Learn Swedish

Swedish for immigrants, sfi, is a beginners' course in Swedish. The aim of the course is to continue studying or to improve your chances of finding a job.

Guide

Apply to sfi

  1. Apply for sfi
  2. Meet a test educator
  3. Choose a school
  4. Start your studies

Study paths and course packages

Sfi courses are available at three study paths and four levels. The path and level you should join is determined by our Education Officer, depending on your educational background and your future plans. When you have finished your sfi studies, you can continue learning in Swedish as a second language (sva) courses, on basic level (sva 2, 3 and 4) and upper secondary level courses (sva 1, 2, 3).

The tuition in study path 1 – basic reading and writing skills – is directed at those who have had no former education and those who have had little education and are not functionally literate.

This path contains course A, B, C and D.

Illustration of the ingoing courses in study path 1.

 

Sfi-study path 2 contains course B, C och D and is aimed at those who have completed elementary school. 

Illustration of ingoing courses for study path 2

Study path 3 contains sfi-courses C and D and is intended for those who has extensive study experience.

What is the purpose?

The aim of this programme is for you to qualify for upper secondary school courses, to prepare you for the Swedish job market and for higher education.

Where is the programme available?

Sfi study path 3 is available at the following schools:

Web application

If you are a beginner in Swedish and are applying for study path 3, you can apply below.

Web application course 3CT

Opportunities for those who follow study path 3

At this level of study there are intensive studies in Swedish. If you are university-educated, you can also study an sfi course aimed at your profession. These educational paths have their own registration procedures.

Intensive studies in Swedish

Our Intensive study programmes in Swedish are designed for those who have a longer educational background and meet the prerequisites for a fast-paced learning environment in a language programme. You will complete the programme as a member of a cohesive group, starting with SFI course C or D, or SVA basic module 3 or 4.

Apply here

Where is the programme available?

Intensive studies in Swedish is available at SIFA on Södermalm.

SIFA, Södermalm

Sfx

Sfx courses offer a tailor-made path to help you navigate through the system and gain the experience and knowledge you need to start working in your profession in Sweden as quickly as possible. The following Sfx programmes are available in Stockholm County:

Learn Swedish and a vocation by taking a kombinationsutbildning, a vocational educational programme. You’ll learn Swedish while gaining a vocational qualification at upper secondary school level. You’ll get practical experience, and you have a good chance of getting a job after the educational programme.

Who can take this vocational educational programme?

If you’re studying at 2C or 2D level (study path 2, course C or D), you can apply for sfi with vocational training - also known as a kombinationsutbildning. There are also some programmes available if you have completed course D.

The schools only take a limited number of students, so we carry out a selection. Among other things, eligible applicants will be invited to an interview.

Programme content

On the programme, you’ll learn Swedish adapted to the language used in the vocation you’re studying for. Your Swedish studies are integrated with vocational courses.

The programme includes practical training known as workplace-based learning (APL). During your practical training, a supervisor will assist you at the location where the practical training takes place. You’ll have the same working hours as your supervisor. This means that you may need to start early in the morning or work evenings and weekends.

Programme duration and pace of study

A kombinationsutbildning is a full-time course that takes place during the day. The duration of the programme depends on the vocation you’re studying for. You’ll study for 30 hours a week at the school. You’ll also be required to do course work at home every week.

Your schedule will be announced when the programme starts. The course is very intensive and it’s important that you attend the lessons every day.

Current programmes

You can find information about current vocational educational programmes in Swedish language.

Kombinationsutbildningar

Our schools

You can find information about our sfi schools, what study paths they offer and where the schools are located on our Swedish website.

Sfi-schools

Frequently asked questions

  • You must be registered in the municipality of Stockholm. Otherwise you need to contact the Adult Education in your municipality.
  • You must have a residence permit and you must be at least 16 years old. 
  • You should have received your Swedish personal identity number.  

EU/EEA Citizens or Citizens of Switzerland

If you are an EU/EEA citizen or citizen of Switzerland and a resident in Stockholm municipality you can study sfi. Be prepared to show your passport. 

Most of the schools offer lessons for both day and evening hours. The daytime courses are Monday-Friday, 20 hours a week. While evening courses are about 2-3 times a week, approximately 6-9 hours a week. If you have specific reasons, you might be given a customised timetable.

When you complete a course, you are given a grade. Grades from course D will be sent to you. If you want your grades from courses A, B and C you need to contact your school.

If you have higher education, post secondary vocational education or upper secondary education, from another country, we recommend you to contact the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), for an assessment of your grades.

If you need a copy of a grade that was issued before July 1st 2016, please contact Vuxenutbildningscentrum.

If you need information in other languages, please send us an email sfi@edu.stockholm.se.

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