Elementary education is compulsory in Sweden between the ages of 7 and 16. Most Swedish students continue their studies for a further three years in upper secondary school.

Free state-run education is available for the children of all Swedish residents, regardless of nationality. Schools are run by local authorities but follow a national curriculum and are subject to government inspections.

Since the medium of instruction in state schools is Swedish, many expatriates living in Sweden choose to send their children to international schools.

There are a large number of international schools in Sweden, mostly located in the major cities and larger towns. Some provide boarding facilities. Most of the international schools follow the British or American curriculum, but some are based on the Swedish curriculum. Fees vary according to the student's residence status, with the children of expatriates who hold a personal ID (social security) number being eligible for state-subsidized fees.

Free pre-school education is widely available in Sweden.

Most of Sweden's universities and colleges are state-run and higher education is effectively free of charge to students.