Key facts about the International Programme Office for Education and Training

The International Programme Office for Education and Training is a Swedish government agency that comes under the Education and Culture Department. We support schools, universities, companies, organisations and individuals in order to help them participate in international cooperation initiatives. This could cover anything from international projects for education and training to work experience placements and studying abroad. Exchange programmes for young people and teachers form an important element of our work.

We are Sweden’s national office for Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci, the major EU educational programmes, and we also administer a number of other nationally and internationally-funded cooperation programmes in the field of education.

We are also charged with the task of increasing Swedish participation in EU programmes, informing people about the opportunities available, and raising awareness of the results of our work. A further aim is to work to achieve an even spread of applications from different players in the field of education and skills acquisition, from all over Sweden.

Organization chart 2006

In 2005 the Programme Office

  • administered some 60 different programmes and activities aimed at internationalising education.
  • had four major target groups - schools, vocational training, higher education, and adult education.
  • processed approximately 7000 applications for support.
  • distributed approximately SEK 180 million in different kinds of support.
  • helped around 8000 people to take part in different cross-border programmes in Europe. 

At the International Programme Office you can get information on how to apply for financial support to enable you to take part in international projects and exchange schemes with partners in other countries – either for yourself as an individual or for your place of work.

The application procedure varies widely, but in most cases it is not possible to apply as an individual. Usually your school, university, company or organisation applies for funds on your behalf. You are welcome to contact one of our staff members if you have questions.