"We had other unwanted effects with reduced diversity, which were more extensive than we anticipated. Therefore, we are now taking a step back and reviewing the process in its entirety," the university announced in a press release.
What happened was that the proportion of women admitted dropped sharply and a male majority grew, an analysis from the Swedish Council for Universities (UHR) showed earlier this fall.
Happiness rating
The prestigious Stockholm School of Economics, where competition for places is fierce, tightened its admission requirements in an attempt to weed out potential applicants with poor grades. The school, led by principal Lars Strannegård, had simply had enough of reports about how some upper secondary schools were giving their students unjustifiably high grades.
The requirements were tightened so that applicants, in addition to high school grades, must have a university entrance exam score of at least 1.25 points to be able to compete for study places. This score level is achieved by approximately one fifth of all test takers in the country.
The result in Handel's case was that fewer people passed the eligibility threshold, especially among women. Of those who were ultimately admitted, 29 percent were women – a sharp decrease compared to the previous years, when the proportion was 39 percent.
Looking internationally
The School of Economics is now abolishing the requirement for a university entrance exam and will conduct a "broad review" of its admissions model.
"As an international business school, we will draw inspiration from leading universities in the world. Our ambition is the same as always, to attract and welcome the very best students," comments Vice-Chancellor Lars Strannegård in the press release.
Facts: Eligibility and selection
TT
Eligibility requirements for the two bachelor's programs Business and Economics and Bachelor of Science Program in Retail Management at Stockholm School of Economics 2025:
Basic and special qualifications in the form of high school grades.
At least 1.25 points on the university entrance exam (HP). This requirement will disappear next year.
Result:
The number of eligible applicants decreased from 2,231 people in 2024 to 1,249 this year. The biggest loss was among women.
The proportion of men admitted increased from 61 percent (2022–2024) to 71 percent this year.
Sources: UHR and School of Economics
