Sweden Plans Student Loan Forgiveness to Attract Police Officers Starting 2027

The Swedish government has proposed a new initiative to boost police recruitment by forgiving student loans for those who complete police training and commit to working as police officers. According to recent reports, candidates will need to serve a minimum of three years as police officers after completing their five-semester education program, which includes a practical training semester, to qualify for partial loan forgiveness. Full loan forgiveness will require continuous service for eight years following graduation.

The proposal, which aims to make the police profession more attractive, recommends that the Swedish National Board of Student Aid (CSN) handle the loan forgiveness directly, as this would simplify the process and increase efficiency. The reforms are planned to take effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to student loans issued from the autumn semester of 2024 onward.

These measures reflect the government's commitment to addressing recruitment challenges within the police force by easing financial burdens on new officers, making a career in law enforcement more accessible and appealing. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Sweden's police services and ensure sustained personnel growth in the sector.