A common question from prospective YH students is how long the LIA period actually is. The answer varies between programmes, but there are clear principles that govern how much LIA a programme contains. This guide covers length, credits and structure.
LIA (lärande i arbete, learning at work) often makes up around a quarter of a higher vocational programme, but the exact length is set by each programme's curriculum. A LIA period is usually several weeks long, and many programmes have more than one period spread across the studies. If you want the basics first, read our guide on what LIA is.
Why the length varies#
Higher vocational education (YH) is designed together with working life, and each programme is adapted to the occupation it leads to. An occupation that requires a lot of hands-on training often gets more LIA, while other programmes have a smaller share. So there is no single answer that applies to all — but the pattern is that LIA is a significant part of the programme.
How LIA is counted in credits and weeks#
YH programmes are measured in YH credits, where five credits normally correspond to one week of full-time study. LIA is counted the same way as other courses, which means you can convert LIA credits into a number of weeks.
| LIA credits | Approximate full-time length |
|---|---|
| 25 credits | About 5 weeks |
| 50 credits | About 10 weeks |
| 100 credits | About 20 weeks |
Exactly how the credits are distributed is shown in the curriculum. Information about higher vocational education and its structure is available from the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education.
One or several periods#
Many programmes split LIA into two or more periods. An early period gives you a first contact with the occupation, while a later period is closer to graduation and often more independent. The split lets you connect theory to practice in several steps.
What the length means for you#
- Planning. Knowing the length lets you plan accommodation, finances and any commuting.
- Student finance. During LIA you keep your student finance, because the period is part of the education. Read more about CSN during placements and LIA.
- Chance of a job. A longer LIA gives the employer more time to get to know you, which can lead to employment.
How Prakto can help#
In Prakto the student sees their LIA period, goals and documentation in one place, and the school gets an overview of where all students are. That makes longer or split periods easier to follow for both the programme and the workplace.
Frequently asked questions#
How many weeks is a LIA period?#
It varies, but a LIA period is usually several weeks long. Five YH credits correspond to about one week of full-time study, so the length depends on how many credits the LIA course comprises.
How much of a YH programme is LIA?#
Often around a quarter, but the exact share is set by the curriculum and can differ between programmes.
Do all YH programmes have LIA?#
Most higher vocational programmes include LIA, because it is a central part of the YH model. The extent does differ, however.
Can you choose how long the LIA period is?#
No, the length is set by the curriculum. You can often influence where you do your LIA, however.
Conclusion#
How long a LIA period is depends on the programme, but LIA often makes up a quarter of the study time and is measured in YH credits, where five credits correspond to about a week. Always check the curriculum for exact figures — then you can plan your LIA in good time.
Sources#
- Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education — information about higher vocational education, YH credits and LIA.
