Inactive Distance-Learning Students Cost Sweden Nearly SEK 800 Million in 2024, Audit Finds

Over the past ten years, the proportion of distance-learning students has increased from 27 to 44 percent, and a third of students on independent distance-learning courses are inactive, according to the review. P3 Nyheter was first to report this.

In 2024, the state paid higher education institutions nearly SEK 1.3 billion (about $124 million) for inactive students, of which SEK 800 million (about $76 million) was for students on distance-learning courses.

Students’ inactivity also leads to poorer study results and takes up places on courses.

The Swedish National Audit Office wants the government to investigate how the number of inactive students can be reduced.