Mountain guide in Sweden
Mountain guides lead individuals and groups as they hike, climb and ski in high terrain and on glaciers. This environment can be dangerous. Mountain guides are educated in how to safely manage activity in this terrain.
The mountain guide profession is regulated in Sweden. This means that if you wish to lead others on glaciers and in high mountain environments in Sweden, you should be authorised to work as a mountain guide.
The profession is also regulated in many other countries with an alpine environment. An authorisation is often required from a public authority in the country in which you’d like to work.
The Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) is the competent authority for the mountain guide profession.
Two ways to apply for authorisation
If you wish to work as a mountain guide in Sweden, there are two ways you can apply for authorisation. The first is to apply for a European Professional Card. The electronic format means your application can be processed quickly and easily. The second way is to apply directly to us at UHR.
Applying for a European Professional Card
Mountain guides who wish to work in another EU country can request authorisation by applying for a European Professional Card (EPC). The EPC is an online electronic application to have your education accepted in another EU country. As part of the process, your foreign mountain guide qualification will be assessed for work in Sweden.
Find out more about the European Professional Card (EPC) and how you can apply
Please note that if UHR doesn't issue a decision about authorisation within the stated timeframe for application processing, you have the right to request a judgment from an administrative court that a decision be made on your case.
Applying directly to UHR
Mountain guides who wish to work permanently in Sweden but for some reason are unable to apply for a European Professional Card can apply directly to the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to have their foreign qualification assessed.
Use the online application form located further down on this page to apply for an assessment. The following documents must be submitted with your application:
- proof of your foreign mountain guide qualification (diploma/degree certificate and transcript that lists the courses you completed as part of your programme)
- copy of your valid passport or ID card
- proof that your practicing of the profession has not been prohibited or restricted
- proof of your professional experience (required if the mountain guide profession is not regulated in your home country)
There is no cost associated with having your foreign mountain guide education assessed. Our processing times for an assessment are approximately three months from the date you completed your application and submitted all required documentation.
Contact information
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about working as a mountain guide in Sweden, the European Professional Card or the assessment of foreign mountain guide qualifications.
Contact information:
Epost: ykinfo@uhr.se
Telephone: +46 (0)10-470 03 00
Personal data
Find out more about how UHR processes personal data
Mountain guide application
Appeals
If you've received an assessment of your foreign mountain guide exam and aren't happy with it, you can submit an appeal of the decision.
Your appeal should be submitted in writing and arrive at UHR no later than three weeks from the date you read the decision.
Be sure to indicate your application number as well as what changes to the decision you're requesting. Your appeal will be made to the Administrative Court in Stockholm, but should be submitted to UHR:
The Swedish Council for Higher Education
Box 4030
SE-171 04 Solna
Sweden