SWEDEN

In Sweden, the municipalities are responsible for preschool, compulsory education and upper secondary schools but higher education is a responsibility of the government. Preschools welcome children from 1-year old and compulsory education starts at the age of 6 (preschool class), followed by compulsory school years between 7 and 16 years. Upper secondary school is from 16 to 19 years, which may include higher education preparatory programs, vocational programs and introductory programs. Further education is provided at universities, university colleges and higher vocational education. Students who have completed upper secondary school, depending on their choice of upper secondary program and courses within the framework of individual alternatives, may also apply for universities (universities), colleges (college) and / or higher vocational education (vocational college). For students that do not complete upper secondary school the state offers adult education that may lead to university study. The figure below shows the structure of the Swedish school system.