1. Diagramme of the Swedish VET system
NB: The diagramme does not show all qualifications and all connections between programmes.
2. Description of the Swedish VET system
Swedish vocational education and training starts after compulsory education and is provided at EQF level 4, 5 and 6. After completing ten years of compulsory schooling, students can choose between twelve national vocational programmes (yrkesprogram) or six higher-education preparatory programmes (högskoleförberedande program) in upper secondary school (gymnasieskola) at EQF level 4.
Graduates from certain vocational programmes must complete a work placement or apprenticeship (lärlingsutbildning) before taking the journeyman´s exam (gesällprov) or obtaining a trade certificate (yrkesbevis).
At post-secondary level, Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan) offers programmes leading to vocational qualifications at EQF levels 5 and 6.
In addition, vocational qualifications are available within the non-formal education sector through private companies, labour market organisations, supplementary education providers, and folk high schools (Folkhögskolan). Non-formal qualifications and certificates can be referenced to the Swedish National Qualifications Framework (Sveriges referensram för kvalifikationer, SeQF).
Vocational education model at EQF 4 (Upper secondary vocational education and training)
Upper secondary vocational programmes last three years and are offered both as school-based (skolförlagd utbildning) and as apprenticeships (lärlingsutbildning). Graduates who complete the programme receive an upper secondary vocational diploma (Yrkesexamen) at EQF level 4. The two pathways differ mainly in the proportion of work‑based learning (WBL): apprenticeships include at least 50% WBL, while school‑based programmes include a minimum of 15 weeks (approximately 15%). Admission criteria, diploma requirements, goals, subject syllabi, and orientations are the same for both.
The scope of the courses is measured in upper secondary credits (gymnasiepoäng). A student in an upper secondary programme must accumulate 2,500 credits. In municipal adult education, 2,400 credits are required. In both cases, 2,250 credits must be completed with passing grades. Passing grades in Swedish (or Swedish as a second language), English, Mathematics, and a Diploma project are compulsory. In the three-year VET programmes (school-based or apprenticeship), 1,600 credits are allocated to vocational subjects.
Vocational education model at EQF 5 and 6 (Post-secondary vocational education and training)
Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan) is a post-secondary education that combines theoretical and practical studies in close cooperation with employers and industry. Higher vocational education leads to two main qualifications: Higher Vocational Education Diploma at EQF level 5 and Advanced Higher Vocational Education Diploma (Kvalificerad yrkeshögskoleexamen) at EQF level 6.
Programmes at these levels place strong emphasis on work-based learning (WBL), known as “Lärande i arbete” (LIA). At EQF level 6, at least 25% of the programme consists of WBL while at EQF level 5, WBL is recommended but not mandatory.
The scope of the programmes is measured in Higher Vocational Education (HVE) credits (yrkeshögskolepoäng, YH-poäng), where 5 credits correspond to one week of full-time study, 100 credits correspond to six months, 200 credits correspond to one year, and 400 credits correspond to two years. Transfer of HVE credits to higher education is not automatic and depends on the policies of each university.
3. Governance and stakeholders
The Swedish government has overall responsibility for the education system and sets the policy framework across all education levels. The Ministry of Education and Research is responsible for most areas, including upper secondary schools and Higher Vocational Education (HVE).
The Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket) oversees upper secondary and adult education. While the core content is defined nationally, space is allowed for local adaptation. Each vocational upper secondary programme has a national programme council composed of representatives from industry and social partners, which advises Skolverket on adapting and developing vocational education. Some national programme councils also include representatives from the public authorities. At the local level, programme councils link schools with employers and working life.
The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan) is responsible for Higher Vocational Education (HVE). The agency analyses labour market needs, decides which programmes to include in HVE, and allocates government funding to providers. The agency works closely together with employers and industry representatives, who play an important role in the planning of HVE programmes and in the content. Education providers must submit an application to the agency to launch new programmes. The application must specify the programme’s orientation, goals expressed in knowledge, skills, and competences, course content, assessment criteria, and the involvement of relevant companies or organisations in development. The agency also conducts inspections and audits to ensure programmes meet labour market needs.
4. Types of vocational educational institutions
Upper Secondary Vocational Education
Upper secondary education is provided by public schools operated by municipalities, which are responsible for ensuring access to all eligible students, as well as by a significant number of independent (private) schools. Independent schools are regulated by the same legislation and governing documents as public municipal schools.
Regarding design and provision of apprenticeships, the school is responsible for matching the student to the employer, and the school defines the content and mode of delivery of WBL in dialogue with the employer.
Higher Vocational Education
Higher vocational education providers are state-funded, regardless of whether they are private or public institutions. Programmes may be run by state higher education institutions, municipalities, county councils, individuals or other legal entities.
Since HVE programmes are tailored to labour market needs, they are regularly updated to reflect changing skill requirements. All programmes must be approved by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan), which grants approval for a limited period. Approval can be renewed up to five times.
5. Quality assurance
The Swedish Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen) has the responsibility to inspect and assess that schools comply with legislation and regulations. They are also responsible for assessing applications to establish independent schools.
The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan) has regulatory oversight of the higher vocational education programmes. Each programme is approved for a limited period, with up to five possible renewals, to ensure it stays aligned with current labour market needs. The agency also conducts inspections and audits to monitor quality and ensure programmes meet labour market needs.
6. National qualifications framework for Lifelong Learning (NQF-LLL)
The Swedish National Qualifications Framework (Sveriges referensram för kvalifikationer för livslångt lärande – SeQF) is a comprehensive framework that was referenced to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) in 2016. It is structured across eight levels and covers all types and levels of qualifications from formal education and training, as well as those awarded outside the formal system.
Non-formal qualifications that have received a level decision according to the SeQF, as well as Higher Vocational Education Diplomas are searchable at The Swedish Qualifications Database.
The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan) is responsible for the Swedish National Qualifications Framework.
7. Useful links
Sveriges referensram för kvalifikationer för livslångt lärande – SeQF: https://www.myh.se/validering-och-seqf/seqf-sveriges-referensram-for-kvalifikationer
Swedish Qualifications Database: https://www.myh.se/validering-och-seqf/seqf-sveriges-referensram-for-kvalifikationer/sok-kvalifikationer (available in Swedish only).
Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket): https://www.skolverket.se/
Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan): https://www.myh.se/
Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan): https://www.yrkeshogskolan.se/
Utbildningsguiden: https://utbildningsguiden.skolverket.se
Sveriges Hantverksråd: https://hantverksrad.se/
National vocational education and training, NVET (Nationell yrkesutbildning (NY) – Pilot activity): https://www.nyrkesutbildning.se/
Referencing report of the Swedish Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning, SeQF, to the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning, EQF: https://www.myh.se/publikationer/referensrapport-hur-seqf-lankar-till-eqf