Meritpoäng

Meritpoäng is a term used in the Swedish higher education admissions system to describe additional points that can be added to a student’s meritvärde (merit value) when applying for undergraduate programmes. They are designed to reward certain qualifications taken in upper secondary education or other approved credentials that reflect extra preparation for higher studies. The points are not earned through the standard grades alone, but through specific courses or recognitions that the admissions authorities have approved.

How earned: Applicants can earn meritpoäng by completing certain courses or qualifications beyond the regular programme requirements. The list of eligible qualifications is defined nationally and can include language courses, advanced mathematics, or other specialty courses. The exact points awarded for each qualification depend on the current rules for the admissions cycle.

Administration and use: Meritpoäng are added to the student’s meritvärde, which, together with results from national tests or other admission factors, determines admission ranking for programmes. Not all programmes or universities may consider meritpoäng; the applicability varies by field and year. The rules for meritpoäng change periodically through reforms or adjustments by the national agencies, so students are advised to check the latest guidelines for the current admissions cycle.

Criticism and context: As with other admission incentives, meritpoäng have sparked discussion about equity and access, as earning them may require extra coursework or resources. They are a feature of Sweden’s centralized admissions system rather than a universally adopted mechanism.