The Swedish education system provides a very high standard of education and is free for everyone. University courses are subsidised by the government and are free for Swedes and foreigners alike.
The Swedish education system starts with an optional pre-school class at the age of 6. This is followed by primary education from 7 to 16. At 16 students can either continue a secondary education programme in preparation for higher education or join a vocational college.
All children in Sweden under the age of 6 are able to enrol in a child care centre. In general these centres are based in local institutions, though you can also find programmes run by your local authority in private homes. Child care at this stage is subsidised and parents only pay a small fee. Pre-school for disabled children is free.