Swedish Education System

Sweden puts a high level of importance on getting a good education. The public education system in Sweden is controlled by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs which is sector of the government. The following is a description of each level of schooling in Sweden.

 

·        Pre-school: Under a law passed in 1996 all children in Sweden age 1-12 that have a parent who is either employed or a student is guaranteed a place in a public or private child care facility. Pre-school starts at age 6 in Sweden. There are also other programs such as after school and small groups that meet outside of regular school hours for pre-schoolers. The criteria taught in all Swedish pre-schools includes language, music, art, painting, and social skills. The goal for pre-school is to get Swedish children ready for compulsory schooling.

·        Compulsory Education: Compulsory school covers the years of schooling between ages 7 and 16 in Sweden. However parents can enroll their children at age 6 if they choose to as long as their municipality offers the option. The compulsory school year is broken up into two terms. In all students attend a total of 40 weeks equaling 178 days of school. There are 12 weeks of holidays spread out over the course of the year.

·        Upper Secondary Education: Upper Secondary Education applies to student’s ages 17 to 20 years old. Once a student has completed their compulsory education they at that time decide whether to go on to an upper secondary school. Students apply to schools and for the most part a high percentage of those who apply are accepted. There are public upper secondary schools as well as private institutions. Larger upper secondary schools offer a wide range of courses for students to study while smaller ones typically offer courses in horticulture, agriculture, forestry, and caring occupations.

·        Higher Education: These institutions are the equivalent of American colleges and universities. Swedish higher educational schools are divided up into undergraduate and post graduate studies. Students must meet set requirements in order to be accepted into a higher education school.