Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
In Sweden, between 2000 and 2023, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education rose steadily from 67.64% to 81.40%. From 2009 to 2022, the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita declined slightly from 46.85% to 33.26%, while the data on the initial household funding is not available.
Tuition-free status
Public higher education in Sweden is tuition-free. Based on the ordinance on application fees and tuition fees at higher education institutions, tuition fees apply only to non-EU/EEA third-country nationals, with some exceptions such as those who hold permanent, or non-study residence permits, EU long-term resident status, or who study under approved exchange or cooperation programmes. Higher education institutions set the amount of the tuition.
Governance
The Ministry of Education and Research is primarily responsible for financing higher education, allocating state grants to universities and university colleges based on student numbers and performance, and overseeing the broader policy and regulatory framework. The Riksdag (the national parliament) determines the annual resource allocation for higher education and research through the national budget bill, which is submitted by the Government. The Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) is responsible for quality assurance and degree authorisation, with the exemption of degree authorisation for independent higher education providers for which the decision-making authority lies with the Government. The Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) coordinates admissions for higher education and manages the recognition of foreign qualifications, while student financial support and loan administration are overseen by the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN).
1. Education resources to subnational governments
There are no mechanisms for transferring higher education funding from the central government to local governments in Sweden, because universities and university colleges are financed directly from the state budget.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
Sweden does not provide special funding for private universities in areas where no public university is available. Private higher education providers that do not receive public funding operate legally without state support, and only those classified as independent grant-aided institutions (enskilda utbildningsanordnare) may receive government funding. The eligibility is based on national standards and quality assurance procedures, not on geographical gaps or the absence of public universities.
Allocation and equity
Government direct funding for public higher education institutions are allocated directly through the national budget based on a results-oriented model that combines the number of full-time equivalent students and the volume of completed credits, with subject-specific reimbursement rates applied. Institutions also receive a separate direct appropriation for research and doctoral training.
Sweden does not operate a dedicated equity funding mechanism for higher education institutions, and no institution-level grants are earmarked for specific population groups. However, the only requirement with an equity-related dimension is that each university and university college must reserve 0.3 percent of its first and second cycle education grant for supporting students with disabilities, and the HEIs can apply for direct funding for support to students with disabilities. HEIs whose costs during a calendar year exceed the equivalent of 0,3 % of their government funding for undergraduate education, will receive a portion of the national funds.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
There are no specific admission quotas or preferential criteria for vulnerable population groups, and applicants are assessed according to the general and course-specific requirements applicable to all students. Under the Swedish Higher Education Act and the Higher Education Ordinance, higher education institutions may define their own entry requirements within a nationally regulated framework, while selection criteria for oversubscribed programmes are set by the government or an authorised national agency. As independent higher education providers are not covered in full by the Act and the Ordinance, their admissions procedures and entry requirements are determined locally, in accordance with the conditions laid down in their government authorisation.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Administered by the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN), the scheme is a universal system of student grants and loans for higher education. The scheme provides a monthly non-repayable grant combined with an optional low-interest loan, available to students enrolled in recognised higher education who meet requirements related to study intensity, academic progression and residency. Eligibility extends to Swedish citizens, EU/EEA nationals with rights under EU law and certain non-EU nationals, including permanent residents, refugees and individuals with subsidiary protection status. The system also applies an annual income cap, which limits the amount a student may earn from work before their grant or loan is reduced; the threshold varies according to study load and is assessed per calendar half-year.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Sweden does not provide a national transportation subsidy for higher education students. Instead, discounted fares are offered at the regional and municipal levels, where local transport authorities provide reduced-price travel passes for full-time students. The availability and size of these discounts vary by region.
Accommodation & Textbooks
No evidence was found of a dedicated accommodation or textbook subsidy for higher education students, and students normally cover these costs themselves using the regular study grant and loan system.
However, in certain cases, it is possible to apply for extra student loan for additional costs associated with studies. For example, if students have costs for double housing or for certain trips.
This profile was reviewed by Emma Jansson, Deputy Director of the Swedish Ministry of Education and Research.
