Grillska high school in Uppsala is providing free student caps to all third-year pupils, alleviating financial strain. The decision by Stadsmissionens skolstiftelse has been warmly received by students.
The student cap, or studentmössa, is a longstanding symbol of graduation in Sweden, but add-ons like kokards and names can make it expensive. Grillska high school, operated by Stadsmissionens skolstiftelse, has decided to provide free student caps to all third-year pupils. Each student can select from two kokards and add their own name along with the school's. Pupils have greeted the initiative with great enthusiasm. “I think it's great to give everyone the opportunity to have a student cap and feel included,” says pupil Josefine Constantine. Principal Martin Molin notes that student cap sales were previously a weak point for the school. “Sales of student caps have been something of an Achilles' heel, where it has been hard to get it right. Now that the opportunity has arisen, I'm glad we can do this,” he says. The principal acknowledges it may seem unfair to pupils at other schools. “At the same time, we hope to lead the way to make a difference and that other schools will follow,” Molin adds. Pupil Johanna Gidlund says friends at other schools are envious: “They're happy for me of course, but they think it's a bit unfair because they have to run around looking for discounts themselves.” The article was published on March 20, 2026.