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Swedish for immigrants, SFI
If you lack basic knowledge of the Swedish language, you can study Swedish for immigrants. Here you will find out more about how it works and how to register.
Swedish for immigrants (SFI) is an education in the Swedish language. The education is aimed at immigrants who lack basic knowledge of the Swedish language.
The education is divided into courses A to D depending on study goals and educational background. The education is adapted to each person and consists of three study paths. After completing the D-course, you should be able to use Swedish in professional life, vocational education or further studies in Swedish as a second language.
After completing SFI you will receive a grade or a certificate.
Apply for Swedish for immigrants (SFI)
Use our e-service to apply for Swedish for immigrants.
Your SFI-education starts no later than three months after the application. If you are covered by establishment contributions you will start your education within a month.
Visiting address
SFI is held at Vara health center in the town of Vara.
Address: Allégatan 46, 534 32 Vara
Who can study Swedish for immigrants (SFI)?
If you come from a country outside the EU
If you come from a country outside the EU you have the right to study SFI if:
- you are over 16 years old (or turn 16 in the autumn)
- you are registered in Vara municipality
- you lack basic knowledge of the Swedish language.
If you are an asylum seeker staying in Sweden with a temporary residence permit or staying in the country without a permit, you are not entitled to SFI education.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen or resident of Switzerland
If you are an EU/EEA citizen or resident in Switzerland you are entitled to SFI training if:
- you are over 16 years old (or turn 16 in the autumn)
- you live in Vara municipality
- you lack basic knowledge of the Swedish language.
If you have sufficient knowledge of the Danish or Norwegian language you are not entitled to SFI training.
Do I have the right to study SFI if I am a refugee from the war in Ukraine?
If you are a refugee from Ukraine and are in Sweden with a residence permit with temporary protection according to EU’s Temporary Protection Directive you are entitled to SFI under the following conditions:
- you stay in Vara municipality permanently
- you lack basic knowledge of the Swedish language.
- you are over 18 years old or will turn 18 in the autumn.
How much do the SFI studies cost?
Swedish for immigrants (SFI) is free. There are no study support from the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN) for SFI studies.
You can combine the SFI studies with work or an internship if you wish.
How long do you study SFI?
It is individual how long an SFI course takes. You and your teacher therefore have regular conversations about your studies so that you know how to proceed.
Curriculum and course objectives for education in Swedish for immigrants can be found on the Swedish National Agency for Education’s website.
I don’t have a Swedish social security number – can I still study SFI?
If you come from a country outside the EU/Nordic countries/Switzerland you need a Swedish social security number as proof that you are registered in the municipality. For people who come from a country within the EU/Nordic countries/Switzerland there is no requirement for at social security number.
How are the studies conducted?
In Vara municipality the SFI education is run by Arena Utbildning AB. Vara municipality is responsible for your education but Arena Utbildning makes sure that teachers, course material and other practical things are available for the education.
How does grades and certificates from SFI work?
After each completed SFI course you will receive a grade consisting of either Pass (G) och Fail (IG).
You will not receive your grade in writing when you finish your course, but if you need to be able to show your grade you can order an extract from the grade catalogue. If you have not completed a course but need proof that you have studied the course, you can order a certificate.
To order an extract from the grade catalog or a certificate use our e-service.
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