Education

System

Swedish Education System

Education in Sweden is free at every level — from preschool through university. The system emphasises equality, creativity, and critical thinking.

Compulsory school

Ages 6–16 (förskoleklass + grundskola)

Upper secondary

Ages 16–19 (gymnasium) — free, voluntary

University

Free tuition for EU/EEA students

Non-EU tuition

SEK 80,000–295,000/year (KTH ~SEK 155,000)

School portal

Skolverket.se (National Agency for Education)

Preschool

Förskola (Preschool)

Sweden's preschool system is world-renowned. Children aged 1–5 have the right to a place, and the cost is heavily subsidised.

Ages

1–5 years old

Max fee (first child)

SEK 1,688/month (3% of income, capped)

Max fee (second child)

SEK 1,125/month (2% of income, capped)

Free from age 3

15 hours/week free (allmän förskola)

Guarantee

Place within 4 months of applying

1. Apply to your municipality as soon as possible
2. List up to 5 preferred preschools
3. Receive a placement offer within 4 months
4. Attend the inskolning (introduction period) — usually 2 weeks
5. Pay monthly fee based on household income

International Schools

International Schools

Sweden has excellent international schools teaching in English or other languages. Most are free — funded by the municipality just like public schools.

Number in Stockholm

15+ international schools

Municipal-funded

Free (friskolor — independent schools)

Private (IB/British)

SEK 80,000–200,000/year tuition

Curriculum options

IB, British, American, Montessori

Application deadline

January–March for autumn start

1. Research schools via Stockholm International Schools list
2. Apply by January–March for the following autumn
3. Attend open houses and information evenings
4. Submit required documents (previous school records, ID)

Higher Education

University in Sweden

Swedish universities are world-class and tuition-free for EU/EEA citizens. The system is merit-based with strong research ties.

Top universities

KTH, Lund, Uppsala, Stockholm, Chalmers

EU/EEA tuition

Free

Non-EU tuition

SEK 80,000–295,000/year

Application portal

Antagning.se (Universityadmissions.se)

Student finance (CSN)

SEK 12,684/month (grant + loan)

1. Search programmes at Universityadmissions.se
2. Apply via Antagning.se by the deadline
3. Submit previous transcripts and English proficiency proof
4. Accept your offer and apply for student housing early
5. Apply for CSN student finance if eligible