Language in Sweden - Learning Swedish
Swedish is a northern Germanic language and is closely related to Norwegian and Danish. Speakers of Germanic languages such as German, Dutch and English share many cognates and grammatical structures so if you speak one of these languages, you may find it easy to learn Swedish!
The official language of Sweden is Swedish, but most international students have no problem getting along in Sweden if they speak English. In Sweden, everyone studies English from a young age, and television shows and movies are subtitled rather than dubbed.
Are you ready to start learning Swedish today? You can join a free online Swedish language course and start studying Swedish from anywhere in the world.
Study Swedish during your study abroad program
If you do want to learn Swedish, most Universities offer language courses for international students. Learning Swedish can be helpful in fully engaging in the Swedish experience and becoming more a part of the culture, but are by no means necessary if you're studying a program in English. If you're interested in studying Swedish while you're an international student in Sweden, read a full list Swedish universities where you can take classes in Swedish alongside your other studies:
Learn Swedish with SFI
SFI, or Swedish For Immigrants, is a free Swedish language course available to adults with a Swedish personal number. The courses span over 4 skill levels, and you can choose the pace which you'd like to study at (evening classes, full day lessons, distance learning, etc.).
To apply for SFI, you'll need to contact your local adult education institution.
Read Dena's experience attending evening classes and completing her SFI course:
Learn Swedish at an adult education center
If you're interested in learning Swedish, but would like to do so outside of or in addition to your study abroad program, you can study the language at an adult education institute. Some advantages might be the ability to take a course during the summer in between your semesters, as well as the freedom to learn Swedish without grades being recorded on your university transcripts. Keep in mind that studying Swedish that is not part of an accredited degree program at a university does not qualify you for a residence permit in Sweden.
Learn Swedish online
Online courses in Swedish have never been more plentiful. Whether you enroll in an intensive course, or casually learn Swedish through a free phone application in your spare time, you can be sure that you will arrive in Sweden with more language skills than you would have. Many international students continue to learn Swedish online even when they have arrived in Sweden. Click on the link below to find a list of Swedish language distance learning courses.
Overview
Sweden is known for its openness toward the international community – and its education system is no exception.
Online Fairs
Join Study in Sweden's free Online Fairs to learn more about the educational opportunities in Sweden and explore the diverse programs that the country offers.
Entry Requirements
In order to study in Sweden, you'll need to meet general entry requirements in addition to program-specific entry requirements.
Tuition Fees & Study Costs
How expensive is it to study in Sweden? Yearly higher education costs in Sweden vary depending on the university and program.
Student Visas
If you're considering studying in Sweden, you'll be relieved to know that Sweden has a clear easy-to-follow process to apply for studies.
Student Stories
Read about the experiences that other international students like you have had during their studies abroad in Sweden.
Application Process
Applying to universities in Sweden is a lot simpler than other countries thanks to a centralized application system.
Swedish Universities
Swedish universities offer degree programs according to the European standard. Browse a full list of higher education institutes in Sweden.
Swedish Culture
Depending on the country you grew up in, you may or may not be surprised by the differences you encounter while studying in Sweden. So what is it like to study in Sweden on a cultural level?
Student Life
Wondering what it's like to study abroad in Sweden? Leaving your country to study abroad is about more than just the classroom!
Student Jobs
Sweden grants international students the right to work while they study. And if you're from an EU/EEA country, you automatically have the right to stay and work after your studies.
Scholarships
There are many opportunities for international students studying in Sweden to receive scholarships, both from universities, and from other governmental and private organizations.
The content of this study guide has been developed in partnership with Study in Sweden.
About Study in Sweden
Studyinsweden.se is a comprehensive, official resource on studying in Sweden for prospective and current international students. Studyinsweden.se is built and maintained by the Swedish Institute, a public agency tasked with promoting Sweden abroad.
Keystone Team
Author
The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.