Sfi, Swedish for immigrants
SFI is an education in the Swedish language for those who do not have Swedish as their mother tongue. You will learn to speak, read, and write in Swedish. You will also learn about life in Sweden. The education is free. You can choose whether you want to study in a classroom or online, and whether you prefer daytime or evening classes.
New rules for Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) – three-year study period from 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026, new regulations will apply to Swedish for Immigrants (SFI). All students enrolled in SFI will have a maximum of three years to complete their studies.
The aim of the new regulations is to enable more individuals to learn Swedish more quickly, thereby increasing their opportunities for employment or further studies. To achieve this, active participation in teaching and regular attendance at classes are essential.
Further information about the new SFI regulations is available from the responsible authorities:
Regeringskansliet: Skärpta krav i kommunal vuxenutbildning i svenska för invandrare (sfi) External link.
Skolverket: Skärpta krav i sfi - Skolverket External link.
Who can study sfi?
To be entitled to study SFI in Upplands Väsby you:
- lack basic knowledge of the Swedish language
- have a Swedish personal identity number
- are registered as a resident in Upplands Väsby.
You can start studying SFI from 1 July the year you turn 16.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen or a citizen of Switzerland, you must have the right of residence (work, studies) and live in Upplands Väsby. You need to show your passport (to confirm citizenship) and proof of residence in Upplands Väsby.
Three study paths with four course levels
Which study path and course that suits you depend on your previous education and study habits. The adult education center will assess your language skills. After that, you will be placed in a suitable study path and course.
- Study Path 1 – Courses A, B, C, and D
For those who have never attended school or have a short educational background and cannot read or write. Course A is beginner level. - Study Path 2 – Courses B, C, and D
For those who have studied for several years in another country. Course B is beginner level. - Study Path 3 – Courses C and D
For those who are used to studying and who have higher education from another country. Course C is beginner level.
If you have a foreign education, Universitets- och högskolerådet (UHR) can evaluate it for you. The evaluation takes about six to nine months.
Application for recognition of foreign qualifications on UHR's web page External link.
Costs and student aid
Education is free of charge.
You cannot receive student financial aid for SFI. This means you will not get student grants or loans when studying SFI. The adult education center can provide guidance on financial support during your studies.
Application
Do you want to apply for SFI? Visit us during our drop-in hours. We do not accept SFI applications by phone or e-mail.
Opening hours and contact information
The school will contact you by e-mail or SMS within four weeks after you have applied.
The school will inform you of the date and the time when your studies begin.
Study SFI att swedish folkhögskola
If you want to study SFI at folkhögskola, you need to apply directly to the school where you wish to study. Since SFI is a municipal right, the municipality must approve your place. Fill in the application form, print it, and send it to:
Vuxenutbildningen
Love Almqvist Torg 1
194 77 Upplands Väsby
If you need help, contact or visit us at the adult education center.
SFX – swedish for professionals
SFX is Swedish language training with a focus on professional language. The purpose is to shorten the time it takes to enter the labor market or start a business.
SFX gives you the opportunity to learn how the labor market and your profession work in Sweden. You study together with others in the same field. There are courses in ten different fields.
If you live in Upplands Väsby but want to study in another muncipality
If you are registered as a resident in Upplands Väsby but want to study in another municipality, you must apply in the municipality where you want to study. Then send your application to the adult education in Upplands Väsby for approval.
Civic orientation
Are you new in Sweden? Then you might have the right to take a free course in civic orientation. You will learn about your rights and obligations. You will also learn about Swedish democracy and how the society works.
The course provides you with important information to ensure a good start in Sweden. You will take the course in your language.
To sign up please contact us by E-mail vux@upplandsvasby.se.
Information about civic orientation on their website External link.