The Reading Crisis Reaches Swedish Universities

In recent years, Sweden has grappled with a concerning decline in reading habits among its youth, a trend now infiltrating the halls of higher education. What began as alarming drops in international assessments like PISA and PIRLS has evolved into a tangible challenge for universities, where students increasingly struggle with academic texts, particularly lengthy books and complex English-language materials. This phenomenon, often dubbed the 'Sweden reading crisis,' threatens the foundational skills essential for deep learning and critical thinking in university settings.

Swedish higher education institutions, renowned for their innovation and research excellence, are witnessing firsthand how diminished book reading impacts student preparedness. Younger undergraduates, shaped by a school system heavy on digital tools, enter programs at places like Uppsala University and Chalmers University of Technology less equipped for the rigorous reading demands of their courses. Educators report students questioning the necessity of novels or thick textbooks, preferring summaries or digital alternatives.

This shift is not merely anecdotal. Government mandates introduced in early 2026 require universities to log and report course literature usage, signaling official recognition of the issue's severity.

Tracing the Origins: School Reforms and Digital Overreliance

The roots of the university-level reading decline lie in Sweden's K-12 education evolution during the 2010s. Schools embraced a 'digital-first' approach, equipping students with laptops and tablets while phasing out physical textbooks. This experiment, intended to future-proof learning, backfired as reading comprehension scores plummeted.

In the 2022 PISA assessment, Sweden's reading score fell 19 points to 487, aligning with 2012 lows and leaving about one in four 15-year-olds functionally illiterate. PIRLS results echoed this, showing a notable drop despite still above-EU-average performance. Factors included reduced teacher-led reading aloud, inadequate phonics training, and socioeconomic disparities exacerbated by immigration.

By 2025, the crisis spilled into universities. Freshmen arriving from these schools lack stamina for sustained reading, a gap widened by inconsistent upper secondary preparation. As one Uppsala professor noted, students now view novels as optional, prioritizing activism or shorter formats.

Key Statistics: What the Data Reveals About Student Habits

A landmark 2025 national survey by Chalmers University, Örebro University, and the Institute for Language and Folklore provides concrete data from 1,000 representative students.

• 72% read most or all compulsory Swedish-language course literature; 86% find it easy to understand.
• 22% read little or none of Swedish materials.
• For English texts: 60% read most, but 33% read little or none; only 61% deem it easy.
• Age disparity stark: 65% of 18-29-year-olds read most Swedish lit vs. 96% of 45-59-year-olds.
• Discipline variation: Humanities 86% full reading; engineering 61%.
• 70% prefer Swedish academic texts.

These figures underscore a generational shift, with younger cohorts relying more on summaries or AI aids.

English-Medium Challenges in a Bilingual Academic Landscape

Sweden's higher education increasingly incorporates English-medium instruction (EMI), amplifying reading woes. A study analyzing 2,225 undergraduate courses found most include English texts, with medians expecting 90-130 pages weekly in sciences. Yet, students read at slower rates (174 words per minute in master's programs), hampered by limited academic vocabulary.

Compliance drops sharply for English: around one-third skip substantial portions. This unpreparedness stems from school English focusing on conversational skills, not scholarly prose. Universities like Karolinska Institute have reportedly adjusted by reducing dense reading requirements in programs like medicine, prioritizing comprehension over volume.

For international-minded students eyeing careers in Europe, bolstering English academic reading is crucial. Resources like our academic CV guide emphasize literacy skills for success.

University Responses: Tracking, Adapting, and Innovating

Facing the crisis, Swedish universities are proactive. Since January 2026, the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) mandates tracking physical and digital literature use, including AI and audiobooks. This aims to safeguard Swedish course literature amid shortages, as publishers favor English for larger markets.

Institutions like Chalmers promote awareness through studies, while others integrate reading workshops. Some shift to hybrid models: summaries for accessibility, full texts for depth. Teacher time now often explains rather than analyzes readings.

Explore teaching opportunities addressing these challenges via lecturer jobs in Europe.

Expert Perspectives: Nuanced Views on the 'Crisis'

Opinions vary. Sofia Ahlberg (Uppsala) highlights students' struggles with depth and literature shortages threatening niche subjects. Conversely, Linda Eriksson (Örebro) argues the crisis is overstated—most read Swedish materials adequately—but English gaps persist.

Chalmers researchers urge shared responsibility: schools for basics, unis for scaffolding. This balanced discourse fosters constructive dialogue.

Underlying Causes: Multifaceted Contributors

• Digital Dominance: Screens reduced handwriting and focus; cognitive experts link it to comprehension drops.
• Teacher Training Gaps: Many lack fluency in reading instruction; reforms from 2028 mandate structured literacy training.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Inequality widens gaps; immigrant students lag.
• Book Accessibility: High costs, limited Swedish titles.
• Cultural Shifts: Social media fragments attention.

Rate your professors' reading assignments at Rate My Professor.

Impacts on Learning, Equity, and Employability

Diminished reading hampers critical analysis, research, and retention—core to degrees. Marginalized groups risk further exclusion. Graduates may falter in knowledge-intensive jobs.

In Europe, Sweden's plight mirrors trends but stands out due to prior highs. Comparable data scarce, but Nordic peers emphasize phonics.

Government and Institutional Solutions

Sweden invests heavily: SEK 216M (2025) and 433M (2026) for school libraries; back-to-books policies. Higher ed gets UKÄ mapping. Teacher reforms prioritize literacy.

Innovations: AI for personalization, audiobooks, peer reading groups. Success stories emerge, like increased youth book sales.

European Comparisons and Broader Implications

While Sweden declines, Finland maintains strong literacy via phonics. EU-wide, digital fatigue prompts hybrid returns.

For European unis, lessons: Balance tech with basics. Check Europe university jobs for reform roles.

Photo by Christer Lässman on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Pathways to Revival

Optimism prevails with reforms. Universities fostering reading cultures—clubs, incentives—could reverse trends. Students: Cultivate habits early.

Discover career advice at Higher Ed Career Advice, jobs at Higher Ed Jobs, rate courses via Rate My Professor, and university positions at University Jobs.