The Swedish higher education system was decentralized in the early 1990s. As a result the government now sets degree frameworks and conducts quality controls but leaves decisions regarding course content to the institutions themselves.

Institutions are free to structure courses and programs according to their own needs, but using a common credit system. This provides students a greater measure of control over their own education. Programs are structured and grants allocated in response to student demand.

Higher education plays a pivotal role in regional development, and thus, universities and university colleges are spread all over the country. The National Agency for Higher Education (HSV) has a complete list.

The government also promotes collaboration between institutions of higher education, the business community, industry, culture and the public sector. This makes the education system responsive to changes in society while allowing all of society’s members to benefit from research carried out at institutions of higher education.

Photo: Eva Stööp/University of Gothenburg