The question of pay almost always comes up when placements are discussed. Should you get paid, and what actually applies? The answer depends entirely on the type of placement. This guide explains when a placement is paid, when it is unpaid and what rules apply.
Most placement types that are part of an education are unpaid, because they count as study time rather than employment. That applies to, for example, LIA in higher vocational education and APL in upper secondary school. Paid placements do exist, but they usually involve a voluntary stipend from the company or a placement via the Public Employment Service where the compensation comes from a public authority.
Why understanding the difference matters#
A placement and employment are two legally different things. An intern is fundamentally a student, not an employee, and is therefore not automatically covered by pay, holiday or collective agreements. Understanding that helps you set the right expectations and avoid misunderstandings with the workplace.
Educational placements are usually unpaid#
When the placement is part of your education, it is almost always unpaid. You are there to learn, and you live on student finance rather than a wage. Read more about how student finance works during placements and LIA.
The company is free to pay a voluntary stipend, but it is not required. If a stipend is paid, it can affect your income limit with CSN.
Labour-market placements can pay compensation#
A placement through the Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) works differently. There you are not a student but a jobseeker, and you may be entitled to compensation during the period. The compensation then comes from the Social Insurance Agency, not from the workplace. Read more in our guide on placements via the Public Employment Service.
Placement compared with trainee programmes and employment#
A common misunderstanding is to confuse a placement with a trainee programme. A trainee programme is paid employment where you both work and train. A placement within an education is instead an unpaid part of your studies.
| Type | Paid? | Your role |
|---|---|---|
| LIA / APL / VFU | No (student finance) | Student |
| Labour-market placement | Compensation via Social Insurance Agency | Jobseeker |
| Trainee programme | Yes, salary | Employee |
| Summer job | Yes, salary | Employee |
Your rights during the placement#
Even without pay, you are entitled to a safe and meaningful placement. That includes an appointed supervisor, clear tasks linked to your education and a safe working environment. Also check that insurance and agreements are in place before you start.
How Prakto can help#
Prakto brings together the framework of the placement — agreement, goals, supervisor and follow-up — in one place. That makes it clear to both student and workplace what applies during the period, even when the point is learning rather than pay.
Frequently asked questions#
Do you get paid during LIA?#
No, LIA is unpaid because it is part of your higher vocational education. You receive student finance during the period, not a salary. Some companies pay a voluntary stipend.
Do you get paid for APL in upper secondary school?#
No, APL is an unpaid part of vocational upper secondary education. You are a student, not an employee.
Can you receive compensation during a placement?#
Yes, if the placement is arranged through the Public Employment Service. You may then receive compensation from the Social Insurance Agency while taking part in the programme.
Are unpaid placements legal?#
Yes, when the placement is part of an education. The EU does, however, want to limit unpaid placements outside education that lack an educational purpose.
Conclusion#
If the placement is part of your education, it is almost always unpaid, and you live on student finance rather than a wage. Paid placements mainly occur through the Public Employment Service or as a voluntary stipend. The key is knowing which type your placement is — then you also know what to expect.
Sources#
- Arbetsförmedlingen — information about placements and programmes for jobseekers.
- CSN — student finance and income limits during studies and placements.
