Swedish courses in Sweden

Features of admission to Swedish language schools

In Sweden, general and preparatory courses at universities are most common. They are focused on university applicants — upon completion of the language course, graduates receive credits and can enter their chosen program without passing a language exam. Therefore, the selection process for both general and preparatory language programs is very competitive.

In order to enroll, students need to meet the minimum university requirements — a high school diploma, high GPA, and sometimes B1-B2 English proficiency^[3]. The required level of Swedish depends on the university. Some universities, such as Stockholm or Gothenburg, do not accept students with an A1-A2 level. Lund University, along with the universities of Linneus and Linköping, offer courses for beginners.

Admission deadlines also depend on the university. Most intakes occur once per semester — autumn or spring. Some universities recruit students once per season — in the spring, autumn, winter, and summer. You can view available programs on the University Admissions website. Through this portal, students apply for Swedish bachelor’s, master’s, and preparatory programs.

Admission process for university courses:

• Check that you meet the minimum university requirements
• Register on the University Admissions website
• Choose a university and Swedish course and apply before the deadline
• Collect the necessary documents (diploma of previous education, language proficiency certificate, passport)
• Translate and notarize documents into English, Swedish, French, or German
• Pay the registration fee
• Send documents to the university email
• Wait for the admission decision

Admission to language schools and summer courses is easier. It is enough to pass a test that will determine your level of Swedish, complete the application form, and pay the tuition.

When paying for a course, pay attention to the refund policy — it varies from school to school. Some withhold only the registration fee, while for others, the amount depends on when exactly you cancel the application. For example, if you cancel a course a month before the start date, only the registration fee is withheld. If you cancel a week beforehand, you end up losing the full cost of the program. This is an important factor, as you may be denied a visa if you are going to study in the country for language courses or summer programs.

Taking language courses in Sweden

If you intend on taking a university language course, prepare for a full eight-hour work day — the intensity of classes is 30-40 hours a week. Thanks to this approach, students reach the required level of Swedish for university admission within a year. At the end of the course, they receive a certificate that can be used instead of a language exam. Such programs last at least one semester.

You can learn Swedish at language schools and educational organizations like Medborgarskolan and Folkuniversitetet. However, here you will mostly find short-term evening courses. They usually last 4-6 weeks.

Summer courses are the best option if you want to not only get to know the Swedish language and culture, but also have a good vacation. Students study the language in the morning and devote the afternoon to lectures on Swedish culture and history. In the evening, there are excursions, movie screenings, walks, and other activities.

Visa for language courses in Sweden

To study in Sweden for courses lasting less than 3 months, you need an entry visa^[4]. The term for consideration is about 15 days.

List of documents for a visa:

• Visa application
• Foreign passport
• Language school invitation
• Proof of financial solvency (46 USD per day in Sweden)
• Medical insurance
• 1 photo not older than 6 months
• Visa fee payment receipt

For long-term courses from 90 days, the student must obtain a residence permit. You must apply for it before leaving for Sweden, but not earlier than 4 months. The terms for issuing a residence permit depend on each specific case. You can check the approximate processing time on the migration agency website.

Residence permits are issued only to full-time students. That is, you must study 30-40 hours a week, and the content of the program must correspond to a minimum of 30 credits per semester.

List of documents:

• Application for a residence permit
• Service fee payment receipt
• Passport copy
• Invitation from a university
• Medical insurance
• Proof of financial solvency (46 USD per day in Sweden)
• Course payment receipt

Most popular language courses in Sweden

Lund University

Lund University is in the top 100 universities in the world according to the QS Ranking^[5]. You can learn Swedish in Beginner's Courses (3 months) and Swedish as a Foreign Language 1-4 (semester) or 1-8 (year) programs. If you successfully complete Swedish as a Foreign Language 1-8, you will receive a grade transcript, a certificate, and the opportunity to enter a university without taking a language exam.

For a year of study, you can earn 60 credits that are counted towards admission.

Stockholm University

Stockholm University offers a preparatory program that is divided into two semester courses.

• Svenska som främmande språk is for students with an Intermediate (B1) level. You practice language skills and close gaps in grammar and vocabulary.
• Behörighetsgivande kurs i svenska — for those who know Swedish at the Upper-Intermediate (B2) level. Students prepare for university studies: they read scientific texts, write essays, learn how to make presentations, and express their opinions.