Ordinance on certain qualifications that provide qualified teacher status for teachers and pre-school teachers and on higher education

Department/Agency: Ministry of Education and Research, Sweden
Issued 26 May 2011.

This translation is for information purposes only and has no legal force. In the event of discrepancies, the Swedish-language version takes precedence.

The Government stipulates as follows.

Introductory provisions

The contents of this ordinance

Section 1

This ordinance contains provisions on

1. the award of certain qualifications that can provide qualified teacher status under Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act (2010:800), and
2. courses and programmes in higher education arranged with earmarked funds and that are intended to provide continuing professional development for teachers and educational staff in pre-schools, the purpose of which is that the students will be awarded a degree that can provide qualified teacher status under Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act. Ordinance (2020:724).

Definitions

Section 2

The term higher education institution also includes universities. Ordinance (2020:724).

Section 2a

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2024/
Here, teaching subject has the same meaning as in Chapter 1, Section 4 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on education for qualification as a teacher/pre-school teacher. Ordinance (2024:170).

Applicable provisions

Section 3

The Higher Education Act (1992:1434) contains basic provisions about higher education.

The Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) is to apply unless otherwise provided by this ordinance.

The Ordinance on admission to programmes leading to the award of a Higher Education Diploma in Vocational Education (2010:2021) shall apply unless otherwise provided in this ordinance. Ordinance (2013:831).

The Award of certain qualifications

Application for a qualification

Section 4

Those who have begun a programme that pursuant to earlier regulations would have been able to lead to the award of a qualification of the kind that could provide qualified teacher status for teachers or pre-school teachers pursuant to Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act (2010:800) may apply for the award of a qualification from this programme.

Appraisal of an application

Section 5

An application under Section 4 must be appraised by a higher education institution that offers a programme that can lead to the award of a qualification that provides qualified teacher status under Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act (2010:800).

Applicants who fulfil requirements considered equivalent to those that are necessary for a qualification must be issued with a degree certificate by the higher education institution. The higher education institution must assess whether the applicant’s previous studies or activities can be validated so they can be considered as fulfilling the requirements. In individual cases and if necessary for this assessment, the higher education institution may decide that the applicant must undertake supplementary examination or other tasks. Ordinance (2020:724).

Courses and Programmes for teachers and pre-school teachers who lack qualifications that provide qualified teacher status

Where the courses and programmes shall be offered

Section 6

Courses and programmes pursuant to item 2 of Section 1 shall be offered by the higher education institutions determined by the Government.

The object of the courses and programmes

Section 7

The courses and programmes are to be offered to increase the proportion of teachers and pre-school teachers in schools and early years education who have qualifications that provide qualified teacher status pursuant to Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act (2010:800). Ordinance (2013:831).

Entry requirements

Section 8

The entry requirements for courses and programmes pursuant to this ordinance are laid down in Section 9, instead of the provisions on general and specific entry requirements in Sections 5–5 b, 8-11, 25 and 28–31 a in Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) and also Chapter 7 in Section 24 of the Higher Education Ordinance with reference to Sections 5-5 b of the same chapter.

The provisions on waiving one or more of the entry requirements in Section 3 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance also apply to the entry requirements laid down in this ordinance.

The first and second paragraphs and Section 9 do not apply to entry requirements to the programmes referred to in the Ordinance on admission to programmes leading to the award of a Higher Education Diploma in Vocational Education (2010:2021)
Ordinance (2021:1344 ).

Section 9

The entry requirements for courses and programmes offered under this ordinance that lead to the award of a qualification that may provide qualified teacher status as a teacher or pre-school teacher under Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act (2010:800) are possessed by someone without such a qualification, if they 

1. because of previous higher education, previous equivalent education or work experience as teachers or in teaching in pre-schools or in pre-school classes, can potentially attain a qualification that provides qualified teacher or pre-school teacher status under this ordinance, and 
2. are working as teachers in the school system or participating in teaching in pre-schools or in pre-school classes. If necessary for assessing whether the conditions laid down in item 1 of the first paragraph are fulfilled, in individual cases the higher education institution may decide that the applicant must undertake supplementary examination or other tasks. Ordinance (2020:724).

Section 10

Repealed by ordinance (2020:724).

Section 11

Repealed by ordinance (2020:724).

Selection

Section 12

/Ceases to apply: 1 January 2022/  Applicants are to be selected on the basis of merit. Instead of the provisions on selection in the second paragraph of Section 12 and Sections 13–19, 23, 26, 27 and 32 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) the selection criteria are   

1. special tests other than the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test specified in Section 20 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance,   
2. previous education, and   
3. work experience.

A higher education institution may issue regulations about which selection criteria pursuant to the paragraph above are to apply.

If qualifications are otherwise equivalent, selection may be undertaken pursuant to the provisions of the third paragraph of Section 12 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Paragraphs 1–3 do not apply to programmes referred to in the Ordinance on admission to programmes leading to the award of a Higher Education Diploma in Vocational Education (2010:2021). Ordinance (2013:831).

/Comes into effect: 1 January 2022/  Applicants are to be selected on the basis of merit. Instead of the provisions on selection in the second paragraph of Section 12 and Sections 13–19, 23, 26, 27 and 32 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) the selection criteria are   

1. special tests other than the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test specified in Section 20 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance,   
2. previous education, and   
3. work experience.

A higher education institution may issue regulations about which selection criteria pursuant to the paragraph above are to apply.

If qualifications are otherwise equivalent, selection may be undertaken pursuant to the provisions Section 12 a of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Paragraphs 1–3 do not apply to programmes referred to in the Ordinance on admission to programmes leading to the award of a Higher Education Diploma in Vocational Education (2010:2021). Ordinance (2018:1509). 

Admission

Section 13

Those seeking admission to a programme pursuant to this ordinance shall notify their intention by the time and in the manner determined by the higher education institution.

Admission to the courses and programmes must be completed no later than 30 June 2026. Ordinance (2016:959).

Implementation of the courses and programmes

Section 14

Programmes offered under this ordinance that lead to the award of a qualification that can provide qualified teacher or pre-school teacher status under Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act (2010:800) may comprise a total of no more than 120 credits for each student.

Programmes must be offered at a rate of study that is at least 25 per cent and may not continue for more than four years for an individual student. Ordinance (2020:724).

Section 15

The programmes are to be planned to take account of each student's previous studies and work experience.

The number of HE credits required for an independent project (degree project) pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) or corresponding requirements pursuant to earlier regulations for qualifications providing qualified teacher status, may be reduced in programmes offered by virtue of this ordinance. Ordinance (2013:831).

Section 16

The provisions in Section 33 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) shall not apply to the programmes. Ordinance (2013:831).

Shorter programmes for students with vocational experience.

Which students are included?

Section 17

Programmes offered under this ordinance that lead to the award of a qualification that can provide qualified teacher status as a pre-school, primary, secondary, upper secondary or vocational teacher under Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act (2010:800) may, unless otherwise stated in Section 18, include studies worth 30 credits in core education subjects, if the student 

1. has been employed in the school system in one or several posts as a teacher or has, as part of a post, participated in teaching in a pre-school or a pre-school class for at least eight school years or their equivalent, of which at least three are consecutive school years, prior to the day that is six months prior to the final date for applications to the programme,
2. was employed in the school system as a teacher or has, as part of a post, participated in teaching in a pre-school or a pre-school class on the day that is six months prior to the final date for applications to the programme, and 
3. is otherwise assessed as fulfilling the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-School Education, a Master of Arts in Primary Education, a Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education or Upper Secondary Education, or a Higher Education Diploma in Vocational Education under Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), as stated in Sections 19-22 and 25-29.

If necessary for the assessment of whether the requirements stated in item three of the first paragraph are fulfilled, in individual cases the higher education institution may decide that the student must undertake supplementary examination or other tasks. Ordinance (2020:724).

Section 18

Programmes offered under this ordinance that lead to the award of a qualification that can provide qualified teacher status as a secondary or upper secondary school teacher, under Section 16 of Chapter 2 of the Education Act (2010:800) may include studies worth 30 credits in core education subjects, if the student 

1. possesses a qualification from studies in higher education intended to provide the skills for professional practice in the school system as an educator in one or more of the subjects dance, drama or drama and movement or an equivalent foreign qualification, 
2. is teaching in the school system mainly in the subject(s) laid down in item 1 above,
3. has worked for a total of at least one school year or the equivalent in one or several teaching posts in the school system or with tasks that resemble teaching in the school system, 
4. was employed as a teacher in the school system on the day that is six months prior to the final date for applications to the programme, and 
5. is otherwise assessed as fulfilling the requirements for a Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education or Upper Secondary Education under Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), as stated in Sections 23, 24, 27 and 28.

If necessary for the assessment of whether the requirements stated in item five of the first paragraph are fulfilled, in individual cases the higher education institution may decide that the student must undertake supplementary examination or other tasks. Ordinance (2020:724).

Bachelor of Arts in Pre-School Education.

Section 19

Students stipulated in Section 17 shall be considered to fulfil the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Pre-School Education pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) if they have the knowledge in the area of pre-school education required pursuant to the same annex for the award of this degree. Ordinance (2013:831).

Bachelor of Arts / Master of Arts in Primary Education.

Section 20

Students stipulated in Section 17 shall be considered to fulfil the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education with specialisation in extended school education pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) if they have the knowledge in the area of extended school education required pursuant to the same annex for the award of this degree. Ordinance (2013:831).

Section 21

Students stipulated in Section 17 shall be considered to fulfil the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Arts in Primary Education with a specialisation in teaching in early years classes and grades 1–3 of the compulsory school pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) if they have the subject knowledge in the teaching subjects required pursuant to the same annex for the award of this degree. Ordinance (2013:831).

Section 22

Students stipulated in Section 17 shall be considered to fulfil the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Arts in Primary Education with a specialisation in teaching in grades 4–6 of the compulsory school pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) if they have the subject knowledge in the teaching subjects required pursuant to the same annex for the award of this degree. Ordinance (2013:831).

Degrees of Bachelor/Master of Arts in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education that include one or more of the subjects dance, theatre studies or movement and drama.

Section 23

Students stipulated in Section 18 shall be considered to fulfil the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100).

A degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education pursuant to the first paragraph above shall be considered to include one or both of the subjects dance or theatre studies or only the teaching subject movement and drama. The degree shall only be considered to include one or both of these subjects if the student’s previous qualification pursuant to item 1 of Section 18 was intended to provide the skills for professional practice as a teacher of the subject.
Ordinance (2021:1342).

Section 24

A degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education pursuant to Section 23 shall be considered to provide specialisation in teaching in grades 7-9 of the compulsory school system if it includes the teaching subject movement and drama. If the degree includes one or both of the subjects dance or theatre studies it shall be considered to provide specialisation in teaching in the upper secondary school. Ordinance (2013:831).

Degrees of Bachelor/Master of Arts/ Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education that may also include other subjects.

Section 25

Students stipulated in Section 17 shall be considered to fulfil the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education with a specialisation in teaching in grades 7–9 of the compulsory school pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) if they have the subject knowledge required pursuant to the same annex for the award of one of these degrees. The subject knowledge must comprise one, two or three teaching subjects in grades 7–9 of the compulsory school.

A degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/ Science in Secondary Education as laid down in the first paragraph above shall be considered to comprise the teaching subject or subjects in which pursuant to the first paragraph above the student has adequate subject knowledge. Ordinance (2021:1342)

Section 26

Students stipulated in Section 17 shall be considered to fulfil the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/ Science in Upper Secondary Education with specialisation in teaching in the upper secondary school pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) if they have the subject knowledge required pursuant to the same annex for the award of one of these degrees. This subject knowledge shall comprise one or two teaching subjects in the upper secondary school. No such subject shall be a vocational subject.

A degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/ Science in Secondary Education as laid down in the first paragraph above shall be considered to comprise the teaching subject or subjects in which pursuant to the first paragraph above the student has adequate subject knowledge. Ordinance (2021:1342).

Joint provisions on the degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education.

Section 27

If a degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education shall be considered to offer specialisation in teaching in grades 7–9 of the compulsory school pursuant to Sections 24 or 25 and includes

1. one teaching subject, it shall also be considered to comprise course requirements of 180 HE credits and be awarded in the first cycle,
2. two of the teaching subjects Swedish, social studies or music, it shall be considered to comprise course requirements of 270 HE credits and shall be awarded in the second cycle,
3. two teaching subjects apart from a combination laid down in Item 2, it shall be considered to comprise course requirements of 240 HE credits and shall be awarded in the second cycle, or
4. three teaching subjects, it shall be considered to comprise course requirements of 270 HE credits and shall be awarded in the second cycle.

The degree shall be considered to comprise advanced study for 90 credits in the teaching subject in which the student has most teaching experience or the greatest length of subject studies. If a student has equally extensive experience of teaching or equally long subject studies in each teaching subject, they may choose which subject is to be considered to comprise 90 credits. For every other teaching subject, the degree shall be considered to include 45 credits if it includes three teaching subjects and 60 credits if it includes two teaching subjects. However, when a degree shall be considered to comprise two of the teaching subjects Swedish, social studies or music, it shall be considered to include 90 credits in both subjects. The students may choose whether their teaching experience or subject studies are to be taken into account.

In addition to the provisions of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), the degree certificate must state the scope each teaching subject shall be considered to have.  Ordinance (2017:895).

Section 28

If a degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/ Science in Upper Secondary Education shall be considered to offer specialisation in teaching in the upper secondary school pursuant to Sections 24 or 26 and includes

1. one teaching subject, it shall also be considered to comprise course requirements of 210 HE credits and be awarded in the first cycle,
2. two of the teaching subjects Swedish, social studies or music, it shall be considered to comprise course requirements of 330 HE credits and shall be awarded in the second cycle,
3. two teaching subjects apart from a combination laid down in Item 2, it shall be considered to comprise course requirements of 300 HE credits and shall be awarded in the second cycle.

The degree shall be considered to comprise advanced study for 120 HE credits in the teaching subject in which the student has most teaching experience or the greatest length of subject studies and, if two teaching subjects are concerned, for 90 HE credits in the other subject. If a student has equally extensive experience of teaching or equally long subject studies in both teaching subjects, he or she may choose which subject is to be considered to comprise 120 HE credits. When, however, a degree shall be considered to comprise two of the teaching subjects Swedish, social studies or music, it shall be considered to comprise 120 HE credits in both subjects. Students may choose whether their teaching experience or subject studies are to be taken into account.

In addition to the stipulations of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) a degree certificate shall state the scope each teaching subject shall be considered to have. Ordinance (2013:831).

Higher Education Diploma in Vocational Education.

Section 29

Students stipulated in Section 17 shall be considered to fulfil the requirements for the award of a Higher Education Diploma in Vocational Education pursuant to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) if they have the advanced and relevant vocational knowledge laid down in Section 4 of the Ordinance on admission to programmes leading to the award of a Higher Education Diploma in Vocational Education (2010:2021). Ordinance (2013:831).

Reporting study results

Section 30

The Ordinance on the reporting of study results etc. at universities and university colleges (1993:1153) shall apply to the courses and programmes. Ordinance (2013:831).

Appeal

Section 31

Instead of those stipulated in Section 2 of Chapter 12 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), appeal may be made to the Higher Education Appeals Board against the following decisions made by a higher education institution:

1. a decision that an applicant does not fulfil the entry requirements for admission to a programme of the kind referred to in this ordinance,
2. a decision not to waive an entry requirement in the cases laid down in the second sentence of Section 3 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance,
3. a decision not to award credits for a prior course of study or experience pursuant to Section 8 of Chapter 6 of the Higher Education Ordinance,
4. a decision to reject a student's request for exemption from a compulsory component of a programme, and
5. a decision to reject a request for the award of a degree certificate or course certificate. Ordinance (2013:831).

Transitional provisions

Ordinance 2011:689

1. This ordinance enters into effect on 23 June 2011 and applies until 30 June 2020. Ordinance (2013:831)
2. This ordinance rescinds the ordinance on higher education for the continued professional development of teachers who lack qualified teacher status.
3. Those who have begun studies leading to the award of a teaching qualification pursuant to the rescinded ordinance are entitled to complete their studies for such a qualification, by 31 December 2014 at the latest however.

Ordinance 2017:895

1. This ordinance comes into effect on 2 July 2018.
2. A person who started a Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education prior to 2 July 2018 pursuant to Section 23, the first sentence of Section 24, Sections 25 or 27, is entitled to complete their programme and be awarded a degree pursuant to the old wording of the provisions, but no later than the end of December 2024. The references in Sections 23 and 25 to Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993: 100) must then refer to the wording of Annex 2 prior to 2 July 2018.

Ordinance 2018:1509

1. Section 8 a of this ordinance comes into effect on 1 January 2019 and other provisions on 1 January 2022.
2. The provisions in the Sections 8 and 12 in their new wording and in the new Section 8 a must be first applied to admissions to courses and study programmes that start after the end of May 2022.
3. Older provisions remain in effect with reference to admissions to courses and study programmes that start before 1 June 2022.