Got a degree from outside Sweden? Having it officially evaluated can make it easier for employers to understand your qualifications and may improve your chances of finding work. For some professions, it's a necessary step before you can practise in Sweden.
Your degree doesn't lose its value when you move here — but employers may not immediately understand how it compares to local qualifications. That's where degree recognition comes in.
By having your education officially evaluated, you can help employers, recruiters, and licensing authorities understand your academic background and assess your qualifications more easily.
Here's how degree recognition works, when you need it, and the steps involved.
Degree recognition is the process of evaluating a foreign qualification and assessing how it compares to qualifications in the Swedish education system.
This does not change your degree. Instead, it helps explain:
- what it corresponds to in Sweden
- its academic level
- its general field of study
Having your degree evaluated does not mean it will be downgraded—it simply provides a recognised reference point for Swedish employers and institutions.
why it matters
Swedish employers may not be familiar with:
- foreign universities
- degree structures
- grading systems
Degree recognition can help:
- clarify your education level
- strengthen your application
- improve your employment opportunities
main authority for evaluation
The primary authority responsible for degree evaluations is UHR (the Swedish Council for Higher Education).
UHR issues official statements that:
- assess your qualification within the Swedish education system
- help employers understand your academic background
This is especially useful when:
- employers are unfamiliar with your university
- your degree structure differs from Sweden's
when you need it
You should consider having your degree evaluated if:
- you are applying for qualified or professional roles
- an employer requests Swedish equivalency
- you plan to work in a regulated profession
- you want to make your qualifications easier for employers to assess
Some professions require additional approval before you can practise in Sweden, including:
- doctors
- nurses
- teachers
- lawyers
Depending on the profession, this may involve:
- licensing
- additional training
- examinations
- professional assessments
The process typically involves:
- submitting your degree documents
- providing translations (if required)
- waiting for the evaluation to be completed
Processing times can range from several weeks to several months, so it is best to apply as early as possible.
- Recognition does not guarantee a job
- Some professions require licenses, not just evaluation
- English degrees are usually easier to process
is degree recognition mandatory?
No, but it is highly recommended for most professional jobs.
how long does it take?
Usually several weeks to a few months.
does recognition mean I can work in my profession?
Not always, regulated professions require additional licensing.
is it free?
It is often free, but some processes may involve costs (e.g., translations).