Gymnasieskolor

Gymnasieskolor are the Swedish upper secondary schools that provide three-year programs for students typically aged 16 to 19, after completing compulsory grundskola. They offer both academic and vocational pathways and are the main route to higher education and skilled work beyond compulsory schooling.

The programs are divided into two main categories: högskoleförberedande (preparatory for higher education) and yrkesförberedande (vocational). Högskoleförberedande programs include natural science, technology, social science, economics, and humanities/estetiska programs, with names that may vary between schools. Yrkesförberedande programs cover a wide range of trades and sectors, such as construction, electrical energy, health and social care, business and administration, hospitality and catering, and agriculture, among others. Many gymnasieskolor also offer elective courses or specializations to tailor the education to local needs.

In addition to these, there are Introduktionsprogram (introductory programs) for students who do not yet meet the requirements for national programs. These programs focus on language support, basic schooling, and bridging to regular gymnasieprogram if possible.

The curriculum is set by the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket) and implemented by municipalities or independent schools (friskolor). Gymnasieskolor are publicly funded and free for students, with admissions primarily based on prior schooling and local regulations. Upon completion, students receive a gymnasieexamen or a yrkesexamen, which may confer eligibility for higher education (högskolebehörighet) or direct entry into the labor market, respectively.