About higher vocational education programmes
In a higher vocational education programme, you can train for a profession after completing upper secondary school or Komvux (municipal adult education). The programmes are usually between one and three years long and combine theory in school with practical training in the workplace.
The training is intended to lead to a job
Higher vocational education programmes are designed in collaboration with various companies and organizations to meet the labour market's need for skills and lead to jobs. The content and focus of the programmes can therefore vary over time depending on the needs of the labour market.
The programmes are post-secondary and usually last between one and three years. Almost all higher vocational education programmes combine theory in school with placement at one or more workplaces (LIA, work-based learning).
Different education providers
There are many different higher vocational education providers (schools) around the country. The programme organizers can be municipalities, county councils, universities and university colleges, or private education providers.
What programmes are available?
At a higher vocational education school, you can choose from hundreds of vocational programmes for professions ranging from baker to app developer. Examples areas include Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism; Technology and Manufacturing; Culture, Media and Design; Agriculture; and Computer/IT.
Who can apply to study in a higher vocational education programme?
To study in a higher vocational education programme, you must have prior knowledge equivalent to upper secondary education. You sometimes also need specialized knowledge, such as certain upper secondary school courses or experience from working life. However, the rules are generous, and applicants from a variety of backgrounds have the possibility to fulfil the qualification requirements.
You can apply to study in a higher vocational education programme if you
- have an upper secondary diploma from an upper secondary school or Komvux
- have a Swedish or foreign education equivalent to an upper secondary school degree
- live in Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Norway and are qualified for an equivalent programme there
- have the prerequisites for completing the programme through Swedish or foreign education, practical experience or some other way.
Everyone, regardless of age, is welcome to apply to a higher vocational education school. However, there are age restrictions if you want to apply for student grants and loans from the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN).
Do I need to know Swedish?
You must know Swedish well enough to participate in the programme. The school decides whether your language proficiency is sufficient. Some schools provide extra support in Swedish with a vocational focus.
If you do not fulfil the formal requirements
Do you not fulfil the formal entry requirements? If so, it is still possible to be admitted to a higher vocational education programme. The schools sometimes make exceptions if they believe you can complete the programme and work in the associated profession. Contact the school and ask about what possibilities are available.
How to apply
Each school manages the admission process for its programmes. Contact the school directly to find out what the rules are there.
If there are more eligible applicants than there are places in a programme, a selection process is carried out. The process differs from programme to programme. The selection criteria can, for example, be grades or a special examination in the form of a written test or an interview.
Work-based learning (LIA)
LIA (work-based learning) means that part of your training takes place at a workplace.
This way you get the chance to further develop your knowledge and skills at a workplace under supervision. You gain work experience and get a feel for your future professional role already during your studies. LIA gives you experience as well as contacts that you can use when looking for a job.
Costs and student finance
The vast majority of higher vocational education programmes are free of charge, but there are some that charge a tuition fee. In all programmes, you must pay for literature and other study materials yourself. Check with the school to determine what the costs are for the programme in question before you enrol.
You are eligible to apply for student finance from the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN) to attend a higher vocational education programme.
Higher vocational education credits
Higher vocational education credits (YH credits) indicate the length of the programme. Five YH credits correspond to one week of full-time studies, 100 YH credits correspond to half a year of full-time studies, 200 YH credits to one year of full-time studies, etc.
Get help from a study and vocational guidance counsellor
There are many adult education programmes to choose from, both those that lead to a profession and those that prepare you for further study at a higher vocational education school, university or university college. To find out about the level of your previous education and training, a study and vocational guidance counsellor in your municipality or at your school can help assess your knowledge, skills and experience.
Schools and municipalities provide access to study and vocational guidance counsellors that can provide more information about both education programmes and the Swedish labour market.
Get help from a study and vocational guidance counsellor for adult studies