Since 2018, the number of eligible applicants for preschool teacher training has almost halved, while the number of admissions has fallen by a third, according to an analysis by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR).
From autumn 2027, applicants will need at least a grade of D in Swedish, which could further reduce the number of applicants. So despite falling birth rates, there is a risk of a shortage of preschool teachers: newly qualified teachers will not be enough to replace those who retire or leave the profession.
But the need is difficult to assess, UHR notes, pointing out that many higher education institutions offer supplementary courses for those who need to improve their Swedish grades.
