FAQ

What are the eligibility requirements?
In short, the basic requirements for eligibility are that you have completed an upper-secondary education (corresponding to a Swedish “gymnasieexamen”) or the equivalent. Furthermore, there is a special prerequisite that requires participation in a skills testing day at the school. Applicants who fulfil the requirements of basic eligibility will be invited to the skills testing day. Read more about eligibility here.

I don’t have the formal qualifications, what can I do?
If you do not have formal qualifications, recognition of prior learning is a way to prove that you have the necessary prior knowledge and are qualified to join the programme. To do this, click the button “Åberopa reell kompetens” under the tab “Behörighet”, and describe what formal qualifications you are missing. Fill out the form for validation of prior learning, focusing on the aspects of eligibility that you are missing, and submit it with your application. You must also attach any formal documents you would like us to consider while assessing your programme eligibility. Please note that any documents you wish to submit must be translated into Swedish or English by a qualified translator. If your application to have prior learning validated is successful you will proceed to the next step in the application process.

The process of having previous learning validated may take some time, please submit your application well ahead of the deadline.

The form for validation of prior learning can be found here.

What is the language of the programme?
The formal language of the programme is Swedish and some formal documents (such as the programme curriculum and course syllabuses) are only available in Swedish. Also, the system language for the IT software used for admissions and programme administration is Swedish. However, if international students are admitted to the programme, teaching and information will be given in English.

How much does it cost?
The programme itself is free of charge and students are eligible for student aid, usually from their home countries.

There is a cost for materials if you wish to keep the guitars that you build. Materials can be provided by the school, but in that case the guitars will belong to the school. Tools are provided by the school but students are free to acquire other tools if they wish. Personal safety equipment, such as masks, are acquired by students themselves. If students wish to apply for a journeyman letter toward the end of the programme this is funded by students themselves. Other costs may include printing, study visits, literature and other minor expenses.

The school does not provide meals, accommodation, transport or anything else associated with living and studying in Sweden.

What student financial aid is available?
Swedish post-secondary students are entitled to student aid from the Swedish National Board for Student Aid (CSN).

Foreign citizens studying in Sweden are normally only entitled to financial aid from CSN if they have moved to Sweden for another reason than to study, and meet certain criteria. Foreign students may however be eligible for student financial aid from their respective home countries.

For more information about Swedish student aid, please visit the Swedish National Board for Student Aid, CSN.

What is the general set-up of the programme?
The Guitar Building Programme is a three-year, full-time programme consisting of a number of courses. Students are expected to be in school on weekdays from about 08:30 to 16:30 (may vary). There is a mix of lectures with the entire class and individual work and guidance/tutoring. Teachers are available on average 15 hours a week, meaning that the rest of the time is for students to work toward given deadlines under their own responsibility. Some courses are more theoretical and some are more practical. Each course is graded and to receive a diploma students must pass all the courses.

Do I need my own tools?
The school provides the basic tools necessary to pass the various courses during the programme. However, many students choose to get their own personal tools to complement what is available at the school and to keep upon graduation. Applicants who are admitted to the programme can be given recommendations on what tools to get if they wish to do so, but this is not compulsory.

The school provides basic protective eyewear and ear protection, but safety equipment which is more personal in character, such as protective breathing masks and/or customized eyewear is acquired by students themselves.

Can I keep the guitars that I build during the programme?
Yes, if you pay for the materials used or acquire the materials yourself. Materials can be provided by the school, but in that case we will keep the finished guitar.

I require special pedagogical support
Students with disabilities (learning difficulties for instance) have a right to special pedagogical support within the vocational education system. Exactly what measures can be taken depends on the nature of the disability and wether or not there is formal documentation supporting the claim. If there is formal documentation regarding your disability and how it effects your learning situation, we can procure funding for certain measures. Read more about special pedagogical support here (in Swedish).

Does the school provide accommodation and/or meals?
No, the school does not provide accommodation and we are not part of any student housing systems. We do not provide meals. There are a few restaurants in the vicinity of the school but most students bring their own lunch from home, to heat in our kitchenette. 

Contact us
Contact us at skoladmin@folkuniversitetet.se or +46(0)8-789 42 00 if you have any further questions about the programme.