Swedish for immigrants (sfi)
At sfi, you who are an adult immigrant get to learn the Swedish language at a basic level. If you can't read and write, you'll have to learn that too.
This is how you study sfi
Stricter requirements in SFI
From 1 January 2026, the government will introduce several changes to education in Swedish for immigrants (SFI).
- The aim is to strengthen the quality of the education and provide better opportunities for newcomers to quickly establish themselves in society. Time-limited right to SFI Participants are generally entitled to study SFI for three years from the time they first start the education. An extension can be granted for special reasons.
- Individual study plan and mapping Upon admission, language ability must be assessed (unless it is clearly unnecessary) and form the basis for an individual study plan. The study plan must be included when changing education providers.
- Strengthened coordination between municipalities Students should be able to study SFI in another municipality if there are personal reasons. In such a case, the home municipality will replace the receiving municipality.
- Action plans for better throughput All municipalities must develop action plans to reach those who are entitled to SFI and improve the implementation of the education.
Read more about the bill on the Swedish Government's website (in Swedish)
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.
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.
The number of hours for each course is individual. The total time of the study path may therefore vary, but from course A to course D (to complete the entire sfi) can take just over five years if you study 15 hours a week.
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.
Updated