Transfer of credits
Students have the right to transfer courses successfully completed at other Swedish or foreign higher education institutions, provided that there is no substantial difference between the respective education or courses. This also applies to knowledge and skills acquired through other forms of education or professional practice, if they essentially correspond to the education for which the transfer of credits is sought. Transfer of Credits is regulated in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 6, Sections 7–8.
- Students who have previously studied at another Swedish higher education institution can normally include those studies in a general degree without a formal credit transfer decision.
- In a professional degree, courses that are not part of the programme syllabus must be transferred to be included in the degree.
- Studies completed abroad must always be transferred, regardless of the type of degree.
To have a credit transfer assessed, the individual must be admitted to and actively pursuing studies at the university. A credit transfer decision is valid only at the university where it was issued.
When a student applies for a transfer of credits, the university must assess whether the previous education or professional practice essentially corresponds to what the credit transfer concerns (course, subject, level, credits).
The decision is based on an assessment of the content of the education or professional practice that the student wishes to transfer, and is therefore different from an examination. Decisions on credit transfer may be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board (ÖNH). Uppsala University is obliged to inform the student about that.
Who has the authority to make decisions on credits transfers?
Applications for credit transfers are submitted and processed in different ways depending on the type of transfer of credits, as shown in the table.
| Type of merit | Full course toward professional degree | Part of course toward professional degree | Full course toward general degree | Part of course toward general degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swedish education | Disciplinary Domains* | Disciplinary Domains* | Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division | Disciplinary Domains* |
| Foreign education | Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division | Disciplinary Domains* | Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division | Disciplinary Domains* |
| Professional practice | Disciplinary Domains* | Disciplinary Domains* | Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division | Disciplinary Domains* |
New process for credit transfer applications
Applications for credit transfer of studies abroad that are decided by the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division must be submitted in Ladok from 7 January 2026.
All students will see the option to apply in Ladok for students, but initially only the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division’s applications (studies abroad) will be managed in Ladok.
During 2026, faculties and departments will be offered the opportunity to adopt the new process.
When assessing credit transfer for studies abroad
Before approving a credit transfer, it is important to:
- verify that the foreign education was completed at an institution recognised by the national education authority (or equivalent organisation) in that country
- ensure that the educational certificate is authentic.
Conversion of foreign credits
Departments managing credit transfer of studies abroad are welcome contact the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division for assistance in converting foreign credits to Swedish higher education credits.
Information on credit conversion for our partner universities is also available in the database MoveOn.
Contact and further information
If you have questions about transfer of credits, or need assistance with verification, assessment, credit conversion, etc., you are welcome to contact the Credit Transfer Team at the Student Affairs and Academic Registry Division.
Email: tillgodo@uu.se
Information for students on credit transfer is available in the student gateway
Documentation of credit transfer in Ladok, user guides available in Studium (in Swedish)