Compulsory elementary school was introduced in Sweden in 1842. Today's comprehensive school came into being in 1962, together with the first modern curriculum. Virtually all Swedish schools have computer labs. IT and internet are integral parts of the educational program. According to a recent study by the American Electronics Association, Sweden ranks No 1 in the world when it comes to 12th graders math & science skills.
Schools are normally run by municipalities who provide free instruction, books and lunches. There are also a number of independent schools – mostly based on religious belief or a particular educational method. In cases where students opt to attend such schools, the student's municipality of residence has to pay a grant to the school.
There is also a separate municipal adult education system, which enables adults with inadequate schooling to reach the same level of education as young people.
There are some forty institutions of higher education in Sweden. These institutions – universities and university colleges – are mainly operated by the Government and provide free instruction. There are also government loans available to cover students' living expenses.
Slightly more than 30 % of each age group continues to higher education. Of students enrolled in undergraduate studies, 57% are women, while for graduate students the corresponding figure is 37%. Many Swedish students choose to spend at least part of their education abroad. Most of these students attend European universities through ERASMUS, the EU student exchange program, but thousands also find their way to educational institutions in the United States – not the least to California.