general and
vocational, is offered by the local education committees in all municipalities
and in certain educational fields (e.g. the health sector) by county councils.
Universities have comprehensive programmes for further education, including
commissioned education, part-time and evening courses, as well as summer courses.
Higher education training in industry
Industry cooperates with universities/university
colleges and vice-versa for industrial needs and also for the needs of the
labour market.
NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Utbildnings - och kulturdepartementet (Ministry of
Education, Research and Culture)
Head: Leif Pagrotsky, Minister
Drottninggatan 16
SE-103 33 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 4051000
Fax: +46(8) 7231192
EMail: registrator@educult.ministry.se
WWW: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2063
Role of governing body: Overall
development and planning of all higher education and research, supervision.
Högskoleverket (National Agency for Higher Education)
Head: Sigbrit Franke, Chairman
PO Box 7851
Luntmakargatan 13
SE-103 99 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 56308500
Fax: +46(8) 56308550
EMail: Hsv@hsv.se
WWW: http://www.hsv.se
Role of governing body: Evaluation
and analyses of higher education, quality issues, information, international
issues (including mobility and recognition).
Sveriges universitets-och högskoleförbund (Association
of Swedish Higher Education)
Head: Bo Sundqvist, Chairperson
Administrative officer: Bengt Karlsson, Secretary-General
Rådmansgatan 72
SE-113 60 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 321388
Fax: +46(8) 329370
WWW: http://www.suhf.se
Myndigheten för Sveriges Nätuniversitet (The Swedish
Net University Agency)
PO Box 194
SE-871 24 Härnösand
Sweden
Tel: +46 611349500
EMail: info@netuniversity.se
WWW: http://www.netuniversity.se
Role of governing body: Information,
marketing, coordination, development of IT supported distance education.
Myndigheten för kvalificerad yrkesutbildning (Swedish
Agency for Advanced Vocational Education)
Head: Sonja Eriksson
Järnvägsgatan 3
281 31 Hässleholm
Sweden
Tel: +46 45145480
Fax: +46 45145499
EMail: ky@ky.se
WWW: http://www.ky.se
Role of governing body: Central
administrative authority for advanced vocational training.
Skolverket (Swedish National Agency for Education)
Head: Per Thullberg
Alströmergatan 12
SE-106 20 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +48(8) 52733200
EMail: Skolverket@skolverket.se
WWW: http://www.skolverket.se
Role of governing body: Central
administrative authority for the Swedish Public School System
Svenska Institutet (Swedish Institute)
Head: Per Wästberg, Director-General
PO Box 7434
Skeppsbron 2
SE-103 91 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 4537800
Fax: +46(8) 207248
EMail: si@si.se
WWW: http://www.si.se
Information Service on Folk High School
PO Box 740
SE-101 35 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 7960050
Fax: +46(8) 218826
EMail: info@folkhogskola.nu
WWW: http://www.folkhogskola.nu
Department for Research Cooperation (SAREC), Swedish
International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
Head: Berit Olsson, Director
Sveavägen 20
SE-105 25 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 6985314
Fax: +46(8) 6985656
EMail: berit.olsson@sida.se
WWW: http://www.sida.se
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential
required: Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola
Minimum score/requirement: 90% of
credit hours must be passed with mark G or higher
Alternatives to credentials: Slutbetyg
från Komvux (adult education), Intyg om allmän behörighet från folkhögskola
(Folk High School) or a foreign secondary school leaving certificate equivalent
to Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola and giving access to higher education in the
country of origin. 25 years old, 4 years' work experience, knowledge of Swedish
and English.
Entrance exams required: no
Numerus clausus/restrictions: Yes
Other admission requirements: For most
courses there are additional specific entrance requirements expressed in terms
of courses at secondary school level. Work experience is required for some
programmes. Auditions and proven artistic ability for most of the arts
programmes.The deadline for applications to higher education starting in autumn
is April 15.
Foreign students admission
Admission requirements: All foreign
students should apply directly to the universities and university colleges for
courses and programmes. Foreign student counsellors and the admission offices
can provide the necessary information and forms. The application procedure may
vary depending on the applicant's status, nationality and knowledge of Swedish.
Forms and deadlines for course applications and programmes applications may
also differ. For further information see: http://www.studyinsweden.se
Recognition of studies &
qualifications:
Studies pursued in home country (System
of recognition/accreditation): The Government decides which degrees are awarded
by the higher education system. The requirements, orientation and objectives of
the degrees are stipulated in a special degree ordinance. With respect to undergraduate education,
degrees are divided into general academic and professional degrees.The National
Agency for Higher Education decides about the right of specific institutions to
award certain degrees and evaluates the quality of all programmes and subjects.
Studies pursued in foreign countries
(bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
NARIC/ENIC (Högskoleverket)
Head: Lars Petersson, Director
Luntmakargatan 13
P.O. Box 7851
SE-103 99 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 56308500
Fax: +46(8) 56308650
EMail: naric-enic@hsv.se
WWW: http://www.hsv.se
Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: University and Profession
Services provided & students dealt
with: Evaluates foreign degrees/diplomas, deals with foreign credential
recognition for professional purposes, recognizes foreign teacher
qualifications as the competent authority for the teacher profession and gives
advice to HEI concerning academic recognition. Individual application accepted
for residents in Sweden and/or citizens of EU Member States.
National Admissions Office to Higher Education (Verket
för Högskoleservice)
P.O. Box 24070
Karlavägen 108
SE-104 50 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 54551540
EMail: info@vhs.se
WWW: http://www.vhs.se
Services provided & students dealt
with: Deals with foreign credential for admission to higher education (for
residents in Sweden)
The National Board of Health and Welfare
(Socialstyrelsen)
Head: Kjell Asplund, Director-General
SE-106 30 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 55553000
Fax: +46(8) 55553420
EMail: socialstyrelsen@socialstyrelsen.se
WWW: http://www.sos.se
Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: Profession
Services provided & students dealt
with: Recognition to be registered as doctor, midwife, chiropractor, speech
therapist, psychologist, psychotherapist, physiotherapist, dentist, nurse,
optician, pharmaceutics, occupational therapist, hearing disorder assistant,
biomedical analyst, dietician, orthopedic engineer, X-ray nurse, hospital
physicist
Other information sources on recognition
of foreign studies: The Swedish Board of Agriculture for studies in
veterinary medicine. http://www.jordbruksverket.se. Information on other
competent authorities: http://english.hsv.se/foreign/regulated/
Special provisions for recognition:
For access to university level studies: Established
by higher education institutions and Verket för Högskolservice (VHS). For
recognition of periods of studies: Higher education ordinance, chapter 6
§§12-13.
For access to advanced studies and
research: Established by higher education institutions
Multilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign studies
Name of agreement: Council of
Europe Convention/European Agreement on Continued Payment of Scholarships to
Students Studying Abroad
Year of signature: 1969
Name of agreement: Council of
Europe Convention/Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in
the European Region
Year of signature: 2001
Name of agreement: Nordic
Declaration/Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education (Reykjavik
Declaration)
Year of signature: 2004
References to further information on
foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: Study in Sweden. A guide for
foreign students (http://www.studyinsweden.se)
Author: The Swedish Institute
STUDENT LIFE
National student associations and unions
Sveriges Förenade Studentkårer (SFS)
Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 16
S-112 34 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 54570100
Fax: +46(8) 54570110
EMail: sfs@sfs.se
WWW: http://www.sfs.se
Health/social provisions
Social security for home students: Yes
Social security for foreign students: Yes
Foreign student social security
provisions: Students from Scandinavian countries: same benefits as Swedish citizens;
EU citizens must fill in form E111. All students staying more than one year may
benefit from reduced costs for medical care.
Special student travel fares:
By road: Yes
By rail: Yes
By air: Yes
Available to foreign students: Yes
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Average living costs: 6300 (Swedish
Krone)
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 150 (Swedish
Krone)
Maximum: 500 (Swedish Krone)
Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 350 (Swedish
Krone)
Maximum: 500 (Swedish Krone)
Type of financial aid available:
Scholarships/grants/fellowships:
Higher vocational/technical studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: No
First Degree studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: Yes
Advanced/doctoral studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: Yes
Loans:
Higher vocational/technical studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: No
First degree studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: No
Advanced/doctoral studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: No
Bodies providing information on student
financial aid:
Centrala Studiestödsnämnden
SE 851 82 Sundsvall
Sweden
Tel: +46(0) 60186000
Fax: +46(0) 60186193
EMail: csn@csn.se
WWW: http://www.csn.se
Deals with: Loans
Category of students: For Swedish
citizens only.
The Swedish Institute
P.O. Box 7434
Skeppsbron 2
SE-103 91 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 4537800
Fax: +46(8) 207248
EMail: si@si.se
WWW: http://www.si.se
Deals with: Grants
Category of students: All
university levels, all nationalities.
Publications on student services and
financial aid:
Title: Scholarships for Study and
Research in Sweden
Author: The Swedish Institute
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION &
EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible
for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
International Programme Office
Head: Ulf Melin, Director-General
Kungsbroplan 3A
P.O. Box 22007
SE-104 22 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 4537200
Fax: +46(8) 4537201
EMail: info@programkontoret.se
WWW: http://www.programkontoret.se
The Swedish Institute (Svenska Institut)
Head: Per Wästberg, Director-General
P.O. Box 7434
Skeppsbron 2
SE-103 91 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46(8) 7892000
Fax: +46(8) 207248
EMail: si@si.se
WWW: http://www.si.se
Participation of country in multilateral
or bilateral higher education programmes
Name of exchange programme: ALFA
Name of exchange programme: ASEM DUO
Name of exchange programme: Comenius
Name of exchange programme: LEONARDO
Name of exchange programme: Linneus-Palme
(with developing countries)
Name of exchange programme: NORDPLUS
Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES
Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS
GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: IG:Icke
Godkänd (fail), G:Godkänd (pass), VG:Väl Godkänd (pass with distinction) and
MVG: Mycket Väl Godkänd (pass with high distinction).
Highest on scale: Mycket Väl
Godkänd
Pass/fail level: Godkänd
Lowest on scale: Icke Godkänd
Main grading system used by higher
education institutions
Full Description: Väl Godkänd
(distinction). Godkänd (pass). Underkänd (fail)
Highest on scale: VG Väl
Godkänd (distinction)
Pass/fail level: G Godkänd
(pass)
Lowest on scale: U Underkänd
(fail)
Other main grading systems
For some programmes only pass level (Godkänd) is used.
For programmes in Engineering the 3-5 scale is used where 5 is highest on the
scale and 3 is pass level. In Law, the scale B-BA-AB is used where AB is
highest and B is pass level.
NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
Data for academic year: 2005-2006
Source: IAU from
Högskoleverket/National Agency for Higher Education, Stockholm, December 2005
Note on Higher Education Institutions: Some institutions awarding postgraduate degrees are listed in the 'Other Institutions' section because they are entitled, at national level, to award undergraduate degrees only.
