Swedish High Schools Struggle to Meet STEM Enrollment Targets Amid Declining Interest

A recent survey indicates no region in Sweden has met the government’s target of enrolling 25% of first-year high school students in natural science or technology programs. Currently, the national average stands at 21%, a figure that has declined over the past five years across nearly all regions.

The Swedish government instituted a STEM strategy in February aiming for 25% enrollment in these programs by 2035 to boost the pipeline of students pursuing technical or scientific university education. This goal is critical for Sweden’s future competitiveness and meeting increased demands for engineers needed for the country’s green transition, digital advancement, and defense expansion.

Johan Kreicbergs, societal policy chief at Sveriges Ingenjörer, warns that failing to reach this target risks undermining regional competitiveness, particularly since some areas remain far below the national average.

The problem is acute in regions such as Jämtlands län, which reports the second-lowest participation rate in STEM programs nationwide at only 14%. Many students in Jämtlands express feelings of being ‘school tired’ after middle school, leading them to choose more practical, less academically demanding paths. At Wargentinskolan in Östersund, student preferences highlight this trend. However, there are exceptions—for example, Mohamed Rashid from Härjedalens gymnasium chose the natural science program due to his passion for mathematics.

Overall, Sweden’s STEM enrollment challenge is multifaceted, involving regional disparities and a growing urgency to attract more young people into science and technology education. Without significant efforts to reverse current trends, achieving national targets and preparing enough skilled professionals for future societal needs could be at risk.