Education

FIFPRO

There is more than formal education

There are various forms of education; degrees, diplomas, or skill development. All forms help players to develop and one is not necessarily better than another.

Benefits from studying go further than increasing skillset

Studying while playing professionally has many benefits for players, such as reducing the pressure of football, increasing preparedness for the transition into a post-playing career, and developing other identities.

It will not be easy to study while playing professional

An education takes time and effort and managing multiple demands is very challenging.

UEFA for players

UEFA For Players is first and foremost a mobile application designed to expand players’ football and career management knowledge at the touch of a screen. There are a wide range of educational modules on different topics, all based on immersive simulation videos and real-life case studies. The application is highly interactive and gamified, providing the latest information on football career management as well as a weekly newsfeed with up-to-date content and upcoming events.

Here is an overview: https://uefaacademy.com/courses/uefa-for-players/

The higher education system in Sweden:

https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/find-out-more/the-swedish-higher-education-system/

Apply to courses and programmes in all of Sweden

https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start

Wondering where to start with the admission process? Take a look att this guide to what you need to do, when – ande where: https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/find-out-more/quick-guide/

National Sports University in Sweden

International Specialised Sport Federation Certificate – is a certificate for combining elite sports and education at a Swedish Sports University (RIU) or Elite
Sports-friendly University (EVL). This form has to be filled in by the applicant, email to the current Special Sports Association in your home country for approval. An approved student certificate is then submitted by the applicant to the RIU or EVL where the studying is to take place.

In order to be admitted to the National Sports University (RIU/EVL) and have access to the support services available, you must be admitted to a programme at a University. Here is a list with all the National Sports Universities in Sweden:

To be admitted as a student at a University in Sweden, you apply for an education via universityadmissions.se.

To be eligible for the National Sports University, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Be selected for the Swedish junior or senior national team
Be competing at a high international level in individual sports
Play team ball sports in the highest division in the national or international senior
level
Be identified by, or participate, in the national team’s development activities
Judged in the long run to be able to take place in senior national teams or compete at a
high international level
Take part in the Swedish Paralympic Committee’s support system
Take part in the Swedish Swedish Olympic Committee’s Top and Talent programme

Higher Vocational Education (HVE)

https://www.yrkeshogskolan.se/in-english/

Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan) is a post-secondary form of education that combines theoretical and practical studies in close cooperation with employers and industry. Programmes are offered in specific fields where there is an explicit demand for competence.

Higher Vocational Education eligibility

To fulfil the entry requirements for HVE, you must have the prior knowledge equivalent to upper-secondary education. However, the rules are generous and applicants of varying backgrounds are given an opportunity to demonstrate fulfilment of entry requirements.

General entry requirements for HVE are met if you:

have received a school leaving certificate from a full national upper-secondary school programme, or a school leaving certificate from adult education at upper-secondary level,
hold Swedish or foreign qualifications equivalent to the requirements stated under 1,
are a resident of Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Norway and there fulfil the entry requirements for study programmes equivalent to the Swedish HVE programmes, or
hold Swedish or foreign qualifications, or if you have through practical experience or other circumstance obtained the prerequisites needed in order to fulfil the programme requirements.

Specific entry requirements

Many HVE programmes require specific prior knowledge beyond the general entry requirements. These may vary in different programmes. It may involve completion of specific courses from a national programme at upper-secondary level or specific professional experience. Contact the education provider (school) directly to find out what the specific requirements are for the programme of your choice.

Knowledge of Swedish

If your first language is other than Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic or Faroese, you must have the necessary knowledge of the Swedish language. The education provider tests and determines whether you have the necessary knowledge.

Some programmes offer opportunities for extra-curricular support if your first language is other than Swedish in the form of job-related Swedish language training.

Exemptions

Should you not fulfil the formal entry requirements, there is still a chance to gain entry to a programme. The education provider may, under special circumstances, exempt the applicant if he or she is judged capable enough to fulfil the requirements of the programme and to practise the profession for which the programme prepares. Contact the education provider to find out whether this opportunity is available for the programme of your choice.

Selection and admissions

In a situation where there are more applicants to an HVE programme than there are study places, a selection has to be made among the applicants.

Selection procedures vary in different programmes. You may be asked to take a written test or go to an interview. Grades, prior education or professional experience may also be taken into consideration.

Each education provider (school) handles their own admissions process in their programmes. If you have any questions regarding admissions, please contact the education provider directly.

Swedish with a Vocational Focus

Some occupations in the labour market may require you to have specific professional language skills. In order to gain such skills, it may be possible for students to receive language training in Swedish with a Vocational Focus (SMY). The purpose of learning Swedish with a vocational focus is for you to gain the language skills required for the particular profession you are training for. This may make it easier for you to get a job after graduation.

What to do: Contact the school and ask about Swedish with a Vocational Focus. The education provider (school) assesses whether it is possible to offer SMY.