Korta vägen is a Swedish labour-market integration programme designed for foreign-born professionals with higher education qualifications from outside Sweden.

The programme is commissioned by Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish Public Employment Service) and delivered by universities and educational organisations across Sweden, including Folkuniversitetet and other partner institutions.

Its main goal is to help internationally educated professionals enter the Swedish labour market more quickly by combining language training, career preparation and workplace experience.

Korta vägen is aimed at people who already have academic qualifications or professional experience but may still face challenges finding skilled work in Sweden. These challenges often include limited Swedish language skills, lack of local professional networks, unfamiliarity with Swedish workplace culture, or difficulties explaining foreign qualifications to employers.

The programme creates a structured pathway that helps participants adapt their existing education and experience to the Swedish job market.

why korta vägen exists

Korta vägen was created to help reduce the gap between international qualifications and the Swedish labour market.

Many educated newcomers struggle to find qualified work despite having strong professional backgrounds. Common barriers include language difficulties, lack of Swedish references, limited professional networks and unfamiliarity with Swedish recruitment processes.

The programme aims to shorten the time it takes for foreign-educated professionals to find skilled employment and establish themselves professionally in Sweden.

Korta vägen is usually a full-time programme lasting between three and six months, although the exact length varies depending on the provider and the participant’s needs.

Most programmes combine several elements at the same time, including:

• professional Swedish language training
• career coaching and job-search support
• workshops on Swedish workplace culture
• skills and qualification mapping
• internship placements (praktik)
• individual career and study planning

Participants often divide their time between classroom learning and practical workplace experience.

swedish language training

Many Korta vägen programmes include Swedish language training as part of the course itself.

Unlike standard SFI classes, the Swedish taught in Korta vägen is usually focused on professional communication and workplace situations. Participants may practise writing professional emails, participating in meetings, understanding workplace terminology and communicating within their industry.

Although Swedish training is built into the programme, participants are still usually expected to have basic Swedish skills before starting — often around SFI D level or equivalent. Requirements vary depending on the university or provider.

Language ability may also be assessed through spoken interviews and written tests before admission.

Many Korta vägen programmes include Swedish language training as part of the course itself.

Unlike standard SFI classes, the Swedish taught in Korta vägen is usually focused on professional communication and workplace situations. Participants may practise writing professional emails, participating in meetings, understanding workplace terminology and communicating within their industry.

Although Swedish training is built into the programme, participants are still usually expected to have basic Swedish skills before starting — often around SFI D level or equivalent. Requirements vary depending on the university or provider.

Language ability may also be assessed through spoken interviews and written tests before admission.

internship and workplace experience

One of the most important parts of Korta vägen is the internship placement, often called praktik or APL.

The internship allows participants to gain Swedish work experience, build professional contacts and practise Swedish in a real workplace environment. It also helps participants understand Swedish workplace expectations and provides local references that can improve future job applications.

For many participants, the internship becomes an important step toward long-term employment in Sweden.

skills mapping and qualification recognition

Most programmes begin with a mapping phase, sometimes called a kartläggningsvecka. During this stage, teachers and career counsellors assess the participant’s academic background, work experience, language level and career goals.

Korta vägen also helps participants better understand how their foreign qualifications fit into the Swedish labour market. This may include guidance on degree recognition, licensing requirements or additional studies needed for regulated professions.

Requirements can vary slightly depending on the institution delivering the programme, but participants usually must:

• have at least 2 years of higher education or a university degree from another country
• live in Sweden with the legal right to work
• be registered as a job seeker with Arbetsförmedlingen
• have enough Swedish language ability to participate in the programme
• have academic or professional experience in any field

Arbetsförmedlingen determines whether an applicant qualifies for the programme.

financial support

Participants generally do not pay tuition fees for Korta vägen.

Many participants instead receive activity support or other benefits through Arbetsförmedlingen during the programme period. Payments are usually administered through Försäkringskassan.

how to apply

People interested in joining Korta vägen must first be registered as job seekers with Arbetsförmedlingen.

Applicants can then speak with their case officer about eligibility and available programmes in their area. In many cases, universities or programme providers also organise information sessions before each intake.

Once accepted, participants usually begin with skills mapping and career planning before moving into language training, workshops and internship placement.