Prior learning

A broader view of knowledge

Prior learning refers to knowledge and skills you've gained, regardless of how, when, or where you acquired them. We assess your prior learning to determine if you have the necessary qualifications for the course or program you're applying to. This process does not lower entry requirements; instead, it allows you to demonstrate that you have gained the required knowledge through alternative means. The assessment is based on the documents you submit with your application and can cover both general and specific entry requirements.

How we assess your expertise

We conduct a comprehensive assessment of your expertise. This includes evaluating knowledge and experience gained from, for example, work experience, volunteer work, studies abroad, extended periods abroad, professional training or other activities. We also consider studies from formal education systems that may not independently qualify you, such as upper-secondary school or adult education at the upper-secondary level.

When you apply for a prior learning assessment, you will need to describe your experiences, knowledge, and skills and provide supporting documentation. We then evaluate whether your combined expertise meets the entry requirements for your chosen course or programme by comparing your qualifications to the specific requirements.

How to apply for prior learning assessment

1. Apply to a course and/or programme at universityadmissions.se.
   
   
2. Fill in the form Ansökan om bedömning av reell kompetens/att undantag görs (application for assessment of prior learning). Please note that the form is only available in Swedish. Print the completed form or print the form and then complete it.
   
   
3. Write a personal statement describing, in as much detail as possible, the knowledge you believe you have acquired and how it corresponds to the entry requirements in question. Describe how you acquired this knowledge and in what way you feel it will help you pass the course or programme you are applying for.
   
   
4. Provide certificates, grades and/or assessments from people who know you well and who can confirm that you have expertise within a specific area, for example a teacher or employer. You can submit work or course certificates or descriptions of your work in associations or other activities.
   
   
5. You may also need to submit the following:
   - If you have applied for the course/programme in question before and were granted prior learning, you must submit a copy of the admission decision you received then.
   - If the previous decision was for a different course/programme than the one you are applying for now, you must submit a new application for prior learning assessment.
   
   
6. Upload the application and documents to universityadmissions.se no later than by the regular application deadline. See important dates at universityadmissions.se. We do not handle late applications for prior learning assessments.
   
   
7. Send the form Ansökan om bedömning av reell kompetens/att undantag görs, together with a personal statement, certificates etc., to: 
   
   PostNord Strålfors AB
   Att: Antagningsservice
   R 312
   190 81 Rosersberg
   Sweden

What happens next?

An admissions officer processes your case and makes a comprehensive assessment of your qualifications based on the documents you submitted and qualifications already listed in the admission system. Where applicable, the admissions officer consults a study or career counsellor and/or the department in question. The admissions officer then decides whether your prior learning will be approved.

If you already fulfil the entry requirements for the course/programme in question, your prior learning application will not be considered.

Your admission decision at universityadmissions.se will state if your prior learning  application has been approved.

If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. The admission decision will include information on how to appeal. Find out more about appeals.

You may need to take the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test

Please note that prior learning does not give you priority over others who applied to the same course or programme. Meeting the entry requirements is often the first step in being admitted to a course or programme. There is often competition over places. Prior learning does not give you a merit rating and does not involve a personal selection group. Therefore, we recommend that those applying for undergraduate studies and lack final upper-secondary school grades take the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test. This allows you to better compete for a place.

Prior learning

Do you have questions about prior learing? Contact us at priorlearning@slu.se