The Swedish educational system has its own distinctions and is as such not directly comparable to other educational systems such as the one of the United States. There is however a need to compare degrees and the educational or academic levels attained through a completed education.

One of the first things to notice as compared to the US system is that primary schooling, which is compulsory end at age 16 in Sweden. However, almost everyone attends the elective secondary school (Gymnasiet), choosing either a university-preparatory programme or a vocational programme. Also students choosing a vocational education path is eligible for university studies, although access to some courses are restricted. Comparatively, in terms of education, the latter half of the preparatory secondary school to some extent corresponds to the freshman year of college.
The higher education system in Sweden does not recognize any intermediate stages between under graduate and postgraduate education. Undergraduate education offers the general degrees of "Kandidat", literally Candidate and "Magister". These degrees are for all purposes seen as equivalent but not identical to the degrees of Bachelor's and Master's. A Swedish Bachelor's degree is seen to hold a slightly higher academic distinction, and a Master's degree, while attaining at least the same level of specialization is not as extensive, as a graduate Master's degree.
The postgraduate level at Swedish universities offers an intermediate degree called Licentiate and it is closer in academic level to a Doctorate than a Master's degree. Due to this the requirements for a disputation for a Doctorate in Sweden is also seen to be slightly higher. Though at the Doctorate level the degree of specialization is reaching a point where the benefit of any kind generalized comparisons can be put in to question.