Advanced-Level Education (Utbildning på avancerad nivå)

Avans (Mini and Maxi)

Offers development of advanced masters programmes at Swedish universities to strengthen future knowledge-based workforce pathways.

Avans is KK-stiftelsen's program for developing new master's-level education at Sweden's newer universities — those established after 1977 within the foundation's 22-institution target group. The program funds the design and launch of advanced-level (master's) programs developed in direct partnership with external organizations, ensuring that new graduate curricula are shaped by real-world employer and industry needs. KK-stiftelsen was established in 1994 from former wage-earner funds as a public-law foundation and exclusively funds research and education developed in co-production with the business sector.

The 2026 call runs from September 10 to November 16, 2026, with application instructions published in June 2026. Two tracks are available: Avans Mini provides up to 500,000 SEK for a period of up to one year, requiring a minimum of two independent external partners; Avans Maxi provides up to 2,000,000 SEK for up to three years, requiring a minimum of five independent external partners. Both tracks require the applicant institution to hold master's-level accreditation. The lead applicant must be the eligible higher education institution, not the external partners.

To win, applicants should demonstrate that external partners are actively shaping curriculum design, not simply endorsing a program conceived entirely within the university. Five or more distinct external partners for Maxi is a high bar and requires advance relationship-building. Because both tracks close the same day, institutions can submit under one track while reserving resources for the other in a future cycle. The strongest Avans proposals present concrete evidence of employer demand, agreed learning outcomes with industry, and a realistic plan for sustainable program delivery beyond the grant period.