If you earned your degree outside Sweden, you may want to have it evaluated by Universitets- och högskolerådet, UHR (the Swedish Council for Higher Education). Recognition helps employers understand your qualification and is often required for regulated professions, though many private-sector jobs do not require it.
You have a degree. Now comes the exciting part: explaining it to people who have never heard of your university, your grading system, or possibly your entire education system.
Don't take it personally. Swedish employers simply need a clear way to compare qualifications from around the world. That's where degree recognition comes in.
The process doesn't replace your degree or make it more "official." It simply translates your qualifications into terms that employers, universities, and authorities in Sweden can easily understand.
It' also important to add that many people find jobs without ever needing formal recognition. Whether you need it can depend largely on your profession.
Degree recognition is the process of evaluating a foreign qualification and comparing it to the Swedish education system.
It does not change your degree or give you a new qualification.
Instead, it explains:
- the Swedish equivalent level of your education
- the type of qualification you hold
- the general field of study
The goal is to help employers, universities, and authorities understand your academic background.
who needs this
This depends on your profession.
you will often benefit from recognition if:
- employers ask for a Swedish equivalent
- you are applying for public-sector jobs
- you are entering a regulated profession
- your degree comes from a university unfamiliar to Swedish employers
you may not need recognition if:
- you work in IT
- you work in marketing, sales, design, or business
- employers are primarily interested in your skills and experience
Many private-sector employers can assess your qualifications directly without a formal evaluation.
Swedish employers may not be familiar with:
- foreign universities
- international degree structures
- grading systems from other countries
Recognition can:
- clarify your education level
- increase credibility
- strengthen job applications
- make it easier for employers to assess your qualifications
The main authority responsible for degree evaluations is Universitets- och högskolerådet (the Swedish Council for Higher Education, UHR).
UHR issues an official statement that:
- compares your qualification to Swedish standards
- explains the level of your education
- helps employers understand your credentials
This is particularly useful when your university or degree is not well known in Sweden.
Recognition and licensing are not the same thing.
A UHR evaluation helps explain your degree.
Some professions also require professional authorisation before you can work.
Examples include:
- doctors
- nurses
- teachers
- pharmacists
- dentists
- certain legal professions
In these cases, you may need:
- professional licensing
- additional training
- supplementary courses
- examinations
A degree evaluation alone is often not enough.
The process typically involves:
- Submitting your degree documents
- Providing translations if required
- Waiting for UHR to review your qualifications
Processing times vary and may take several weeks or months depending on the complexity of the application.
1
☐ gather your documents
Collect:
- degree certificate/diploma
- academic transcripts (grades)
- any name-change documents (if applicable)
2
☐ check your documents
Make sure your documents are:
- complete
- clearly scanned
- readable
If documents are not in English, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, French, German, or Spanish, you may need certified translations.
3
☐ submit an application to UHR
Apply through the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR).
Upload the required documents and follow the instructions for your country and qualification type.
4
☐ wait for evaluation
UHR reviews your qualification and compares it to the Swedish education system.
Processing can take several weeks or months depending on the case.
5
☐ receive your recognition statement
You'll receive an official assessment showing:
- the Swedish equivalent level
- the type of qualification
- how it fits within the Swedish education system
☐ 6
use it in job applications
Attach the evaluation when applying for jobs.
This helps employers quickly understand your educational background.
☐ 7
check if your profession is regulated
You may need additional approval from a professional authority if you are a:
- doctor
- nurse
- teacher
- pharmacist
- dentist
- other licensed professional
A UHR evaluation alone may not be enough.
8
☐ apply for licensing (if required)
Follow the requirements of the relevant authority.
This may include:
- language requirements
- supplementary education
- professional experience
- examinations
- Recognition does not guarantee employment
- Some professions require licensing in addition to degree evaluation
- Degrees issued in English are often easier to process
- Employers may still assess your skills, experience, and language abilities separately
- Apply through UHR
- Apply early, as processing can take time
↗ Universitets- och högskolerådet, UHR
↗ Degree recognition info page — UHR
is degree recognition mandatory?
No. In many professions it is optional, but it can strengthen your applications and help employers understand your qualifications.
how long does it take?
Processing times vary but are often several weeks to a few months.
does recognition mean I can work in my profession?
Not necessarily. Some regulated professions require additional licensing or certification.
is it free?
UHR evaluations are generally free, although you may need to pay for document translations or certified copies.
can I apply before moving to sweden?
In many cases, yes. You can often begin the evaluation process before relocating, which may help speed up your job search later.