Utbildningsbestämmelser

Utbildningsbestämmelser are the rules that govern a specific degree program or course of study at a university or university college in Sweden. They define the program’s aims, structure, and requirements for completing the studies, and regulate admission, progression, assessment and the awarding of degrees.

The regulations are issued by the higher education institution and must conform to national legislation on higher education, notably the Universitets- och högskolelagen and the Högskoleförordningen, as well as the framework for degrees such as kandidatexamen and masterexamen. They are typically approved by the university’s governance bodies and, where applicable, by national authorities.

Typical contents include the program title and level, duration and scope in higher education credits (ECTS); admission criteria and prerequisites; the required courses and their credit allocation; rules for substitutions or waivers; progression and assessment rules; grading scales and criteria; requirements for the degree, including thesis or degree project, any mandatory courses or internships; language of instruction and examination; rights of appeal and examination procedures; and transitional provisions for students affected by changes.

Utbildningsbestämmelser are related to other governing documents such as the utbildningsplan (educational plan) and kursplaner (course syllabi). The bestämmelser set formal criteria, while plans and syllabi describe the actual courses and sequences.

They aim to ensure transparency, consistency and legal certainty for students and staff, and may be updated to reflect changes in policy or curriculum.