Adult learning

Since the 1960s Sweden has ranked high among western countries in terms of its commitment to adult learning. With the introduction of the national adult education system, the development of labour market training schemes and the student welfare reforms of the mid-1970s, the tradition established through liberal adult study and education initiatives has been continued.

The national adult education system includes municipal adult education (basic education for adults, upper secondary education), education for adults with learning disabilities and Swedish tuition for immigrants.

Municipal adult education

The aim of basic adult education is to help adults gain the knowledge and skills they need to take part in society and working life. It is also meant to prepare adults for further study. The aim of upper secondary adult education, on the other hand, is to help adults gain knowledge and skills that correspond to the levels set for young people at upper secondary school.

Education for adults with intellectual impairment/Särvux

Education for adults with learning disabilities aims to help adults with learning disabilities gain the knowledge and skills that correspond to those that young people in special schools can acquire.

Swedish tuition for immigrants

Swedish for immigrants aims to help adult immigrants acquire a basic knowledge of the Swedish language.

Higher vocational education

On 1 July 2009, the Swedish National Agency for Vocational Higher Education was established, and the Higher Vocational Education Act entered into force on 15 April. The provisions in this Act aim to ensure the establishment within higher vocational education of post-upper secondary vocational education that meets the needs of the labour market. This means that continuation courses, certain supplementary courses, adult apprenticeships for certain skilled trades and advanced vocational education programmes are regulated under one single umbrella known as higher vocational education.

Higher vocational education programmes may be organised by state higher education institutions, municipalities, county councils and private natural or legal persons. Education programmes are to be characterised by a strong link to workplaces and a grounding in theory. In addition, programmes are to be developed and run in cooperation with working life and education providers. After applying to the Agency, a provider is to be eligible for central government grants or special funds for the programme.

Supplementary education

Supplementary education supplements the national education system. It helps adults acquire knowledge and skills within specific occupational fields and also aims to preserve traditional skills.

Liberal adult education

There is a strong tradition of liberal adult education in Sweden. It is free to set its own objectives; the Government only defines the purpose of the grants it allocates. This includes, for example, enhancing people's ability to influence their own lives and foster a commitment to the development of society. Liberal adult education also aims to strengthen and develop democracy, broaden interest in the arts, increase participation in cultural life and encourage experiences and individual creativity.