Study Visit to Sweden: How a Decentralised Education System Works – and Which Tools Could Support Ukrainian Municipalities
As part of SALAR International´s Polaris Programme, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance and Ukrainian municipalities, took part in a study visit to Sweden to explore how a decentralised education system functions in practice. The visit aimed to identify tools, governance models, and approaches that could strengthen local education management in Ukraine.
The participants had the opportunity to see how Sweden organises the management of preschool, lower secondary and upper secondary education — what decisions municipalities make independently, and how quality assurance, financing, and inter-municipal planning work in practice.
Swedish municipalities are responsible for operating schools, allocating resources, and planning long-term development while adhering to national education goals. This balance between local autonomy and national standards was of particular interest to the Ukrainian delegation.
Some of the core lessons included:
- Local Financing and Budgeting
Swedish municipalities manage their own school budgets and complement them with state support mechanisms. This model demonstrates how financial responsibilities can be decentralized while ensuring that schools have stable resources. - Strategic Planning and Inclusion
Participants studied how schools in Sweden work with inclusive education, special needs, and long-term pedagogical planning. These practices could inspire Ukrainian hromadas in developing more inclusive and equitable learning environments. - Strengthening Local Capacity
Observing the decision-making processes at the municipal level provided examples of how local authorities can take greater responsibility for educational outcomes. These insights are valuable for Ukrainian reform efforts aimed at empowering hromadas through decentralization.
Through the visit, the Polaris Programme continues to support Ukraine at all levels — from national authorities to local self-government — in building practical skills and knowledge required for effective and sustainable education governance.
High-Level Consultations Between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and Swedish Education Authorities
Photo: Skolverket
Complementing the practical study visit, the Deputy Ministers of Education and Science of Ukraine, Nadiia Kuzmichova and Anastasiia Konovalova held high-level consultations with the State Secretaries of the Swedish Ministry of Education, Maria Nilsson and Oskar Wogglund Söderström, where the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and exploring how Swedish expertise can support Ukraine’s ongoing education reforms.
“Despite the war, Ukraine continues to develop its education system – and our partners recognise this. During the visit, we discussed how to make education governance even more transparent and how to strengthen support for hromadas. It is very important for us not only to study international experience, but to understand how to adapt best practices to Ukrainian realities. We are returning to Ukraine not only with impressions, but with concrete tools,” said Nadiia Kuzmichova.
“Great to meet with Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Education, Nadiia Kuzmychova, visiting Stockholm last week. Maria Nilsson and I had interesting discussions with Nadiia on education and professional development for teachers, schooling for kids with special needs and disabilities, and not least - how important it is for students to have access to proper textbooks. We all know that Ukraine is doing a tremendous job in defending its own and Europe's freedom every day. But freedom and democracy cannot thrive without an educated population, so a key element is to maintain well-functioning schools also in areas struck by Russian attacks, as well as offering online education to young Ukrainian refugees all over the world,” said Oscar Wåglund Söderström, State Secretary of the Swedish Ministry of Education.
Nadiia Kuzmichova and Anastasiia Konovalova also met with Joakim Malmström, Director-General of the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket). The discussion focused on publicly funded private schools, as well as approaches to accreditation, inspections and quality assurance. The parties also outlined areas of further cooperation – particularly in early childhood education, inclusion, and teacher training.
“It has been an honor for me to welcome the Ukraine delegation to Skolverket. Ukraine and Sweden have a strong bilateral relationship, and we share many values. One of them is the importance of education. To be able to continue providing education during times of crisis is important for society as a whole and for our children – our future. I would like to thank the delegation for sharing your knowledge and experiences and for interesting discussions during your visit. Supporting Ukraine remains a priority for Skolverket and we are available for further collaboration,” said Joakim Malmström.
Toward Stronger Local Education Systems in Ukraine
Together, the study visit and the high-level consultations illustrate a comprehensive approach to supporting Ukraine’s education reforms. While the practical experience in Swedish municipalities provides inspiration for what is possible at the local level, the policy dialogue with national authorities helps ensure that Ukrainian hromadas receive the tools, frameworks, and support needed to succeed.