Childcare and school in Sweden
Here’s what you need to know to arrange childcare or a school place for your child.
Schools in Sweden are publicly funded, whether they are run by the municipality or independently. International schools are also available in several regions and may charge fees, depending on the school.
Childcare and school stages
In Sweden, children attend preschool before starting school, and upper secondary education is offered after compulsory schooling.
- Childcare (ages 1–5): preschool and open preschools (drop-in activities you attend with your child).
- Preschool class (age 6): a preparatory year before compulsory school.
- Compulsory school (ages 7–16): nine years of basic education.
- Upper secondary school (ages 16–19): programmes that prepare students for further study or work.
EU/EEA and non-EU differences
How early you can submit your child’s details and when they can start depends on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or moving on a work permit.
You can apply for childcare or school once you know which municipality you will live in. Children can start after your family has arrived in Sweden.
Children can start preschool or school once your family’s work permits have been granted and you have relocated to Sweden. Some municipalities allow you to register interest in advance, but places are offered only after you have moved.
How preschool and school places are allocated
- For preschool, you list the schools you are interested in when you apply. A place is offered once your family has moved to Sweden. Preschool involves an income-based fee.
- For school, once you have submitted your child’s details, the municipality will offer a school place, and your child can start after your family has arrived.
How placements work and when to apply
Childcare and school places are arranged through your municipality. Routines vary, so the exact steps may differ slightly depending on where you live.
Once you know which municipality you will live in, you can begin preparing. Here’s what to do to get started:
- Find your municipality's website to read about childcare and school options in your area.
- Review local routines and timelines, as each municipality sets its own rules for applications and start dates.
- Submit your child’s details through the municipality’s online service. This requires digital identification. If you cannot log in yet, the municipality can provide information on alternative ways to apply, by email or post.
How to apply to an international school
For international schools, you apply directly to the school. Admission routines, priority rules and waiting times vary depending on the school and the curriculum it follows.
How do children learn Swedish?
Children can start preschool or school soon after arrival, even if they do not speak Swedish yet. Schools provide language support based on each child’s needs. This may include Swedish lessons or extra guidance in the classroom to help them follow lessons.
International schools are also available in several regions if you prefer education in English.
