In the medieval towns, the church was responsible for the schools. The sons of the aristocracy and the well-to-do citizens went there. Many of them studied to become priests. Others would later become town scribes. If the pupil was the son of a merchant or craftsman, who later would go into business, it was necessary for him to learn to read or write. Those who wanted to join the clergy had to study at various schools and universities for ten years or so. They were then ordained as priests at a special ceremony.
If one wanted higher education, one could go to the universities of Paris, Bologna or Prag. Many young boys studied abroad and returned with new knowledge and a lot of experience. In the 15th century, universities were founded closer to home, for example in Greifswald, Rostock and Leipzig in Germany. The first Swedish university was founded in Uppsala in 1477.
Girls did not have the same opportunity to study as the boys did. Only the daughters of noblemen or wealthy citizens learned how to read and write. The daughters of the nodility would need these skills as they later would be in charge of a large household at a manor house or castle. The daughters of the craftsmen or merchants were expected to take care of the accounts and the book-keeping. Girls were educated at home or at a nunnery.