Skip to main content
European Commission logo

Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Sweden: A new basic eligibility test for admission to Higher Education

News & Articles

News & Articles

Sweden: A new basic eligibility test for admission to Higher Education

10 January 2023
Sweden harbour
Country news

In order to create more paths to higher education and take advantage of people's skills, the Swedish government has decided on a pilot project with a basic eligibility test for admission to higher education. It is aimed at people who are at least 24 years old and have not completed upper secondary education or the equivalent within adult education. An approved result from the test will give basic eligibility for higher education into all universities in Sweden.

The test measures competencies that individuals have acquired through work, studies or other activities and that correspond to those provided by an upper secondary diploma. This involves, among other things, knowledge of English, Swedish and mathematics but also a number of cognitive skills, such as a scientific approach and problem-solving abilities. The test has been developed by researchers and experts.

Many higher education courses also require specific entry requirements. In order to qualify for them, those who have passed the basic eligibility test need to complete additional courses. Passing the test does not provide a grade or credit value to compete for programs with more applicants than places. Anyone who wants to apply for such an education needs to take the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test, which is offered twice a year.

The Swedish Council for Higher Education is responsible for the pilot project. The first test was held in October 2022. The test will be evaluated during a trial period between 2022 and 2023. The decision to make the basic eligibility test permanent will be taken by the government after the trial period.

More information:

https://www.uhr.se/om-uhr/detta-gor-uhr/projekt-och-uppdrag/Grundlaggande-behorighetsprov/

Source: Eurydice Unit Sweden

Latest News and Articles

Germany: Recommendation for action on the use of artificial intelligence in school education processes

22 May 2025

In October 2024, the Conference of the Ministers of Education of the Länder (Bildungsministerkonferenz) adopted a “Recommendation for action for the education administration on

...

Belgium (Flemish Community): Strengthening technical and vocational education through modernisation and enhanced collaboration

12 May 2025

Flanders is set to modernise technical and vocational education by strengthening ties between schools and the labour market. From 1 September 2025 onward, secondary education will

...

Portugal: 'Learning More Now' Plan for school success and inclusion

08 May 2025

The Portuguese Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation presented its priorities for education and launched the 'Learning More Now' Plan (24|25) as part

...

Belgium (French Community): Adult Education Contract 2035

06 May 2025

The ‘Social Advancement Education’ program is a well-known initiative that aligns with the needs of learners, society and socio-economic actors. To tackle current challenges such

...