Today 307,000 applicants to Swedish higher education institutions will receive notification that they have been accepted to a study programme this autumn
Compared to last autumn, competition has become tougher, as a record number of applicants applied but fewer were accepted.
The total number of eligible applicants this year was just over 414,000 – an increase of 1.3 percent compared to last year, according to a compilation made by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) and seen by Swedish newswire TT.
But there are not as many educational places this year. This means that around 10,000 fewer were accepted in the first selection compared to 2025 – a decrease of 3 percent.
The result is that approximately one in four eligible applicants is still without a place and that competition has become tougher for a wide range of programmes.
"Overall, more people have applied and more are on reserve. Therefore, you can really say that the competition is higher, especially for the attractive programs," said Robin Johansson, head of unit at UHR.
The fact that so many people have applied for the autumn programs can be explained by large youth cohorts and a tough situation in the labour market.
"The economy is a factor – the universities have budgeting requirements," said Johansson.
Everyone who receives a positive or reserve decision today and still wants to study in the autumn must reserve their place.
"Everyone must remember to accept by July 20th. No place is final in the first selection. This applies regardless of whether you are on reserve or admitted," said Johansson.