SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) Language Courses (free)

To be able to register for any of the state-funded language courses in Stockholm, you must have received your Swedish ID-number (personnummer).

If you are registered in Stockholm City, you can apply by paying a personal visit to the Vuxenutbildningscentrum (Adult Education Center) at Rosenlundsgatan 52. Here you can test your knowledge of the language and choose where to study. Bring some ID such as a passport. For more info, click here.

They will provide you with two alternatives that are funded by the state and don’t cost any money – SFI and SFX

• SFI: All SFI courses are free and they provide basic knowledge of Swedish language and society.
• SFX: This course is also free and known under the acronym SIFA (Stockholm Intensive Swedish for Academics). They have only one center at Blekingegatan and they offer Swedish training program for educators (SFP), Swedish for economists, lawyers and other social scientists (SFEJ) and Swedish for Engineers (SFINX). This course provides you access to mentoring programs with the respective unions that in turn helps you network with Swedish professionals that share your area of expertise.
  This option has been highly recommended by several members.

Swedish knowledge test:

When you visit Vuxenutbildningscentrum in Stockholm you will be interviewed by the personnel to determine your level of knowledge of the Swedish language. If you are a true beginner and have no knowledge of Swedish you are not required to take the knowledge test but, if you already know some Swedish you will be asked to take a test. The results of the test will be used to determine the level you would start your language lessons at.

SFI centers:

SFI classes are run at multiple centers. So, if you opt to take classes with SFI you are entitled to choose the center that suits you the best. You can convey your choice of center to the personnel at Vuxenutbildningscentrum when you visit them for registration.

If you are not satisfied with the center and would like to change to another, you could contact Vuxenutbildningscentrum anytime and get it changed. A few of the better known centers are ABF and Hermods. Several members have had good experience there but, of course, the quality of the teaching can vary depending on the location, the class, teacher, etc. so you should make up your own mind.

Online/Distance courses:

If you you are not able to find time to go to the classroom sessions because of reasons like job, childcare or any other kind of education, you could opt for online courses both with SFI and SIFA.

Time taken to complete the course:

If you are registered with SFI, the time taken to complete the course depends on you and the time you are willing to spend on learning the language. It is more structured and less flexible if you decide to take classes at SIFA because each level at SIFA is nine weeks long.

This information was compiled by volunteer members of SDCN to help expat partners kick-start their life in Stockholm. We welcome your comments at info@sdcn.se.

Last updated 2017/10/16