Choosing preschool
Use Skolkoll to narrow down preschools by municipality, location and the factors that matter most to your family.
Find the right school
Click 1–5 on each row. Leave blank if it does not matter. Choose a school type above to reveal more criteria.
Find preschools in a municipality
Municipality detail pages are still Swedish, but they contain the full preschool listing and filters.
Right to preschool
Children have the right to preschool from 1 year of age if parents work or study.
All children aged 3–5 are entitled to 525 hours of free preschool per year (about 15 hours/week), regardless of parents' employment.
The municipality must offer a place within 4 months of application.
What should you check first?
Make sure the daily route and timetable work for your family before comparing anything else.
Smaller groups and more staff per child mean more individual attention. Look for a good balance.
Reggio Emilia, Montessori, outdoor learning or a broader profile? What suits your family?
The share of staff with university-level preschool-teacher training affects pedagogical quality.
What does the yard look like? Is there access to nature and varied play areas?
Book a visit and pay attention to the atmosphere and how staff interact with children.
How to apply
- Apply early
Apply 4–6 months before you need the place. The municipality must offer a spot within 4 months, but popular preschools may take longer.
- Municipal preschool
Apply through your municipality's online service. You can usually rank several preschools in order of preference.
- Independent preschool
Contact the preschool directly to join their queue. Many independent preschools have their own queue rules.
- Accept or decline
When you receive an offer you typically have 1–2 weeks to respond.
Common questions
How much does preschool cost?
Preschool is subsidised through a maximum-fee system (maxtaxa). The fee is based on household income. For 2025 the maximum is approximately SEK 1,688/month for the first child, less for siblings.
What is the difference between municipal and independent preschool?
Both follow the same national curriculum and receive municipal funding. Independent preschools are run by private organisers and may have different pedagogical profiles. Quality can vary within both types.
How long is the waiting time?
It varies greatly between municipalities and preschools. In larger cities, popular preschools can have multi-year queues. The municipality must offer a place within 4 months — but not necessarily at your first choice.
Can I switch preschool?
Yes, you can apply for a transfer at any time. Contact your municipality for municipal preschools, or the new preschool directly if it is independent.
What is "allmän förskola" (universal preschool)?
All children aged 3–5 are entitled to 525 hours of free preschool per year (about 15 hours/week). This applies regardless of whether the parents work or not.
How do I know if a preschool is good?
Look at staffing levels, the share of trained staff, and visit in person. Talk to other parents. The municipality's inspection reports can also provide useful information.