19.4 Upper secondary school (ages 16–19)

After compulsory school, most students attend upper secondary school, which is preparatory for higher education. Alternatively, they may enrol in a higher vocational programme. Adult education is available at municipal schools, as well as at folk high schools, which are independent adult education colleges.

Upper secondary schools are free of charge for students who are EU/EEA citizens, as all upper secondary schools can apply for, and will receive, government grants that cover the tuition fee. The municipality does not receive government grants for children of members of diplomatic missions who are not EU/EEA or Swiss citizens. These pupils are therefore referred to international schools. Please note that international schools are allowed to charge extra fees in addition to the tuition fee. Each school determine its own fees. For information about the fees of a specific school, please contact the relevant school. 

For general information on admission to upper secondary school in Stockholm:

Upper Secondary Schools Admission Office in Stockholm County - external website,

International schools promote international education, either by following an international curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate curriculum, or by following a modified version of the Swedish curriculum. For more information on the Swedish National Curriculum, follow the link below.

Curriculum for Compulsory School - external website,

Generally, a preparatory year precedes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and so the full Diploma Programme comprises three years of study. However, for international pupils it is also possible to join the programme at the beginning of the second year. For more information on the International Baccalaureate Curriculum follow the link below. 

International Baccalaureate - external website,

Upper secondary schools are free of charge for pupils who are EU/EEA citizens, since all upper secondary schools can apply for, and will receive, government grants that cover the tuition fee. The municipality does not receive a government grant for children of members of diplomatic missions who are not EU/EEA or Swiss citizens. These pupils are therefore exclusively referred to international schools. Please note that international schools are allowed to charge extra fees. Each school determine its own fees. For information about the fees of a specific school, please contact the relevant school.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs does not recommend specific schools or comment on the quality of education at a specific school.