Higher Vocational Education Diploma (Yrkeshögskoleexamen)

Key features

Qualification: Yrkeshögskoleexamen

Qualification in English: Higher Vocational Education Diploma

Educational level: Post-secondary Vocational Education

NQF level: 5

EQF level: 5

Nominal length/workload: At least one year of full-time studies/ at least 200 HVE-credits.

Work-based learning: Work-based learning is not mandatory but recommended.

Access requirement: Upper secondary education diploma or equivalent. Training providers may also require specific upper secondary course credits or relevant work experience.

Access to further studies: Graduating from this programme does not provide learners with access to any further progression pathways. The graduates normally enter the labour market.

Programmes and mode of education

Students can choose a HVE programme in 16 different fields. Programmes leading to a Higher Vocational Education Diploma (Yrkeshögskoleexamen) consist of at least one year of full-time study, but most are between one and three years.

Learners need to pass all courses, accumulate at least 200 HVE‑credits (Higher Vocational Education credits/ Yrkeshögskolepoäng), and complete a diploma project to obtain the qualification.

HVE programmes combine classroom-based theory with practical training at workplaces, known as Workplace-based Learning (Lärande i arbete, LIA). While LIA is not a compulsory component in programmes leading to a Higher Vocational Diploma, it is generally included in most cases.

All current programmes offered within Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan) are listed at https://www.yrkeshogskolan.se/

Diploma/Certificate provided

Examensbevis (The diploma/certificate is only issued in Swedish by the VET provider). 

If all parts of the programme are not passed, a course certificate (utbildningsbevis) is issued instead.

Certificate Supplement

For every higher vocational education programme that leads to a national diploma, the education provider must produce a Europass Certificate Supplement in both Swedish and English, following the template from the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för yrkeshögskolan), and attach it to the diploma.