Until 1989, the State also established the curricula for each programme. After the change of Government in Autumn 1991, a major reform was initiated, aiming at a deregulation of the unitary system of higher education and greater autonomy to the individual institutions of higher education. The reform was adopted by Parliament in 1992, and on 1 July 1993 a new Higher Education Act came into effect. It stated that the capacity of different courses and the allocation of grants between institutions will be influenced by the requirements of the individual students and the achievements of the individual institutions in terms of both quality and quantity. The organisation of study and range of courses on offer are determined locally and students have been given increased freedom of choice over study route within the framework of a new internationally valid Degree Ordinance, attached to the 1993 Higher Education Ordinance.
Emphasis is placed on quality and the effective use of available resources.
Equality between men and women should be observed in all aspects of higher education. Universities and university colleges should also promote an understanding of other countries and international relationships. The Stockholm Institute of Education and the University College of Physical Education and Sports, Smaller university colleges for various areas of Arts. Under the auspices of the country councils there are twenty-six colleges of Health Sciences, which provide preparatory courses for work in the paramedical professions. State-run universities and university colleges are central government agencies and their employees are civil servants.