Degree Regulations as of 1 July 2007

On 1 July 2007, a major higher education reform was implemented in Sweden. Consequently, new degree regulations came into effect on 1 July 2007.

• Higher education is divided into three cycles: first cycle (undergraduate), second cycle (Master's/graduate), and third cycle (doctoral).
• At the first- and second-cycle levels, both general degrees and professional degrees may be awarded.
• The scope of studies is indicated in higher education credits. One semester of full-time studies corresponds to 30 higher education credits, and thus one academic year of full-time studies corresponds to 60 higher education credits.
• The concept of "main field of study" (the primary area of the education) replaces what was previously referred to as a "major subject" (huvudämne).
• New degrees with new degree requirements were introduced on 1 July 2007. For a second-cycle degree to be issued, a prior Bachelor's degree, a professional degree of at least 180 higher education credits (120 old credits), or an equivalent foreign degree is required.
• The new degrees introduced have a precise scope, meaning you cannot include more higher education credits in a particular degree than the scope specified in the Higher Education Ordinance.

Degrees according to the new regulations

To be awarded a degree under the new regulations, you must have commenced a course that is to be included in the degree on 1 July 2007 or later. The course syllabus must be written in accordance with the requirements of the new Higher Education Ordinance.

If you began your higher education before 1 July 2007 and complete it after 1 July 2007, you can apply and be assessed for a degree according to either the older regulations or the new regulations.

Degrees according to the older regulations

If you completed all courses to be included in your degree before 1 July 2007, your degree will be awarded in accordance with the older regulations.

If you began an education leading to a degree under the older regulations before 1 July 2007, you must complete your studies before the end of June 2015 to be eligible for a degree under the older regulations.