Swedish university entrance exam cheats risk prison sentences

Cheating on Sweden’s national university entrance exam can lead to criminal charges and up to six months in prison, authorities have warned ahead of Saturday’s test. Over 100,000 candidates take the exam annually, according to a report by public broadcaster SVT Nyheter.

The Swedish Council for Higher Education (Universitets- och högskolerådet) has stepped up anti-cheating measures, including training invigilators to detect suspicious behaviour and deploying random metal detectors at test sites. “If you’re caught cheating, it’s important to know that it’s a criminal offence,” said Dani Backteg, the council’s press officer.

Candidates have previously used hidden earpieces and smart glasses to cheat, Backteg noted. Exam results are also analysed post-test to flag irregularities. A common mistake—failing to silence mobile phones—can result in a candidate’s score being voided for that section.

Penalties for cheating range from disqualification to fines or imprisonment of up to six months.