Education Sweden

Registering a child in kindergarten or school in Sweden is a structured process regulated at the municipal level. To register a child in a preschool institution or school, several steps must be taken:

 

Enrollment in kindergarten

   - Age restrictions: Children aged 1 to 5 are entitled to a place in kindergarten. Children can start attending kindergarten from around one year of age, if parents are working, studying, or actively seeking employment.

   - Application for a place: To apply, you need to register in the electronic application system of your municipality. A place in kindergarten is guaranteed within three months of application submission. You may obtain a place in another kindergarten if the preferred one is fully booked. To apply, the family must be registered in the municipality.

   - Personal number: A Swedish personal number is usually required for the child, but in some cases, an application can be submitted without it, especially if you have other documents proving residency in Sweden.

   - Payment: Kindergarten is subsidized by the state, but parents pay a fixed monthly fee based on the family's income.

 

Enrollment in school

   - Compulsory education: Education in Sweden is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. Schooling is free for all children, regardless of citizenship.

   - Required documents: Before registering a child in school, a Swedish personal number must be obtained through the tax agency after receiving a residence permit. However, a child has the right to education even without a personal number.

   - School choice: Parents can choose either a public or private school, both of which are also state-funded. Applications can be submitted via the municipality's website or by filling out a paper form. This usually occurs from February 1 to 15. The application process may vary slightly depending on the municipality. Typically, applications are submitted for preparatory, 4th, and 7th grades. If the child has just moved to the municipality and it is the middle of the school year, an application can also be submitted and a place obtained within 2 weeks.

In some municipalities, there are classes for foreigners where students learn the Swedish language alongside general school subjects.

   - Waiting period: The school enrollment process begins shortly before the start of the academic year. If there is no place in the selected school, the municipality will offer another school.

 

For more precise information on registration for kindergarten or school in your municipality, it is important to contact local authorities. Keep in mind that rules and procedures may vary slightly depending on the region of Sweden.

In Sweden, there are many kindergartens and schools offering education in foreign languages, which can be particularly beneficial for immigrants. These are often international schools offering programs in English, French, German, or other languages.

 

Kindergartens:

Some kindergartens, such as The Tanto International School and Stockholm International School, offer instruction in English. They follow the Swedish curriculum with adaptations.

 

Schools:

International schools in Sweden, such as British International School of Stockholm and International School of the Stockholm Region, provide programs in English, including the International Baccalaureate and British curriculum. Some schools also offer Swedish, French, and Spanish as foreign languages. Generally, these schools may charge tuition, especially for children who are not EU/EEA citizens.

 

Here are some examples of kindergartens and schools with foreign language instruction in different cities in Sweden:

 

Stockholm:

The British International School of Stockholm – education in English, British National Curriculum program (ages: 3 to 15 years).

Stockholm International School – International Baccalaureate, instruction in English (ages: 3 to 19 years).

Franska Skolan – offers education in French from kindergarten to high school.

Deutsche Schule Stockholm offers education in German from kindergarten to high school.

In Stockholm, there are schools that offer education in Russian, for example, Rödabergsskolan.

 

Gothenburg:

The International School of the Gothenburg Region - education through the IB program, English language (ages: 3 to 19 years).

Internationella Engelska Skolan – education in English and Swedish.

Franska Skolan offers education in French.

 

Malmö:

Bladins International School – IB program in English (ages: 3 to 19 years).

Deutsche Schule Malmö – education in German.

Ecole Française de Malmö – French language education for children of various ages.

In Sweden, there are both public and private preschool and school institutions. Both types of schools are funded by the state, which makes them free for students, although there are some differences in management and organization.

 

Public educational institutions

- Funding: Entirely funded by the municipality and provide free education for all children. This applies to both preschools (kindergartens) and schools.

- Advantages: Public schools accept all children residing in the municipality without any entrance exams. Enrollment only requires registration in the queue through the local system.

- Educational process: Follow the national curriculum, which includes mandatory subjects such as Swedish, mathematics, and natural sciences. In some cases, additional programs, such as education in English, are offered.

 

Private educational institutions

- Funding: Although private schools are run by independent organizations or companies, they also receive state funding, making them free for students. The only exception is some international schools, which may charge fees for students who are not EU citizens.

- Features: Private schools have more freedom in choosing teaching methods and curriculum, although they are still required to comply with basic state standards. Many offer alternative programs, such as the International Baccalaureate.

- Example: In Stockholm, there are schools like the International School of the Stockholm Region, which offer education in English with international programs.

 

Main differences:

- Queue: Public schools and kindergartens operate under a single municipal queue system, while private schools may have their own systems. Parents can apply to several private schools simultaneously.

- Program flexibility: Private schools can offer more specialized programs, such as bilingual education, which may be less accessible in public schools.

 

Here are some examples of popular public and private schools in major cities of Sweden:

 

Stockholm

Public schools:

   - Rödabergsskolan – one of the public schools offering education in English within the Swedish national curriculum. Accepts children aged 7 to 15 years.

   - Östermalmsskolan – a public school known for its academic standards and active parental involvement.

 

Private schools:

   - Stockholm International School – a private international school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in English for children aged 3 to 19 years.

   - British International School of Stockholm – a school with a British system education in English.

 

Gothenburg

Public schools:

   - Guldhedsskolan – a popular public school offering quality education and various extracurricular programs.

   

Private schools:

   - International School of the Gothenburg Region (ISGR) – an international school offering programs in English with an emphasis on the International Baccalaureate (IB).

 

Malmö

Public schools:

   - Dammfriskolan – a public school in Malmö known for its focus on inclusive education and social development for children.

 

Private schools:

   - Bladins International School – a private international school offering the IB program in English for children from preschool age to high school.

The Swedish education system places great emphasis on supporting children with special educational needs, striving to create an inclusive environment where every student receives the necessary conditions for comprehensive learning.

 

Main principles of support:

Inclusive education: In Sweden, children with special needs are mostly educated in regular schools where supportive conditions are created. For each student requiring special assistance, an individualized action plan is developed. This plan includes the assessment of needs, support measures, and regular progress evaluation. About 14% of students in general education schools have such plans.

 

Special schools: Besides inclusive education, there are specialized educational institutions for children with severe disabilities. These schools offer education tailored to specific needs, such as hearing, vision, or other severe developmental disorders. For example, Hällsboskolan and Ekeskolan specialize in teaching children with speech and visual impairments, respectively.

 

Additional resources: For students with special needs in regular schools, additional resources may be provided, such as special educators, assistants, and adapted educational materials. The National Agency for Special Needs Education and Schools actively supports schools in providing these resources.

 

Regional and national special schools: For children with special needs requiring specialized training (e.g., children with hearing or vision impairments), there are regional and national schools where teaching is conducted using special methods and communication tools, such as sign language.

 

Thus, the education system in Sweden is aimed at maximizing support for children with special needs by providing both inclusive and specialized forms of education.

In Sweden, there are many programs aimed at integrating immigrant children into the education system, as well as language courses to help children adapt more quickly to the new language environment.

 

Language support in schools

   For immigrant children whose native language is not Swedish, the course "Swedish as a Second Language" is offered. This course is introduced into the school curriculum to help children quickly master the Swedish language and integrate into the school environment. It is important to note that this course is provided at all levels of school education, from primary to senior school, and is mandatory for those who do not possess a sufficient level of Swedish.

 

Mother tongue instruction programs

   According to Swedish law, every child whose native language is not Swedish has the right to learn their native language. If the child's language is used in the family and they have basic knowledge of it, the municipality is obliged to organize such classes. This helps children not only maintain connection with their homeland's culture and language but also contributes to better learning of other subjects. To organize mother tongue lessons, at least 5 students are required to provide a teacher. Additionally, students learning their mother tongue are provided with a study assistant who helps with translation of educational material in lessons.

 

Integration programs

   For newly arrived children who do not speak Swedish, there are special introductory programs designed to help them quickly engage in the educational process. These programs include both language training and assistance with adapting to the Swedish school system.

After-school groups (Fritids or Fritidshem)

   Fritids are leisure groups for children aged 6 to 13 that operate before and after school hours, as well as during school holidays. These groups offer children the opportunity to engage in sports, arts, creativity, and other interesting activities. Fritids helps develop children's social skills, creativity, and independence by providing them with a safe environment for play and study. This is especially beneficial for children whose parents work or study.

 

Fritids programs include a wide range of activities: from sports games to music lessons, as well as crafts and creative clubs. For example, at the International School of Lund, Fritids offers activities for developing social skills, working with democratic values, and critical thinking.

 

Clubs and societies

In Sweden, clubs and societies are widely developed, which can be both part of the school system and organized by local municipalities or private organizations.

 

Summer and winter camps

During school holidays, many schools and municipalities organize camps for children where they can actively spend time outdoors, participate in sporting events, creative workshops, and educational games. Some programs also continue to operate during school holidays, offering children full-day activities.

 

Thus, extracurricular activities in Sweden are aimed at the comprehensive development of children and provide various opportunities for active and educational leisure.

The grading system in Swedish schools is based on a six-level scale, which was introduced in 2011. This system is applied from the 6th grade through to the end of high school.

 

Main grade levels:

- A — The highest score, indicating outstanding achievements.

- B — Very good achievements, slightly below the level of A.

- C — Above-average level, corresponding to satisfactory results.

- D — Below-average results, but the student met most requirements.

- E — Minimally satisfactory results, indicating that the student accomplished the main objectives of the course.

- F — Unsatisfactory result, indicating that the student did not meet the course objectives.

 

Each grade is based on the individual achievements of the student and corresponds to the level of meeting the learning goals and outcomes set for the course. It is important to note that evaluation does not depend on the performance of other students but reflects only the progress and achievement of each specific student.

 

Additional features:

- Points for grades: Each grade has a numerical value used to calculate the average grade when entering high school or university. For example, A corresponds to 20 points, B to 17.5 points, and so on. This helps to form an overall assessment for further education.

 

The grading system in Swedish universities can vary depending on the educational institution and program. However, there are several common systems used in higher education:

 

A-F Scale

The most common grading system in Swedish universities is the A-F scale, similar to the European ECTS system:

- A — Excellent

- B — Very good

- C — Good

- D — Satisfactory

- E — Minimally satisfactory (passing grade)

- F — Unsatisfactory (fail)

 

"Pass/Fail" System

In some programs or courses, instead of letter grades, the following system may be used:

- G (Godkänt) — Pass

- U (Underkänt) — Fail

This system may be used in courses where mastering the material is more important than ranking results.

 

Five-point system

In some engineering or technical programs, a five-point system is used:

- 5 — Excellent

- 4 — Good

- 3 — Satisfactory

- U — Unsatisfactory.

 

Each university can choose the grading system depending on the faculty and program, making the system quite flexible.

There are both general and specific requirements for foreign students applying to Swedish universities, depending on the study program.

 

General requirements:

1. High school diploma or certificate:

- For undergraduate programs: Successful completion of secondary education equivalent to the Swedish high school diploma is required.

- For master's programs: A bachelor's degree equivalent to 180 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) is required.

If these documents are in a foreign language, they are recommended to be translated into Swedish or English and notarized. This can be done in your own country. If the name or surname differs in the document and passport, you also need to provide a supporting document, such as a marriage certificate. If a person is already in Sweden and decides to study, it is recommended to go through the validation process of educational documents by contacting Universitets- och högskolerådet. The application review period and obtaining a compliance statement take 4-6 months. The process is free.

 

2. Knowledge of English:

   International students must demonstrate their knowledge of English by providing results from one of the following tests:

   - IELTS Academic: overall score of at least 6.5, with no section below 5.5.

   - TOEFL: at least 90 points in the internet-based test, with no less than 20 points in the writing section.

- Or a certificate with grades from a local gymnasium at the level of Engelska 6.

- Alternatively, if you have a personal number and are over 20 years old, you can take English courses up to the level of Engelska 6 or take the test (Omprövning) at an adult education institution (Komvux).

 

Specific requirements:

Some programs may require additional criteria, such as proficiency in certain subjects or fulfillment of specific conditions. These requirements vary depending on the chosen program, so it is important to check them on the university's website. One such requirement is the university exam, which increases the chance of admission. No citizenship or residence permit requirements are required, but the exam is conducted only in Swedish. Sometimes the test result is also used to differentiate applicants with identical grades. If two or more applicants have the same score in the entrance exams group, a lottery is conducted. Therefore, it is necessary to find out how admission to the desired program is conducted and whether the university exam is required. The test is usually conducted twice a year: on a Saturday each spring and on a Sunday each fall.

 

Documents:

- Copies of diplomas confirming compliance with the general and specific requirements with translations into Swedish or English, recommended with validation.

- Proof of English proficiency.

- Programs may require additional documents, such as a motivation letter or letters of recommendation.

 

Application process:

Applications for studies are submitted through the centralized platform University Admissions. A one-time fee of 900 SEK (approximately 80 euro) is paid.

 

This process is standard for most universities, and successful fulfillment of all requirements guarantees participation in the competitive selection for a place in the university.

 

The application process for the fall semester starts from March 15 to April 15. The last day to complete the necessary documents is June 20.

 

With a permanent residence permit, you can compile your own diploma from a set of different courses without choosing a specific program.

 

The Top 10 universities in Sweden according to international rankings include:

 

Karolinska Institute — Specializes in medical and biomedical research. One of the leading medical universities in the world.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology — The largest technical university in Sweden, known for its engineering programs.

Lund University — One of the oldest universities in Sweden, ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, offering a wide range of programs in science and humanities.

Uppsala University — The oldest university in Sweden, recognized for outstanding achievements in medicine, law, and natural sciences.

Stockholm University — A prestigious university offering programs in the fields of humanities and natural sciences.

Chalmers University of Technology — Known for its engineering programs and innovative research.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences — A leader in agricultural and environmental studies.

Gothenburg University — Recognized for high-quality teaching and research.

Linköping University — Offers innovative programs in technology and natural sciences.

Örebro University — A progressive university with a wide range of disciplines and innovative programs.

 

These universities offer a variety of programs in English and open opportunities for international students.

 

In Sweden, the most popular specialties among international students include:

 

Engineering and technology — Including areas such as civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and information technology. Universities such as the Royal Institute of Technology and Chalmers University of Technology are known for their programs in these areas.

 

Medicine and healthcare — In particular, programs in medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, and nursing, which are offered at universities such as the Karolinska Institute, known for its medical research and teaching.

 

Business and Entrepreneurship — Sweden is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe, and programs in business and management are very popular. Key universities in this field include Uppsala University and Linköping University.

 

Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development — with high attention to environmental issues in Sweden, programs in sustainable development and ecology are becoming increasingly in demand. Universities such as Lund University and Mid Sweden University offer competitive programs in these fields.

 

Design and Creative Industries — Sweden is a center for industrial, textile, and architectural design. Programs in these areas can be found at the Umeå Institute of Design and the School of Textiles in Gothenburg.

To validate foreign diplomas and certificates for admission to Swedish universities, several steps need to be followed:

 

1. Submitting documents through a centralized system:

   The procedure for evaluating foreign diplomas and qualifications is conducted by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (Universitets- och högskolerådet, UHR, www.uhr.se) or the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen, www.socialstyrelsen.se) for medical workers. These bodies handle the official recognition of foreign educational qualifications and their comparability with the Swedish educational system. Through this tool, you can:

- Submit documents for an official qualifications assessment.

- Discover which Swedish standards your foreign diploma corresponds to.

- Use the obtained conclusion for admission to Swedish universities or for recognition of professional qualifications in Sweden.

   - Documents: You need to provide a diploma or certificate in the original language and a translation (if it is not in Swedish, English, French, German, or Spanish). An official transcript listing courses, credits, and grades that were part of the education, a residence permit if applicable, a passport, and, if required, a document confirming the change of name or surname with translation will also be needed.

   - Translation requirements: The translation into Swedish or English must be performed by an authorized translator in Sweden or with notarial certification in the country of origin.

 

2. The application process:

   - An application for evaluation can be submitted via the UHR online tool (www.uhr.se). This is a free process, and all documents must be uploaded in PDF format.

   - It's important to apply as early as possible, as the recognition process may take 4 to 6 months. Additionally, UHR may require additional documents if required by the educational system of your country.

 

3. Assessment result:

   Upon completion of the process, UHR will provide an official conclusion indicating how your foreign diploma corresponds to Swedish educational standards. This conclusion can be used for university applications or for professional accreditation in Sweden.

 

This process makes it possible to use your foreign qualifications without losing their value, opening up opportunities for admission to Swedish universities and further employment.

In Sweden, there is a wide range of courses and programs for adults, including language, professional, and educational courses aimed at skill development and qualification enhancement.

Language courses

   - SFI (Svenska för invandrare) — this is a Swedish language learning program for immigrants. It is offered free of charge by municipalities and is available to everyone over the age of 16 who has a residence permit. The program helps to learn basic Swedish, necessary for everyday life and work.

Professional courses and programs

   - Komvux — a municipal adult education system offering education at the primary and secondary school levels, as well as professional courses. Komvux allows adults to obtain the education necessary for university admission or for enhancing qualifications within their profession.

   - Yrkeshögskolan — higher vocational education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical on-the-job training. These programs are aimed at preparing specialists in areas where there is a high demand for personnel, such as engineering, healthcare, IT, and others.

Additional programs for the adaptation of foreign specialists

 - For those who have received professional education outside of Sweden, there are additional training programs in universities and colleges that help to confirm or adapt their qualifications for work in the country. These programs can last from one to two years and cover such professions as doctors, engineers, teachers, and others.