In the 18th century, scientific research and higher education began in Stockholm. For example, the Stockholm Meteorological Observatory was established during that period. Karolinska Institutet was formally established in 1811 and is now the school responsible for selecting the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine every year. The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) was founded in 1827 and is now Sweden's largest technical higher education institution. Stockholm University was founded in 1878 and was granted the title of university in 1960. In 2004, it had 35,000 students. Stockholm University incorporates many other historic institutions, such as the Observatory, the Swedish Museum of Natural History and the Botanical Gardens. Stockholm School of Economics was founded in 1909 and is one of the few private higher education institutions in Sweden.

In terms of art, the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm was founded in 1771. The Royal Academy of Arts in Stockholm also has a long history, founded in 1735. Stockholm Theater Academy, formerly the Royal Theater, where Greta Garbo studied. Other schools include the Stockholm Academy of Arts and Crafts (Konstfack), founded in 1844, as well as the Opera Academy, Dance Academy, etc.

Schedttor College was founded in 1995 and is a comprehensive institution in the south of Stockholm. Most of the other schools are in the north.