Program Dates:

Application deadlines for the student exchange programs each year are:
September (5 or 10 month) – May 28, 2010
January – October 1, 2010

In Sweden, school is compulsory from age 7 to 16 and follows a two-semester system.

Primary school (Grundskola) encompasses the first 9 years of study. Then students move to secondary school, (Gymnasieskola) for the three years or more, depending on their needs. At this level, study is divided into two programme streams: social science (samhallskunskap) and science (naturvetenskap). Then they are further divided into orientations, based on themes. The two general categories are preparatory and vocational. Both of these categories enable students to work towards university, but preparatory is more specifically focused for that goal.

The courses a student chooses depends on their orientation and programme focus and are divided into four categories: core subjects, programme-specific subjects, orientation subjects and individually selected courses. Core courses are required by all students for their student degree, regardless of focus. Programme-specific courses are additional subjects required for their educational stream. Orientation subjects are student electives for their study orientation theme. Individually selected courses happen in the second and third year of study and are free choices.

Nationally, there are many different structured programmes, sharing a centrally defined program curriculum, with between two and four centrally defined orientations. Most schools have adopted the national system. Secondary school is formally an elective, but most of the population completes this level of education, as job prospects require it.

Sweden is a place where the emphasis on education is about developing a student’s independent thought and encouraging new ideas. It is a beautiful country with a great way of life that encourages education, a healthy, active lifestyle and a positive outlook to the future.

School System

Education in Sweden is mandatory for all children aged 7-16.[1] Most 6 year olds attend a non compulsory pre-school class run within the school system. The school year in Sweden runs from mid/late August to early/mid June. The winter holiday from mid December to early January divides the Swedish school year into two terms.

The educational system in Sweden is based on a nine year primary school, or "Grundskola" with mandatory attendance. Following this comes an elective three year secondary school, or "Gymnasieskola" which is divided in two instances where you either prepare for higher education or receive vocational education. The preparatory instance allows for specialization in either natural sciences or social sciences.

Secondary school, called gymnasieskola, lasts for three years (however some students study for four or more years for various reasons) and is formally elective, although most attend it and there are very few prospects for those who do not attend. Secondary school is divided into so called "programs", e.g. different types of choices of educational focus. The two most common "programs" are "social science" (samhällskunskap) and "science" (naturvetenskap). The "programs" are further divided into orientations. There are currently 17 different national programmes – centrally defined programme curricula – with between two and four centrally defined orientations. In addition there are local programmes and orientations, but most schools use the national programmes.

The programmes are divided into two general categories, preparatory and vocational programmes. All programmes give basic qualification to attend university, but preparatory programmes typically satisfy more of the various special qualifications that are required to attend some university courses and programmes.

The courses that a student takes depending on programme and orientation can be divided into four levels:
Core subjects, programme-specific subjects, orientation subjects and individually selected courses.

Core courses are courses that everyone, regardless of programme, have to study to satisfy the requirements for a student degree.

Programme-specific courses are the additional courses that a student is required to take to fulfill the programme requirements. If a student for some reason does not fulfill the requirements, for example by electing to replace a programme-specific course with another course, the student is considered to have attended a specially designed programme – this has no bearing except for what's printed on the school leaving certificate.

Orientation subjects are the courses that a student elects to take by selecting an orientation. Normally these courses take place in the 2nd and 3rd year, although courses which the student freely selects for herself/himself in the 2nd and 3rd year. For this specific slots have been set aside in the curriculum and the schedule.