Study Law in Sweden

The Swedish Law Degree

In order to practice law in Sweden, graduates must hold either the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or the Master of Laws (LLM). The LLM is typically of a supplementary nature and offers additional qualifications to recipients, ranging from international corporate tax law to maritime law to European law. Combined, these two degrees typically span a 4-5 year period of study.

Law Higher Education in Sweden

Swedish universities are internationally known for their dedication to independent thinking, investigative research and exacting quality control. In addition to its world-class reputation, Sweden is recognized for its commitment to welcoming students from all over the world. These attributes make it an attractive destination for students in search of an international law degree, as well as in other areas of study.

In order to practice law in Sweden, degree recipients must complete an additional five years of legal work at a law firm or in private practice. They must also demonstrate worthy character and pass a rigorous academic test. Ultimately only its own residents, in addition to candidates from other EU nations as well as Switzerland, are eligible to become lawyers in Sweden.

Undergraduate tuition fees and costs depend upon the institution. Numerous scholarship funding opportunities are available for international students to help defray the costs.

There are no longer any public law offices in Sweden; lawyers operate exclusively in private practice. Generally, lawyers in Sweden provide legal advice, but law firms also cover a spectrum of legal duties, including corporate governance, financial restructuring, real estate, taxes, investments, economic development and more.

About Sweden

Sweden is located in Northern Europe and is bordered by Finland, Norway and the Baltic and North Seas. From technology to politics to commerce, the Scandinavian country, known for its innovation and technology, is heralded for its many significant global contributions, ranging from the Nobel Prize to Ikea. Major Swedish industries include timber, iron ore, telecommunications, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals. Sweden is well-known for literature, films, fashion, and a universal health care system. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Sweden also shines in the area of higher education. Throw in the fact that English is widely spoken -- and is in fact an accepted mode of university teaching, as well as the official working language of a number of Swedish corporations -- and Sweden becomes a veritable hub of international study for students from around the globe.

The Swedish Legal System

Sweden’s laws are created by the country’s Parliament and upheld by a number of government agencies responsible for everything from law enforcement to correctional services. The country has both penal and civil law, as well as a comprehensive administrative law system.