Study in Sweden, a part of the official gateway to Sweden

Several academic institutions offer full-time programs in the Swedish language for students with no prior knowledge of Swedish, and some offer part-time courses. Students who already speak some Swedish can apply to advanced courses in Swedish as a foreign language.

As with all higher education courses in Sweden, admission is limited and there are entrance requirements. Normal credits are awarded for these courses.

Foreign students taking part in exchange programs (such as Erasmus) are often given training in Swedish by the host institution in conjunction with their regular studies. These courses are not included here.

Full-time courses for beginners

Linköping University offers the College Course in Swedish, designed to provide non-Swedish-speaking students with sufficient knowledge of Swedish to satisfy the relevant entry requirements for studies at the university. This is a two-term course of full-time studies and cannot be counted towards a university degree. It is an intensive, one-year and full-time course, designed to give the general requirements in Swedish and civics for university studies. Students apply to both the College Course and undergraduate studies and admitted students are granted a place to subsequent studies provided they pass the final examination.

Umeå University offers the Foundation Course in Swedish, designed for students wishing to study towards a degree at Umeå University. Students need no prior knowledge of Swedish. This is a full-time, three-term course and students may not attend other courses at the same time. Applications for the Foundation Course should be sent in along with all other applications for undergraduate programs or courses. Students are free to commence their undergraduate studies when they have completed the course and passed the TISUS. Umeå University also offers a master's program in Scandinavian studies with special focus on northern studies (program information in Swedish only). The program focuses on language, literature and culture in the northern regions of Scandinavia.

Mälardalen University offers the Scandinavian Studies Programme which gives courses in the Swedish language and culture, and does not require previous knowledge of Swedish. There are three full-time courses over one term at different levels. Studies take place in Västerås and give academic credits.

Göteborg University offers a full-time course in Swedish for beginners.

Part-time courses for beginners

Karlstad University offers a range of courses that teach basic knowledge of and practical skills in the Swedish language as well as a brief orientation about Swedish society and Swedish culture.

Luleå University of Technology offers courses in Swedish for beginners.

Mälardalen University offers courses in Swedish for Foreign Students.

Linnaeus University offers a one-semester course for free movers, as well as courses for exchange students.

Advanced courses for non-native speakers