Study levels in Sweden
Higher education in Sweden is organised into three levels. These levels follow the European Bologna system, which ensures that Swedish degrees are internationally comparable and makes it easier to continue studying or pursue a career in other countries.
Bachelor's level
A Bachelor’s degree is the first level of higher education in the European system. Bachelor's studies are sometimes referred to as 'undergraduate studies' or 'first-cycle studies'. A full Bachelor’s programme usually includes 180 ECTS credits, which corresponds to three years of full-time study.
[Studying at Bachelor’s level]
Master's level
A Master’s degree is the second level of higher education in the European system. Master’s studies are sometimes referred to as 'postgraduate studies', 'graduate studies', 'advanced studies' or 'second-cycle studies'. Master’s programmes usually last either one year (60 credits) or two years (120 credits) of full-time study.
[Studying at Master's level]
Doctoral level
Doctoral studies represent the highest level in the European education system, following a Bachelor’s and then a Master’s degree. Doctoral studies are sometimes referred to as 'PhD studies' or 'third-cycle studies'. A full doctoral programme consists of 240 ECTS credits and usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.
As a doctoral student, you are generally both an employee and a student. You apply for doctoral studies by applying to an open position.
[Doctoral studies]
[Employment as a doctoral student]