Higher Vocational Education (HVE)
Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan) is a post-secondary form of education that combines theoretical and practical studies in close cooperation with employers and industry.
Workplace training forms an integral part of the programmes, and after graduating, students are qualified to go straight into employment.
There are several options for higher vocational education (HVE).
Programmes
A higher vocational education study programme comprises at least 100 HVE credits, which corresponds to six months of full-time studies. Most programmes span 1–2 years and include internship called LIA (Learning in work environment). Programmes comprising 200 HVE credits or more can result in a diploma.
Courses
HVE courses comprise a maximum of 99 HVE credits, which corresponds to six months of full-time studies. Courses are mainly aimed at employees who wish to upgrade relevant skills.
HVE Flex
HVE Flex (YH Flex) is a fast track to a diploma for those already skilled and knowledgeable in a field. With formal validation of prior knowledge and a customised study plan, HVE flex students participate only in the parts of a programme needed to achieve a diploma.
Single courses
Some education providers offer single courses of programmes when there are vacancies. Contact the education provider/school for information.
Contract education
Companies, public actors and other organisations can purchase all or parts of an HVE programme.
Facts about HVE
A majority of study programmes, and some courses, include practical training at workplaces. This is known as Learning in a Work Environment (LIA).
Workplace training provides the opportunity to learn a profession and to build valuable professional contacts.
Education level
Higher Vocational Education is at post-secondary level.
Credit system
Duration is specified through HVE-credits (YH-poäng), where five credits correspond to one week of full-time studies. 100 HVE-credits correspond to six months of full-time studies, 200 HVE-credits to one year of full-time studies, 400 HVE-credits to two years of full-time studies etc.
Credits from an HVE programme do not automatically transfer into further studies at a university. Each university decides whether HVE credits can be transferred or not.
Graduation
For an HVE programme to result in a diploma on graduation, it must have a minimum duration of one year:
- Higher Vocational Education Diploma (Yrkeshögskoleexamen)
- Advanced Higher Vocational Education Diploma (Kvalificerad yrkeshögskoleexamen)
Entry requirements
There are certain entry requirements to be eligible for enrolling on a HVE programme.
The requirements can vary for different programmes, and prior knowledge is taken into consideration for each programme. There are also different selection procedures. Each education provider/school handles their own admissions process and can answer any questions about the requirements, as well as application procedures.
Higher Vocational Education eligibility
To fulfil the entry requirements for HVE studies, applicants must have prior knowledge equivalent to upper-secondary education. However, applicants with varying educational backgrounds or work experiences can be eligible.
General entry requirements for HVE are met if the applicant:
- has received a certificate from a full national upper-secondary school programme, or a school-leaving certificate from adult education at upper-secondary level,
- holds Swedish or foreign qualifications equivalent to the requirements stated under 1,
- is a resident of Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Norway and there fulfil the entry requirements for study programmes equivalent to the Swedish HVE programmes, or
- holds Swedish or foreign qualifications, or through practical experience or other circumstances has obtained the prerequisites needed to fulfil the requirements.
Specific entry requirements
Many HVE programmes require specific prior knowledge beyond the general entry requirements. These can vary and may involve completion of specific courses from a national programme at upper-secondary level, or through specific professional experience. Each education provider can answer questions regarding entry requirements for their programmes or courses.
Residency and studying in Sweden
There are different rules and regulations for studying in Sweden. For instance, a non-EU citizen must have a valid residence permit, or right of residence, to study at a HVE level. In order to receive a certificate/diploma after completion of studies, a student also needs a personnummer (personal identity number) or a samordningsnummer (coordination number).
For up-to-date information about studying in Sweden for non-Swedish citizens and regulations for students from abroad, please visit the Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) website.
Information on applying for a personal identity number can be found at the Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) website.
Moving to Sweden - Swedish Tax Agency External link, opens in new window.
For general information about studying in Sweden, please visit the Study in Sweden website.
Study in Sweden External link, opens in new window.
Swedish language proficiency
The majority of HVE programmes and courses are conducted in Swedish. A few are conducted in English or both languages.
The education provider/school evaluates and determines whether an applicant has the necessary language skills. This can be done through Swedish language proficiency tests. These tests are only required if an applicant´s first language is other than Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic, or Faroese.
The education provider/school can answer questions about their specific requirements.
Programmes conducted in English External link.
Courses conducted in English External link.
Exemptions
An applicant who does not fulfil the formal entry requirements, still has a chance to gain entry to a programme. The education provider may, under certain circumstances, exempt the applicant if he or she is judged capable enough to fulfil the requirements of the programme and to practise the profession for which the programme prepares. Contact the education provider/school directly for more information.
Selection and admissions
If there are more applicants than there are vacancies, each education provider performs a screening and selection process.
Applicants may be asked to take a written test or participate in an interview. Grades, prior education or professional experience are taken into consideration.
Each education provider handles their own admissions process, and will answer any questions regarding admissions.
Swedish with a Vocational Focus
Some occupations in the labour market may require specific professional language skills. To gain these skills, students may receive language training through Swedish with a Vocational Focus (SMY).
Contact the education provider/school directly with questions about Swedish with a Vocational Focus (SMY).
How to apply
Send applications directly to the education provider/school. Application dates vary, and each education provider handles their own admissions process.
Questions about application dates, eligibility, programmes and courses will be answered by the education provider/school.
Student financial aid
There are various forms of student grants and loans. To learn more, please contact the Swedish National Board for Student Aid (CSN) or visit their website.
Swedish National Board for Student Aid - CSN External link, opens in new window.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
For applicants who do not meet formal qualifications for a study programme, recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a way to qualify. RPL can also make it possible for an applicant to be granted credits for parts of a study programme.
Knowledge and skills can be acquired through formal education, e.g. upper secondary school or university courses, or from work experience, volunteer work or non-formal education such as leisure courses. These skills can be mapped and assessed via interviews and tests.
Each education provider/school will answer any questions about their RPL process and the qualifications needed for a specific programme or course.
The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education
The Swedish National Agency for HVE is responsible for this website. One of our areas of responsibility is ensuring that HVE programmes meet the labour market's needs for qualified workforce. We also inspect and audit the quality of the programmes and handle student feedback and complaints.
Any questions about specific programmes, courses or details about applications and admissions will be answered by the education providers/schools directly.
