Higher education institutions in Sweden
Higher education institutions play an important and central role
There are 36 higher education institutions for which the state is the responsible authority. In addition there are ten or so private higher education providers, including Chalmers University of Technology, Jönköping University Foundation and the Stockholm School of Economics.
There are almost 400 000 students registered at Swedish higher education institutions. Some of these students are taking a break from their studies or are studying part-time. If they are counted as full-time equivalent students, the number is 280 000. These institutions employ almost 65 000 people, which makes our higher education institutions the single biggest public sector operation. Sixty-five per cent of all staff work on research and teaching. The total appropriation of higher education institutions is almost SEK 50 billion per year; sixty-five per cent of this figure is made up of direct government appropriations. Measured in revenue across all higher education institutions, it can generally be said that just under half goes to education and just over 50 per cent to research.
Activities at universities and other higher education institutions
The main task of the state higher education institutions is to organise educational programmes based on scientific or artistic foundations and proven experience, and to carry out research and artistic development work.
Higher education institutions must also work together with the surrounding community and provide information about their activities, as well as take action to ensure that the results of research carried out at the institution are put to good use. Institutions are to always observe and promote gender equality in their activities and promote understanding for other countries and for international conditions.
Work at our higher education institutions is to maintain a high standard and be competitive in an international perspective. Sweden's prospects for growth, employment and future prosperity are closely linked to the quality of higher education and research.
