History

The Swedish National Union of Students was formed in 1921 on the initiative of Hans Kristoffersson, then vice-chairman of the Gothenburg University student union, when there was a desire for increased participation in European student cooperation. In March 1921, Sweden's then student unions gathered in Lund and formed a national organization for Swedish students, which was named the Swedish National Union of Students. Erik Johansson from the Uppsala student union was appointed as the first chairman of the SFS.

Initially, SFS's main task was to coordinate Swedish students in international issues, because a national organization was required to participate in various international organizations and conferences. In 1930, SFS's activities expanded with the decision to conduct a socio-economic investigation to show the government the students' need for a lower fare on the railways, and the advocacy organization SFS was born.

SFS's areas of work were then continuously broadened and today SFS works with all issues related to educational issues and the situation of students.

Over the years, SFS has been involved in influencing most areas of education policy. Below is a selection of these:

Increased student funding and a changed student funding system
That there is a study grant at all (if we go far back in time)
The Equal Treatment Act for University Students, now incorporated into the Discrimination Act
That the universities have diversity plans
That pedagogical competence should be important in job appointments
That the student unions have the right to make their contribution to the university's annual report (which then forms the basis for funding allocation and the university's status)
The fact that diversity is discussed at all at universities is probably largely due to the student movement, even though we have had the benefit of EU legislation.
All laws that ensure student influence in higher education, that is, more or less the entire 6th chapter of the Higher Education Act.
Representation at the national level (HSV, CSN, VHS etc., that SFS is always consulted in all investigations)
Construction of student housing (they actually managed to quickly build out the shortage of student housing that was absolutely urgent in 2001)
A survey of the security systems (even if not everything has been addressed, we have managed to gain an understanding of the situation)
Better conditions for students with children (child supplement to study allowance, right to stay home with sick children, etc.)
SFS has founded Kilroy and the Student Card
A major impact on the situation of students within Europe
Major influence on the Bologna Process, especially the social dimension
SFS has been involved in influencing the design and scope of discounts for students

Earlier projects

Over the years, SFS has provided a number of projects that are now fully or largely completed:

Best party
geneDR
SFS adult