Placements are often associated with higher vocational education and upper secondary school, but university and college students can also benefit greatly from work experience. This guide covers how placements work at higher-education level and how to find a position.
For university and college students, placements come in two forms: VFU (verksamhetsförlagd utbildning, work-integrated education), which is part of certain programmes, and voluntary placements you arrange alongside or within elective courses. Both give you experience, contacts and a clearer path from studies to work.
Why placements pay off even at university#
University programmes are often more theoretical than, say, higher vocational education. That makes a placement especially valuable, because it lets you apply your knowledge in reality, test a professional role and build a network ahead of graduation. Employers value experience highly, and a placement is one of the best ways to gain it during your studies.
VFU – a placement that is part of the programme#
VFU is the placement included in certain university and college programmes, primarily in healthcare, teaching and social work. It is compulsory, governed by course goals, and takes place at a workplace with a supervisor. Read more in our guide to VFU for teacher students and about the supervisor's role during VFU.
Voluntary placements alongside your studies#
If you study a programme without a built-in placement, you can often arrange one anyway:
- Placement courses. Some programmes have elective courses with a placement element.
- A thesis at a company. Write your thesis in collaboration with an employer.
- A placement on your own. Contact workplaces directly and agree on a period.
Check with your department what counts as part of the education and what might affect your student finance. We cover the basics of that in our guide on CSN during placements and LIA.
How to find a position#
The methods are similar to those for other students, but as a university student you often have a broader field to search within:
- Use the university's career service and alumni network.
- Search broadly but with focus, and tailor each application.
- Are you in a metropolitan region? Read our tips on finding a placement in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.
VFU compared with voluntary placements#
| Aspect | VFU | Voluntary placement |
|---|---|---|
| Part of the education | Yes | Sometimes |
| Compulsory | Yes | No |
| Supervisor | Yes | Usually |
| Grade/assessment | Yes | Varies |
How Prakto can help#
Prakto structures the framework of the placement — goals, supervisor, documentation and follow-up — whether it is VFU or a voluntary placement. For higher-education institutions and workplaces, that makes the follow-up easier and clearer than via scattered emails and documents.
Frequently asked questions#
Can you do a placement as a university student?#
Yes. Some programmes have VFU built in, and even without it you can often arrange a voluntary placement, placement courses or a thesis at a company.
Is VFU the same as a placement?#
VFU is a form of placement included in certain higher-education programmes, primarily in healthcare, teaching and social work. It is compulsory and governed by course goals.
Do you get student finance during a placement at university?#
If the placement is part of the education, it counts as study time and you keep your student finance. Check with your department and CSN what applies for your particular placement.
Conclusion#
Placements are valuable even at university and college level. VFU is part of certain programmes, while other students can arrange a voluntary placement, placement courses or a thesis at a company. Whichever route you take, a placement provides experience and contacts that shorten the step into working life.
Sources#
- Swedish Council for Higher Education — information about higher education in Sweden.
- CSN — student finance during studies and placements.
