The courses last from a few days up to 1-3 years. Some folk high schools provide Swedish tuition for immigrants as well as, among other courses, second-chance education where students can obtain the equivalent qualifications to the compulsory school leaving certificate and the upper secondary school leaving certificate. Liberal adult education receives government grants with the aim to develop activities that contribute to strengthening democracy and people participation. Besides these general guidelines the state does not steer their activities and folk high schools can design their own courses and profiles.