Sfi, adult education in Swedish for immigrants
Engelska (ENG)
For those over the age of 16
Adult education in Swedish for immigrants (sfi) is designed for those who need basic knowledge in Swedish. The objective is to learn Swedish to be able to communicate orally and in writing in everyday life, in civic life, in working life and if you choose to study.
If you are new to Sweden
There are many educational programmes for adults to choose from, both programmes that lead to a profession and programmes that prepare for further studies at a vocational college or university. In order to find out what level your earlier education is at, the study and career advisers in your municipality or at your school can help assess your knowledge and experience.
At schools and in the municipality, there is access to study and career advisers who can provide more information both about educational programmes and the Swedish labour market.
Sfi, adult education in Swedish for immigrants
Adult education in Swedish for immigrants (sfi) is designed for those who need basic knowledge in Swedish. The objective is to learn Swedish to be able to communicate orally and in writing in everyday life, in civic life, in working life and if you choose to study. Anyone who cannot read or write in their mother tongue can have the opportunity to learn it.
Who can take sfi?
You must be at least 16 years of age to take sfi. There is no upper age limit for beginning to take it. You must be resident in Sweden and lack the basic knowledge in the Swedish language that the course provides.
How the educational programme is structured
The programme is planned, structured and adapted to your circumstances, needs and goals. Since sfi is directed at people with different experiences, life situations, knowledge and study objectives, different people take the courses at different speeds. Courses can therefore be started and finished at different times for different people.
As a student, you have at least 15 hours of education a week. The education is provided in Swedish, but learning to read and write may be done in your mother tongue or another language that you master. You can combine sfi with, for example, work, placement, validation, other education in municipal adult education (komvux) or Municipal Adult Education for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (komvux som anpassad utbildning).
Every student shall have an individual study plan. The school formulates the individual study plan together with you. It presents educational goals and the scope of your studies, among other factors.
The individual study plan can be changed if you want to take more courses or change your educational goal during the time that you are studying.
Study tracks and courses
Sfi has three study tracks: 1, 2 and 3. Study track 1 is for anyone who cannot read and write in their mother tongue or has a short education while study track 3 is for anyone who is more accustomed to study. Each study track consists of several courses.
Within sfi, there are four courses (A, B, C and D) and three study tracks (1, 2 and 3). All study tracks are coherent and adapted to the target group.
- Study track 1 is directed at students who have a short or no school background. Within study track 1, there are the courses A, B, C and D.
- Study track 2 is directed at students whose school background is less extensive than the equivalent of Swedish upper-secondary school. Within study track 2, the students take the courses B, C and D.
- Study track 3 is for the students whose school background is equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary school or who has participated in university studies. Within study track 3, there are the courses C and D.
Assessment and learning
During the programme, you will continuously receive information on what you have learned in relation to the teaching objectives.
It is important that you obtain an understanding of your own learning and need for development.
Would you like to know more?
Contact adult education/sfi in your municipality. There are study and career advisers who help you with advice and more information. Contact information is on the municipality’s website.
Sfi at folk high school
There is also a possibility to take sfi at some folk high schools. If you want to take sfi at a folk high school, check with your municipality what possibilities are available.
Would you like to know more?
Contact the study and career guidance at the folk high school to find out what applies for the educational programme you are interested in.