Ordinance on supplementary teacher education (2011:686)

This version contains amendments up to and including the Act on Amendment of the Ordinance on supplementary teacher education SFS 2025:1561.

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.

Introductory provisions

Section 1

This ordinance contains provisions on first and second-cycle higher education programmes that aim to supplement previously acquired subject knowledge in teaching subjects other than vocational subjects, so the student can be awarded a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education in accordance with Annex 2 to the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100).
The use of the term higher education institution in this ordinance also refers to universities.
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 (2024:167).

Relationship to other legislation

Section 1a

The first and second paragraphs in Section 4 of Chapter 6 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) state that the only qualifications that may be awarded in higher education are those stated in Annex 2 (System of Qualifications) to the ordinance may, and that the System of Qualifications states the level at which a particular qualification must be awarded and the requirements that must be fulfilled for the award of a particular qualification (qualification descriptor).

The third paragraph in Section 4 of Chapter 6 in that ordinance states that this ordinance contains divergent provisions on which requirements must be fulfilled for the award of pre-school, primary, secondary and vocational teaching qualifications and the levels at which such qualifications are awarded. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 1b

Section 5 of Chapter of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) states that the Ordinance (2021:1335) on education for qualification as a teacher/pre-school teacher contains provisions on requirements for education leading to pre-school, primary, secondary and vocational teaching qualifications. The second paragraph of Section 1 and the third paragraph of Section 5 in Chapter 1 of the latter ordinance state that, under that ordinance, teacher education includes education under this ordinance and that this ordinance contains provisions on divergent requirements for this programme.

The qualification descriptors for the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education in Annex 2 to the Higher Education Ordinance state that there are two specialisations for the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education. Ordinance (2024:167).

Section 1c

Chapter 2, Sections 13-19 of the Education Act (2010:800) and the Ordinance (2011:326) on qualification and certification for teachers and pre-school teachers set out the requirements for teaching in the school system.

Chapter 2, Section 22a of the Ordinance (2011:326) on qualification and certification for teachers and pre-school teachers states which upper secondary school subjects correspond to the teaching subjects specified in Chapter 4, Section 4 of the Ordinance on Teacher and Preschool Teacher Education. Section 4 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education.
Ordinance (2024:167).

Educational specialisations and intended eligibility for teaching

Section 2

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2028/

Under this ordinance, education that leads to the award of a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education may be provided with a specialisation in secondary education or in upper secondary education.

The programme is intended to lead to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education, in the manner stated in Sections 9-12, providing qualification to teach one, two or three teaching subjects. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 2

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2028/

Programme content

Section 3

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2028/

Education that leads to the award of a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education covers 90 credits under Chapter 2 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education, but with exceptions from Chapters 3 and 4 of that ordinance. This refers to

studies in core educational sciences worth 60 credits, and
placement worth 30 credits.

This education may also, as part of studies in core educational sciences under the first paragraph, include an independent project (degree project) worth 15 credits where this is necessary for the award of a degree. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 3

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2028/

studies in core educational sciences worth 45 credits,
subject studies and subject didactic studies of 15 credits, and
placement worth 30 credits.

Admission to the programme

Exception from the Higher Education Ordinance for specific entry requirements

Section 4

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2028/

For specific entry requirements for the programme, Sections 5-7 apply instead of the provisions on specific entry requirements in Sections 8-11 and 25 in Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993: 100).

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 stated in this ordinance. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 4

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2028/

For specific entry requirements for the programme, Sections 5-7a apply instead of the provisions on specific entry requirements in Sections 8-11 and 25 in Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993: 100).

Specific entry requirements for the programme

Section 5

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2028/

Those who have subject knowledge of at least 90 credits in a teaching subject in grades 7–9 in the compulsory school system have the specific entry requirements for admission to supplementary teacher education leading to the award of the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education, i.e. with a specialisation in teaching in grades 7-9 of the compulsory school system.

The higher education institution may itself determine which teaching subject the requirement in the first paragraph above comprises. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 5

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2028/

Those who have subject knowledge of at least 90 credits in a teaching subject in grades 8–10 in the compulsory school system have the specific entry requirements for admission to supplementary teacher education leading to the award of the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education, i.e. with a specialisation in teaching in grades 8-10 of the compulsory school system.

The higher education institution may itself determine which teaching subject the requirement in the first paragraph above comprises. Ordinance (2025:1561).

Section 6

Those who have subject knowledge of at least 120 higher education credits in a teaching subject in the upper-secondary school have the specific entry requirements for admission to supplementary teacher education leading to the award of the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Upper Secondary Education, i.e. with a specialisation in teaching in the upper-secondary school.

The higher education institution may itself determine which teaching subject the requirement in the first paragraph above comprises. However, this subject may not be a vocational subject. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 7

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2028/

The specific entry requirements for admission to the programme covered by Sections 5 and 6 are also fulfilled by someone who

has subject knowledge in a teaching subject in the secondary or upper-secondary school that is of such relevance to the teaching subject as stated in Sections 5 or 6 that it may be considered equivalent to the credit requirements stated there, or
through education in Sweden or abroad, practical experience or some other circumstance has the potential to benefit from the programme. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 7

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2028/

The specific entry requirements for admission to the programme covered by Sections 5 and 6 are also fulfilled by someone who

has subject knowledge in a teaching subject in the secondary (school years 8-10) or upper-secondary school that is of such relevance to the teaching subject as stated in Sections 5 or 6 that it may be considered equivalent to the credit requirements stated there, or
through education in Sweden or abroad, practical experience or some other circumstance has the potential to benefit from the programme. Ordinance (2025:1561).

Section 7a

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2028/

A higher education institution may issue regulations that require that the applicant be suitable for the training in order to be eligible for special eligibility for supplementary pedagogical training. The requirements shall relate to the applicant's ability to benefit from such training elements that are directly related to the future professional practice as a subject teacher. Regulation (2025:1561).

Selection

Section 8

During selection for the programme, Section 8 a applies instead of the provisions on selection in Sections 12-19, 23, 26 and 27 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993: 100). Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 8a

During selection, the applicant’s qualifications and capacity to benefit from a programme must be considered.

The higher education institution may issue regulations on which selection criteria are to apply. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Specific qualification requirements and degree level

Section 9

After completing a programme under this ordinance, the applicable requirements for a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education are as stated in Sections 9 a and 9 b and

Section 10 if the degree will include one teaching subject,
Section 11 if the degree will include two teaching subjects, and
Section 12 if the degree will include three teaching subjects.

A degree is awarded at the level stated in the third paragraph of Section 10, the second paragraph of Section 11, or the second paragraph of Section 12. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Core qualification requirements

Section 9a

Under this ordinance, for a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education the student must have completed 90 credits of supplementary teacher education in accordance with Section 3, in addition to their previous subject studies.

The requirements in the qualification descriptor for a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education in Annex 2 of the Higher education Ordinance (1993:100) apply, except for the requirement regarding a degree project, which has no equivalent on the programme under the first or second paragraph of Section 10.
Ordinance (2021:1341).

Degree project

Section 9b

For the award of the degree, the student must also have completed a degree project before, or as part of, the supplementary teach education. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Further qualification requirements and degree levels when the degree includes one teaching subject

Section 10

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2028/

A Degree of Bachelor of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education that is intended to provide qualification for teaching one subject is achieved if the total credits for the supplementary teacher education and previous subject studies, including a degree project of at least 15 credits, are

180 credits, if the degree is awarded with a specialisation in Secondary Education, or
210 credits, if the degree is awarded with a specialisation in Upper Secondary Education.

The required credits in the first paragraph must also be considered fulfilled if the student, in addition to that stated in Section 9 a, has completed a degree project worth at least 15 credits and was admitted with the support of Section 7.

A degree under the first or second paragraph is awarded at first-cycle level. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 10

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2028/

180 credits, if the degree is awarded with a specialisation in Secondary Education (school years 8-10), or
210 credits, if the degree is awarded with a specialisation in Upper Secondary Education.

A degree under the first or second paragraph is awarded at first-cycle level. Ordinance (2025:1561).

Further qualification requirements and degree levels when the degree includes two teaching subjects

Section 11

A Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education that is intended to provide qualification for teaching two subjects is achieved if the total credits for the supplementary teacher education and previous subject studies, including one or two degree projects worth a total of at least 30 credits, are those stated in Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), which is the case if

the previous subject studies are of the scope stated in Chapter 3 Section 7 or 8 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education, or
the student, in addition to that stated in the first paragraph of Section 9 a, has completed one or two degree projects worth a total of at least 30 credits and was admitted with the support of Section 7.

A degree under the first paragraph is awarded at second-cycle level. Ordinance (2021:1341).

Further qualification requirements and degree levels when the degree includes three teaching subjects

Section 12

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2028/

A Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education that is intended to provide qualification for teaching three subjects is achieved if the total credits for the supplementary teacher education and previous subject studies, including one or two degree projects worth a total of at least 30 credits, are those stated in Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), which is the case if

the previous subject studies are of the scope stated in Chapter 3 Section 7 or 8 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education, or
the student, in addition to that stated in the first paragraph of Section 9 a, has completed one or two degree projects worth a total of at least 30 credits and was admitted with the support of Section 7.

A degree under the first paragraph is awarded at second-cycle level.

Section 12

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2028/

A Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education (school years 8-10) that is intended to provide qualification for teaching three subjects is achieved if the total credits for the supplementary teacher education and previous subject studies, including one or two degree projects worth a total of at least 30 credits, are those stated in Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), which is the case if

the previous subject studies are of the scope stated in Chapter 3 Section 7 or 8 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education, or
the student, in addition to that stated in the first paragraph of Section 9 a, has completed one or two degree projects worth a total of at least 30 credits and was admitted with the support of Section 7.

A degree under the first paragraph is awarded at second-cycle level.
Ordinance (2025:1561).

Section 13

Ceased to apply through Ordinance (2021:1341).

Section 14

Ceased to apply through Ordinance (2021:1341).

Transitional provisions

2014:1070

This ordinance enters into effect on 1 January 2015.
Persons who have started a programme under the older provisions before 1 January 2015 and persons who have previously been admitted to such a programme but have received a respite for starting the programme, are entitled to complete the programme under the older provisions.

2017:894

This ordinance comes into effect on 2 July 2018.
Persons who started a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education before 2 July 2018 pursuant to the older provisions and persons who have previously been admitted to such a programme but have received a respite until a time after this for which to start the programme, are entitled to complete the programme to receive a qualification according to the older provisions, however this is only applicable until the end of December 2024.

2018:1508

This ordinance enters into effect on 1 January 2022.
The ordinance is first applied to admissions to courses and programmes that start after the end of May 2022.

2021:1341

Sections 4-8 a of this ordinance enter into effect on 1 February 2022 and the remainder on 1 July 2022.
Older provisions still apply to qualifications awarded after the end of June 2022, if the programme covered by the degree certificate was previously completed in its entirety.
Someone who started a programme that leads to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education prior to 1 July 2022 under the older provisions, and someone previously admitted to such a programme but who deferred the start of their studies, is entitled to receive a qualification under the older provisions for the degree requirements, but no later than the end of June 2026.

2025:1561

This ordinance enters into effect on 1 July 2028.
Older provisions still apply to education that has begun before the entry into force. However, the right to complete one's education and apply for a degree according to older provisions applies at the latest until the end of July 2032.
Anyone who has begun a Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education (school years 7-9) according to older provisions before the entry into force and graduates after the entry into force shall be deemed to have completed education for a Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education (school years 8-10).
Anyone who has been admitted to education leading to a Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education according to older provisions before the entry into force but has been granted a deferral until a later date to begin the education shall be deemed to have been admitted to education for such a qualification according to the new provisions.

Last updated: 7 April 2026