Sweden's compulsory school (grundskola) covers ages 6–16, followed by gymnasium (upper secondary). The system features a significant free school (friskola) sector operating alongside municipal schools. International schools in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö serve diplomatic and expat communities. Sweden has invested heavily in improving teaching standards and school performance in recent years.
Roles and salaries
Swedish teacher salaries have improved significantly following national investment drives, now ranging from SEK 30,000–SEK 50,000/month (approximately £22,000–£37,000/year). Stockholm weighting applies in the capital. Pay is governed by collective agreements (kollektivavtal) negotiated between unions and municipalities or school organisations.
Working here — what to know
EU/EEA nationals have free movement rights in Sweden and require no work permit. Non-EU teachers need a work permit from Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency), requiring a job offer meeting collective agreement salary levels. Swedish language skills are required for state school teaching; international schools operate in English. The process typically takes two to three months.
