Folk high schools lose 2,000 general-course places, sector says

Sweden’s folk high schools have lost more than 2,000 places on general courses since 2019, according to the organisation representing movement-run schools. The courses offer adults a route to qualifications they missed earlier in life.

Olle Westberg, secretary-general of Rörelsefolkhögskolornas intresseorganisation, told Sveriges Radio on Tuesday that reduced state support was behind the decline.

General courses, known as allmän kurs, allow adults to work towards compulsory-school or upper-secondary competence and can provide eligibility for higher education. They are part of Sweden’s folk high schools, rather than universities.

Folkbildningsrådet, which distributes state grants, says a growing share of participants have short educational backgrounds, limited Swedish or a disability. Teaching is adapted to participants’ needs, and schools decide their own course offerings.

Education minister Lotta Edholm declined to comment on the number of places, referring to her role in a caretaker government. No replacement funding or new places were announced in her response.

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