Swedish Teacher Education and Migrant Teachers

Overview & Synopsis

In Sweden, bridging programmes for migrant teachers and preschool teachers at higher education institutions started in 2007 as a governmental project and are still developing today. Altogether, more than 4300 teachers with a foreign teaching degree have been admitted to the Swedish bridging programme between 2008 and 2018. Migrant teachers from over 90 countries have studied in the bridging programme. These programmes, located at six higher education universities in Sweden, offer supplementary education for migrants with a teaching degree from a foreign country. The aim is to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to teach in a Swedish context. In addition, since teaching is a regulated profession, supplementary education gives migrant teachers the requirements needed to apply for certification at The Swedish National Agency for Education. This agency collaborates with The Swedish Council for Higher Education in assessing foreign education requirements. Guidance and planning take place in relation to the migrant teacher's previous education and work experience. An individual study plan with a maximum of 120 ECT is designed. To be accepted to this programme, the migrant teacher needs a diploma of education from a country outside Sweden. In addition, proficiency in the Swedish language must be equivalent to upper secondary school.