Primary, secondary education in Sweden for international students

The education system in Sweden differs from the European countries. The key "three pillars" of studying in this northern country are equality, quality, and informality:

• Equality of all students regardless of financial status;
• Strict adherence to the principles of teaching quality;
• Establishment of partnership, friendly relations between the teacher and the student, who is an inviolable person, on a par with adults, since kindergarten.

Studying in Sweden is prestigious: with diplomas and certificates from local schools and universities, it is possible to obtain a highly paid specialty, enroll in any European university. Many Swedish universities consistently fall into the TOP 100 of the world's best universities.

Pedagogical courage in relation to the learning process in Sweden is world famous. Not every country will dare to cross out the previous academic teaching methods and include non-traditional, innovative programs in the process, but this is the educational principle of the northern state.

Education in schools and universities is absolutely free for residents of Sweden and immigrants from EU countries. The children of emigrants who have received citizenship also receive this right. Foreign students who come to study in Sweden have to pay for each year, but the cost is low compared to other countries.

Studying in Sweden in the best, prestigious educational institutions for international children, schoolchildren, teenagers:  you will find a description of international programs, their tuition fees, ratings and reviews for each course, and SMAPSE specialist will help you choose the most suitable program for studying from the list. FREE services and assistance in enrolling and submitting documents to partner schools and universities in Sweden for foreign children and students, the number of places is limited.

Sweden’s educational system stands out in its approach to primary and secondary education. The country boasts a range of top schools, from state-run municipal schools to general education institutions, and private schools. The following is a comprehensive look into the educational structure of schools in Sweden, along with their rankings and the options they offer to international students.

Sweden's School System

• Primary Education (lgstadiet) - Grades 1-3: During these foundational years in schools in Sweden, international students are taught the basics of interaction, communication, and how to express their opinions. The curriculum in these early grades typically includes:

  • Swedish

  • Mathematics

  • Physical Education

  • Music

  • Home Economics

• Following this, students are introduced to religious studies and English.

• Intermediate Level (mellandstadiet) - Grades 4-6: This middle school phase in Sweden includes foreign language choices, economics, family life, social studies, and drawing in its curriculum.

• Senior Level (hgstadient) - Grades 7-9: This phase mirrors the intermediate level in terms of the number of subjects but delves deeper into each area.

• Optional Gymnasium - Ages 16-20: This stage prepares students for university and offers various tracks like Professional, Social (academic), and Technical. Some gymnasiums even offer specialized programs such as agriculture.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What would you say is the most important when choosing a school?

This is the quality of support and work of the management, the opportunity to study at IB, the prestige of the school and the percentage of successful completion of the diploma stage of IB, recommendations for further universities. It is worth considering the national "recruitment" of campus students, opportunities for extracurricular development and activities, the availability of medical services and consultations, opportunities for language immersion. Is education at the chosen school based on the values you share? Is the school a close-knit community? Is academic support good?

Studying at secondary schools in Sweden is free for residents of Sweden and the EU, though students might have to bear some additional expenses like accommodations and textbooks. However, foreign students are required to pay tuition. The good news is that numerous charitable educational foundations in Sweden offer scholarships and grants to assist with these costs.

Interestingly, many of the best schools in Sweden don't require entrance exams, although the most prestigious ones might. Given the high standards of education, expectations for students are understandably high. Prospective students, especially international ones, are often required to provide proof of English or Swedish proficiency, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or TISUS scores.

The typical application package for schools in Sweden might include:

• Motivation letter

• Recommendation letter(s)

• Academic records from the past two years

• Language proficiency certificates

• Entrance test results (for certain schools)

• Personal interviews, which can sometimes be conducted over Skype

Sweden's grading system is unique and often viewed as encouraging, especially for international students who may be struggling academically. For instance, students don’t receive failing grades but instead get a neutral "F" grade, signifying "counted". The rationale is to prevent students from feeling discouraged or inferior.

Top-performing university students can earn scholarships, and there are grant competitions for outstanding students. Interestingly, foreign students can obtain an "HSE" in two years without necessarily earning a bachelor’s degree.

For students from immigrant backgrounds, Sweden offers mixed-age classes with individualized programs to accommodate diverse levels of knowledge and skills. Importantly, all students, regardless of their background, are taught in Swedish, as it's the primary medium of instruction.

In conclusion, the list of schools in Sweden and their subsequent ranking showcase the country's commitment to offering diverse, high-quality education for both natives and international students. Whether you're looking for middle schools in Sweden or the best universities, the country's education system is equipped to provide excellent learning opportunities.

For residents within the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, attending a gymnasium in Sweden is generally free of charge, just as it is for Swedish nationals. This is because these countries have agreements with Sweden that allow their citizens to study in Swedish institutions without tuition fees. However, foreign students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland might have to pay tuition fees, depending on the specific agreements their home countries have with Sweden. It's worth noting, though, that secondary education in Sweden, even for non-EU/EEA students, is usually more affordable than tertiary (university) education. In addition to tuition fees, foreign students should also consider living expenses, which can vary depending on the region or city in Sweden where the school is located. However, compared to many other Western countries, the cost of living in Sweden is relatively high.

In conclusion, while Swedish secondary education offers a variety of choices tailored to students' interests and aspirations, the cost for foreign students can vary. It is essential for prospective students and their families to research specific schools and their fee structures, as well as to understand the additional expenses that come with living in Sweden.