Swedish courses

Last updated: 20/2-2026

Read here about different Swedish courses from various providers. Some courses are for asylum seekers, while others are for people who have been granted a residence permit.

Swedish for Immigrants (SFI)

Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) is a programme that teaches basic Swedish to those who do not have Swedish as their native language. During the programme, you will learn to speak, read and write basic Swedish. You will also learn about Swedish society. The programme is free of charge.

You are entitled to study SFI from the 1 July of the year you turn 16 if you:

  • lack basic knowledge of the Swedish language; and
  • are or will be registered in the Swedish Population Register.

You can study full-time or part-time

You can study SFI full-time or part-time. If you study part-time, you can combine SFI with a job, work experience or some other form of education, such as upper-secondary school or another municipal adult education programme at Komvux. You can also study SFI part-time if you are on part-time parental leave.

You will have three years to complete the programme from the date in which you are registered in an SFI programme.

Contact your municipality for more information

SFI programmes are arranged by the municipality in which you are registered in the Swedish Population Register. In certain cases, you may also be able to study SFI in another municipality. You can also study SFI at certain folk high schools.

Contact your municipality for more information about SFI. If you are registered with the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), contact your employment officer at Arbetsförmedlingen.

New rules on SFI from 1 January 2026

If you begin studying SFI after 1 January 2026, you will have three years to complete the programme from the date on which you are registered in an SFI programme. You will find this date in your individual study plan.

If you were registered in an SFI programme before 1 January 2026, you will have three years to complete the programme from 1 January 2026. This means that you must complete the programme by 31 December 2028.

If you do not complete your SFI studies during this three-year period, under certain circumstances you may be granted an extension. You must request an extension before the end of the three-year period. To request more time to complete your studies, contact your SFI teacher or municipality.

There must be special circumstances to grant you an extension, for example, that you have been on sick leave, parental leave or you have a disability. You can also get an extension if you have interrupted your SFI studies to work or study elsewhere. The decision on whether to grant you an extension to your SFI studies rests with the municipality.

Swedish as a second language

Once you have finished your SFI studies you can continue with a programme of Swedish as a second language. Speak to the study and vocational guidance counsellor on the municipal adult education staff if you need help with your application.

If you are registered with Arbetsförmedlingen and participating in the introduction programme, contact your case worker at Arbetsförmedlingen for more information.

Occupational Swedish

Occupational Swedish is a Swedish language programme adapted to different industries and professions. This means you will be learning the Swedish you need in order to be able to work in a specific profession.

You need to be registered with Arbetsförmedlingen in order to attend Occupational Swedish programmes. Arbetsförmedlingen determines whether you are entitled to attend the programme.

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