Adult education
Since the 1960s Sweden has ranked high among western countries in terms of its commitment to adult education. The public adult education system and student welfare reforms of the mid-1970s carried on from the grassroots tradition of liberal adult study and education initiatives.
The school system for adults includes municipal adult education (corresponding to basic and upper secondary school), education for adults with learning disabilities and Swedish for immigrants.
Photo: Colourbox
Municipal adult education (Komvux)
The aim of basic adult education is to equip adults with the knowledge and skills they need to take part in society and working life. It is also intended to prepare adults for further study. The aim of upper secondary adult education, in turn, is to equip adults with knowledge and skills corresponding to the levels set for pupils at upper secondary school.
Education for adults with learning disabilities (Särvux)
Education for adults with learning disabilities aims to equip adults who have an intellectual disability with knowledge and skills corresponding to those that pupils in schools for individuals with learning disabilities can acquire.
Swedish for immigrants (SFI)
Education in Swedish for immigrants aims to equip adult immigrants with a basic knowledge of the Swedish language. A further purpose of SFI is to teach reading and writing to immigrants who lack basic knowledge of these skills.
Higher vocational education
On 1 July 2009, the Swedish National Agency for Vocational Higher Education was established. The Vocational Higher Education Act entered into force on 15 April 2009.
Supplementary education
Supplementary education supplements the public education system. It helps adults develop knowledge and skills in specific occupational fields and also aims to preserve traditional trade skills.
Liberal adult education
Liberal adult education, which has a long tradition in Swedish society, is characterised by great freedom in setting its own objectives, with the Government only defining the purposes of the grant it allocates. These include enhancing people's ability to influence their own lives and fostering a commitment to the development of society. Liberal adult education also aims to strengthen and develop democracy and to broaden interest, and increase participation, in cultural life.
