Course secretary

What does a course secretary do? – tasks and work environment

A course secretary is responsible for administering and coordinating education-related processes within colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. Tasks include course registration, handling student inquiries, documentation, scheduling, and communication between students, teachers, and other administrative staff. The role requires accuracy, service-mindedness, and the ability to work systematically in an environment often characterized by high tempo and varied tasks. The work environment is typically office-based and involves daily contact with both internal and external parties, which demands good collaboration skills and a professional approach.

Salary development over time

The salary for course secretaries has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,100 SEK per month, rising to 37 200 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 38 900, representing an increase of approximately 7.8% over three years. This development reflects a continued demand for administrative skills in the education sector but is also influenced by general salary adjustments in the public sector and increased digital competence requirements. Despite steady growth, there are variations between different employers and regions, and future salary development may be affected by rationalizations and automation within administration.

Course secretary salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
• Hourly wage: 234 SEK
• Women: 38 000 SEK/month
• Men: 41 500 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 92% of what men do

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a course secretary typically involves a high school diploma, often supplemented with post-secondary studies in administration, economics, or related fields. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in administrative work and good IT skills, especially within business and educational systems. Practical experience and personal suitability can be highly valued, and it is advantageous to be accustomed to working systematically and independently.

• High school education: Economics, administration, or equivalent
• Post-secondary education: YH or university studies in administration (1–3 years)
• IT skills: Experience with administrative systems and Office suite
• Internship/experience: Previous administrative work is advantageous
• Communication skills: Important for the role

Common benefits and compensations

A course secretary is often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations may include subsidized lunch, professional development, and the possibility of remote work depending on the employer and the nature of the position.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a course secretary is generally considered moderate, with a balanced recruitment situation according to the Employment Service's forecasts. Over five years, demand is expected to decline slightly, partly due to increased automation and digitalization of administrative processes. This means that applicants should be prepared for changes in tasks and increased demands for digital skills. Nevertheless, the number of job openings remains relatively high, with 758 advertised positions, indicating ongoing need for competent administrators. Flexibility and continuous skills development are essential to meet future challenges.

Tips for those who want to become a course secretary

To succeed as a course secretary, it is beneficial to have a strong sense of structure and order, as the role requires managing many administrative processes simultaneously. A friendly attitude and service-minded approach facilitate contact with students and colleagues, often being crucial in stressful situations. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to changing routines or new digital systems is a significant advantage, especially as educational environments evolve. Precision and responsibility are important to ensure accurate documentation and reporting. Proactive work and taking initiative are appreciated by employers and can lead to increased responsibilities. Communication skills, both written and verbal, are central for conveying information clearly and professionally. Finally, a positive attitude and teamwork ability are key factors for thriving and developing in the role.

Key facts about course secretaries

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education (1–3 years)
• Work environment: Office-based within higher education or adult education
• Typical work form: Full-time, daytime
• Demand: Moderate, 758 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: IT systems, administration, communication

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a course secretary, there are good opportunities to develop further within administration or educational management, such as educational administrator, coordinator, or case officer. Some choose to supplement their skills with further education and can then advance to managerial roles within educational organizations. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are moderate today, but demand is expected to decline slightly over five years due to technological development and automation. Despite this, there remains a continued need for qualified administrators, especially for those quick to adopt new systems and working methods. The profession encompasses many roles, offering flexibility and opportunities for specialization in areas like student services or course planning.

Common questions about course secretaries

• What is the average salary of a course secretary?
  - The average salary for a course secretary is 38 900 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a course secretary?
  - The highest salary is 49,300 SEK and the lowest is 34,000 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a course secretary?
  - A high school diploma with post-secondary studies in administration is most common.
• What are the future prospects for course secretaries?
  - The Employment Service assesses the opportunities as moderate, but demand is expected to decrease slightly over five years.
• What career paths are available for course secretaries?
  - Opportunities to advance to educational administrator, coordinator, or other managerial roles.
• What are common tasks for a course secretary?
  - Administration of courses, student matters, scheduling, and documentation are central tasks.