How upper secondary admission works

The 18 national programmes

There are 18 national programmes: 6 that prepare for higher education and 12 vocational ones. Many schools also offer profiles and specialisations inside a programme.

Strategy: shortlist programmes in Year 8, then check what each one needs for university later. A programme choice can close or open specific university routes.

Who is eligible

Higher-education preparatory programmes require passing grades in Swedish (or Swedish as a second language), English and mathematics plus nine other subjects — twelve in total.

Vocational programmes require Swedish, English and mathematics plus five other subjects — eight in total.

Some programmes also require passing grades in specific subjects. Check each programme's page at your regional admission office.

How places are ranked

Applicants are ranked by merit value: the 16 best subject grades, plus a modern language if your child studies one. The maximum is 340.

Popular programmes at sought-after schools often fill with applicants far above the minimum. Last year's admission scores tell you the real target.

The application round

Applications are made through your region's admission office, usually in winter of Year 9. You can change your choices in a spring window, and final offers arrive in the summer.

Exact dates differ by region. Add them to your Norriteo calendar as soon as your region publishes them.