Upper secondary school (Swedish: gymnasieskola) is a voluntary school form that follows compulsory school. It lasts three years and offers 18 national programmes, of which 12 are vocational and 6 are academic (higher education preparatory). Nearly all students (approximately 98%) continue to upper secondary school.
Vocational and academic programmes
Vocational programmes (e.g. building and construction, health and social care) lead to a vocational diploma and direct employability. Academic programmes (e.g. natural sciences, social sciences) provide basic higher education eligibility. Since 2023, vocational programmes also automatically grant basic higher education eligibility.
Admission
Admission is based on merit value from year 9. Popular programmes and schools have high admission thresholds. Students who lack eligibility are directed to introductory programmes.