The Swedish Government is reforming teacher education to better prepare students for classroom work, with stricter admission requirements, increased funding per student, and a revised programme curriculum.

Teacher education programmes need to better equip students for classroom challenges. Therefore, the Swedish Government is reforming teacher education by introducing stricter admission criteria, updated programme content, and increased collaboration between universities.

Stricter admission requirements

Admission criteria will be tightened to reduce dropouts and enhance academic standards. From autumn 2027, applicants will need higher qualifications in Swedish to entry teacher and preschool education programmes.

Increased funding

With the new admission criteria expected to reduce student numbers, resources can be reallocated to improve quality. Funding per student will rise, enabling institutions to offer more teacher-led instruction and elevate programme quality. Universities and university colleges are tasked with coordinating programme provision to align with student demand and schools’ requirements. Funding will support collaboration, local learning centres, and teacher education in niche subjects. Professional development in cognitive science for teacher trainers will also receive financial support.

Greater focus on cognitive science

The curriculum will undergo reform to include more subject studies, subject didactics, and stronger emphases on cognitive science. Enhanced Swedish instruction aims to better equip future teachers for teaching reading and writing. These changes, synchronised with the introduction of a ten-year compulsory school system, will be implemented in autumn 2028.

Monitoring the reform

The Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) will oversee and monitor developments from 2026 to 2031. This follow-up process will ensure the reform's goals are achieved and provide a comprehensive overview of progress.

For more information:

• https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2025/12/nu-reformeras-lararutbildningen--har-ar-alla-forandringar/
• https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/a1902cd0a0b94cee96972507f4a6c000/amneskunskaper-och-lararskicklighet---en-reformerad-lararutbildning-sou-202481.pdf

Source: Eurydice Unit Sweden