Handelshögskolan Reverses Higher Education Admission Requirement After Drop in Female Enrollment

Swedish business university Handelshögskolan has decided to remove its minimum högskoleprov (university entrance exam) score requirement after it caused a significant decline in gender diversity among admitted students. The university had raised the admission threshold to a minimum score of 1.25 in an effort to counteract grade inflation, but this led to a sharp reduction in the number of women admitted. The proportion of admitted female students fell dramatically from 39% to just 29%, resulting in a notable male majority.\n\nFollowing an analysis by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), which highlighted this decrease in diversity and other unintended consequences, Handelshögskolan announced it would scrap the högskoleprov requirement and undertake a comprehensive review of its admission model. University Rector Lars Strannegård emphasized the importance of attracting the best students and stated that the school would seek inspiration from leading international institutions in shaping future admission criteria.\n\nThis move reflects a recognition that the stricter criteria had effects more extensive than anticipated, particularly harming female representation at the university. Handelshögskolan now aims to develop a more balanced admission process that better supports diversity and aligns with the university's goals moving forward.