universitetsexamen

Universitetsexamen is the official Swedish term for a university-level degree awarded by a Swedish university after completing a prescribed program of study. It serves as the formal qualification that confirms completion of higher education at the first cycle (bachelor) or second cycle (master) level, and appears on the degree certificate issued by the institution.

In practice, degrees under the university examination umbrella include kandidatexamen (Bachelor’s degree), magisterexamen (Magister), and masterexamen (Master). Some fields confer professional or engineering titles such as civilingenjörsexamen or juristexamen, depending on the program. Degree requirements are defined within Sweden’s higher education framework, with bachelor programs typically totalling 180 ECTS credits and master programs commonly totalling 120 ECTS credits.

Regulatory and quality assurance aspects are overseen by the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) and by the relevant regulations in the Higher Education Act and Ordinance. Swedish degrees are recognized across the European Higher Education Area, facilitating mobility and further studies, including doctoral programs (doktorsexamen). The term universitetsexamen is often used as an umbrella for degrees awarded by universities, though everyday reference tends to name the specific degree title (for example, kandidatexamen or masterexamen).

Historically, the concept has evolved with reforms in Swedish higher education, but the core purpose remains: to certify that an individual has completed a university-level program of study and possesses the corresponding level of academic qualification.