Prior learning

A broader view of knowledge

Prior learning refers to knowledge and skills you have 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 programme you re applying for. 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 prior learning

We conduct a comprehensive assessmen, 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 knowledge 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 for 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 knowledge 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 form "Ansökan om bedömning av reell kompetens/att undantag görs" together with a personal statement as well as certificates to  universityadmissions.se no later than the ordinary application deadline. See key dates and deadlines at universityadmissions.se. We do not handle late applications for prior learning.

   Or send the documents 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 offering the course/programme. 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.