APL, LIA, VFU, and prao, what's actually the difference? Internships in Sweden go by many names, and the abbreviations can feel like alphabet soup, especially if you're new to the education system. But behind each abbreviation lies a specific system with its own rules, responsibilities, and expectations.
This complete guide clarifies all internship formats in Sweden, explains what sets them apart, and helps you determine which one applies to you. Looking for an overview of how internships are changing in Sweden in 2026? Read our trend report.
Quick Overview: All Internship Formats#
| APL | LIA | VFU | Prao | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Arbetsplatsförlagt lärande (Workplace-based learning) | Lärande i Arbete (Learning in the Workplace) | Verksamhetsförlagd utbildning (School-based practical training) | Praktisk arbetslivsorientering (Practical work orientation) |
| Education level | Upper secondary | Vocational higher education (YH) | University/college | Compulsory school (grades 8–9) |
| Typical length | 15+ weeks total | 8–20 weeks per period | 20–30 weeks total | 1–2 weeks |
| Graded | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Who finds the placement | The school (often) | The student (usually) | University/student | School/student/parent |
| Supervisor required | Yes | Yes | Yes (VFU supervisor) | Yes (contact person) |
| Compensation | No | No (CSN student aid) | No (CSN/student loan) | No |
APL: Workplace-Based Learning (Upper Secondary)#
APL is the upper secondary school's version of an internship and is included in all vocational programs. It's not an optional add-on, it's a mandatory part of the education with at least 15 weeks to be spent at a workplace. Want to learn more in detail? Read our complete guide to finding an APL placement.
Who Is Affected by APL?#
Students in upper secondary vocational programs: automotive, construction, health and social care, commerce, restaurant, electrical and energy, and more. University-preparatory programs normally do not include APL.
How Does APL Work in Practice?#
The school is responsible for finding placements, but the student can also suggest their own contacts. During APL, the student must perform tasks linked to the program's course objectives. The workplace supervisor provides input for grading, which is ultimately done by the teacher. Documentation and logbooks play a central role during the APL period.
Important to Know About APL#
- APL is graded: what the student does at the workplace affects the final grade
- The school is responsible for ensuring the workplace is suitable and the supervisor is prepared
- The student should have three-party meetings with the teacher and supervisor during the period
- Insurance is normally handled by the municipality
- A clear internship agreement should be established before the period begins
LIA: Learning in the Workplace (Vocational Higher Education)#
LIA is the vocational higher education internship format and often what makes YH programs so attractive to employers. Students come with fresh theory and get to apply it in real projects. Dive deeper with our complete LIA guide and learn more about how YH strengthens bridges to the workplace.
Who Is Affected by LIA?#
Students in vocational higher education programs (YH) in everything from IT and web development to business, logistics, marketing, and healthcare. Most YH programs have two LIA periods that make up 25–30 percent of the education.
How Does LIA Work in Practice?#
Unlike APL, YH students are usually expected to find their own LIA placement. The program has a LIA coordinator who provides support, but the responsibility lies primarily with the student. This means the student needs to search for placements, write an internship CV that stands out, and go through interviews, just like a real hiring process.
Important to Know About LIA#
- LIA is examined: the student receives a pass or fail
- The supervisor reports back to the program with an assessment
- The student is entitled to CSN student aid during the LIA period
- Many employers use LIA as a recruitment channel
- A LIA supervisor checklist helps supervisors provide the best possible support
VFU: School-Based Practical Training (Teacher Education)#
VFU is the internship format for student teachers and occurs in all teacher programs, from preschool teacher to subject teacher at upper secondary level. It's the part of the education where the student practices actually teaching. Read our detailed VFU guide for student teachers.
Who Is Affected by VFU?#
Students in teacher and preschool teacher programs at universities and colleges. VFU is a mandatory component and typically spans several semesters.
How Does VFU Work in Practice?#
The university coordinates VFU placements, often in collaboration with municipalities. The student is assigned a VFU supervisor: an experienced teacher at the school, who follows the student's development, provides constructive feedback, and assesses performance. The university has an examiner who makes the formal assessment.
Important to Know About VFU#
- VFU is graded and can result in a fail
- The supervisor should be trained or have supervisory experience
- The student must plan, carry out, and evaluate their own teaching
- The scope varies between 20 and 30 weeks, depending on the program
- Documentation during the internship period is particularly important for VFU
Prao: Practical Work Orientation (Compulsory School)#
Prao is the shortest and most informal internship format. It targets compulsory school students and is not about examination but about giving young people their first glimpse into working life. Read our complete prao guide for students and parents.
Who Is Affected by Prao?#
Students in grades 8 and 9 in compulsory school. Since 2018, prao has been mandatory for all compulsory schools in Sweden.
How Does Prao Work in Practice?#
The school or municipality is responsible for arranging prao placements, but in practice it's common for parents to help out. The student spends one to two weeks at a workplace and should get to try out simpler work tasks.
Important to Know About Prao#
- Prao is not graded: it's about orientation, not examination
- The employer has no educational responsibility in the formal sense
- The municipality is responsible for insurance
- The student must be at least 13 years old
What Is Common Across All Internship Formats in Sweden?#
Despite the differences between APL, LIA, VFU, and prao, there are clear common denominators:
- All require a supervisor: someone at the workplace who takes responsibility for the student. Read our supervisor guide with 7 tips for a successful internship.
- All require agreements: even prao should have a written internship agreement
- All require collaboration: between school, student, and workplace
- All require follow-up: regular check-ins to catch problems early
- All benefit from digital documentation: logbooks and reflection strengthen learning
What truly distinguishes the internship formats is the degree of formalization and examination. LIA and VFU have strict assessment criteria. APL is graded but with more variation. Prao is about getting a taste of working life.
Which Internship Format Applies to You?#
If you're an upper secondary student in a vocational program → APL. Your school should arrange the placement and your teacher evaluates you with support from the supervisor. Read how to prepare for your first day of internship.
If you're studying at YH → LIA. You're responsible for finding a placement, but your program should support you in the process. How to write an internship CV that stands out.
If you're studying to become a teacher → VFU. Your university coordinates the placement and a VFU supervisor guides you in the classroom.
If you're in compulsory school → Prao. Your school or municipality arranges the placement. It's about exploring, not performing.
How Prakto Handles All Internship Formats: APL, LIA, VFU, and Prao#
Whether it's APL, LIA, VFU, or prao, the same fundamental needs exist: matching, agreements, follow-up, and documentation. Prakto is built to handle all of these internship formats in one single platform, adapted to each education level's requirements. Read more about how digital internship management saves time for schools.
Not sure which internship format applies to you? Create an account on Prakto and explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About APL, LIA, VFU, and Prao#
What is the difference between APL and LIA?#
APL (workplace-based learning) belongs to upper secondary vocational programs and is at least 15 weeks long. The school is responsible for finding placements. LIA (learning in the workplace) belongs to vocational higher education, is typically 8–20 weeks per period, and the student is normally expected to find their own LIA placement. Both are graded/examined.
Is an internship mandatory in Sweden?#
Yes, internships are mandatory in several education formats. APL is required in all upper secondary vocational programs (at least 15 weeks). LIA is included in most YH programs. VFU is mandatory for all student teachers. Prao has been mandatory for compulsory school students since 2018.
What does APL stand for?#
APL stands for arbetsplatsförlagt lärande (workplace-based learning) and is the internship format used in upper secondary vocational programs. During APL, the student performs work tasks linked to the program's course objectives at a real workplace, under supervision.
What does LIA stand for?#
LIA stands for lärande i arbete (learning in the workplace) and is the vocational higher education (YH) internship format. LIA periods typically make up 25–30% of the program and give the student the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real projects with an employer.
What is VFU for student teachers?#
VFU stands for verksamhetsförlagd utbildning (school-based practical training) and is the internship where student teachers practice teaching in a real school environment. A VFU supervisor, an experienced teacher at the practice school, follows the student's development over 20–30 weeks.
Do you get paid during an internship?#
No, none of the four internship formats (APL, LIA, VFU, prao) are normally paid. LIA students and VFU students are entitled to CSN student aid during the internship period. Upper secondary students during APL receive no compensation beyond a possible lunch.
Do you need a supervisor during the internship?#
Yes, all internship formats require a supervisor or contact person at the workplace. For APL, LIA, and VFU, the supervisor is a formal part of the education system and provides input for assessment. Read our supervisor guide with 7 tips to succeed.
