Higher vocational education in Sweden
Higher vocational education in Sweden
Higher vocational education is called HVE (yrkeshögskoleutbildning, YH-utbildning) in Sweden. HVE programmes combine theory with practical learning in a workplace. The work placement is called Learning in a Work Environment (lärande i arbete, LIA) and is an important part of HVE programmes.
Higher vocational education programmes of at least one year result in a Higher Vocational Educational Diploma (Yrkeshögskoleexamen). Programmes of at least two years result in an Advanced Higher Vocational Educational Diploma (Kvalificerad yrkeshögskoleexamen). This is a nationally approved and quality-assured diploma, recognised by most companies.
The programmes are offered in sectors where there is a need for skilled labour. The content in HVE programmes is based on knowledge that has developed through production of goods and services. The aim is that the programmes will lead to a job or self-employment directly after you have taken the diploma. The content and specialisations of the HVE programmes vary according to labour market needs.
There are both private and public institutions. All programmes are approved by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för Yrkeshögskolan) and they are reviewed regularly. The programmes are run in collaboration with industry.
HVE programmes
HVE programmes are compiled in response to industry needs. The programmes are at post-upper secondary level and provide skills in professional areas in, for example, building and construction, IT, agriculture, media, healthcare and care, technology, restaurants, and business finance and administration.
HVE programmes are found in many different sectors throughout Sweden. You can find information about the individual programme areas and locations on the website of Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan).
Admission to higher vocational education programmes in Sweden
To apply for admission to an HVE programme, you must satisfy the admission requirement regarding eligibility. The requirements for this are common to all HVE programmes - the most important is that you are expected to complete the programme.
You fulfil the entry requirements and are eligible if you satisfy one of the following:
- You have a school-leaving diploma (slutbetyg) from a national or special programme at upper secondary level with at least the lowest grade, pass (godkänt).
- You have a school-leaving diploma (slutbetyg) from adult education at upper secondary level with at least the lowest grade, pass (godkänt).
- You have Swedish or foreign educational qualification that correspond to the requirements in point 1 or 2.
- You live in Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Norway and fulfil the entry requirements for study programmes equivalent to the Swedish HVE programmes.
- You have acquired, through Swedish or foreign education, practical experience or through some other circumstance obtained the prerequisites needed to fulfil the programme requirements.
The entry requirements do not just take into account formal qualifications, but also the actual skills possessed by the applicant.
Most HVE programmes have special requirements for prior knowledge (särskilda förkunskaper), which means you must have studied certain subjects or have specific professional experience in order to apply for the programme. Information about this can be found in the search function on Yrkeshogskolan.se under each programme.
Differences between higher vocational education and university/university college
There are quite big differences between studying on an HVE programme and at a university/university college. Here are some of the most important differences:
Higher Vocational Education
Number of years to final diploma: 1-2
Vocational studies: Yes
Theoretical level: Medium-high
Teaching hours/week: 18
Contact with working life: Great contact
LIA/work placement Yes
University college/University
Number of years to degree: 4-5
Vocational study focus: Depends on programme
Theoretical level: High
Teaching hours/week 2-10
Contact with working life: Little or no contact
LIA/work placement: Usually none
If you have any questions, please fill in our contact form.
NB! If you have questions regarding the processing of a specific case or application, or other personal matters, please contact the relevant authority directly.
