After SFI: how Swedish as a second language (SVA) works
Once you have passed SFI, the next step for many is Swedish as a second language, SVA (svenska som andraspråk), at komvux. It is the Swedish subject for people whose first language is not Swedish, and it exists at two levels: basic and upper secondary. Here is how it fits together, what is new compared with SFI and where SVA can lead.
From SFI to SVA
Once you have reached the goals of SFI, you can continue with Swedish as a second language at basic level in komvux. You apply through your home municipality, just as for SFI. You can study SVA even if your SFI time has run out, as long as you are able to benefit from the education.
Two levels
Basic level, often called SVA grund, corresponds to compulsory school level. It consists of four national sub-courses:
| Sub-course | Points | Roughly, weeks full-time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 | 5 |
| 2 | 200 | 10 |
| 3 | 200 | 10 |
| 4 | 200 | 10 |
Together that is 700 points, roughly 35 weeks of full-time study, since 20 points equal one week full-time. You can take the whole course or only the sub-courses you need.
Upper secondary level corresponds to upper secondary school. There you study Swedish as a second language at levels 1, 2 and 3, often called SVA 1, 2 and 3.
What is new compared with SFI?
SFI gives basic Swedish for everyday life, society and work. SVA builds on it with more of the Swedish you need to study:
- Reading: fiction and non-fiction, summarising texts and reasoning about their message.
- Writing: different kinds of texts, adapted to purpose and reader, with quotes and source references.
- Speaking: discussions, argumentation and oral presentations.
- The language itself: word formation, idioms, figurative language and how language varies with context.
- Source criticism: finding, evaluating and using information from different sources.
To pass the last sub-course you must, for example, be able to take part in discussions using “en i huvudsak fungerande kombination av vardagsrelaterat och ämnesrelaterat språk”, a largely functional combination of everyday language and subject language. That is the big difference from SFI: your Swedish has to work for studying too.
National tests
At basic level there is no national test in Swedish as a second language. In komvux at upper secondary level there are national tests in Swedish as a second language 1 and 3.
Student finance from CSN
While you study SFI you cannot get student finance from CSN. When you study Swedish as a second language you can, if you meet the conditions.
The route to university
Basic eligibility for university requires Swedish as a second language 3, or Swedish 3, with at least grade E. You do not need to show grades from levels 1 and 2 for eligibility in Swedish. Tisus, the Test in Swedish for University Studies, also gives eligibility in Swedish. The other eligibility requirements are listed on antagning.se.
A new syllabus is on its way
Swedish as a second language at basic level is getting a revised syllabus. According to Stockholm University, the proposal is preliminarily out for consultation from 7 December 2026 to 12 February 2027. When the new syllabus takes effect has not been decided.
SVA in SFI Prov?
SFI Prov currently covers SFI up to course D. Many of you have asked for SVA. If you want it in the app too, tell us through Contact us in the app’s settings. Every request counts when we decide what to build next.
In summary
After SFI you can continue with Swedish as a second language at komvux, first at basic level in four sub-courses and then at upper secondary level. SVA builds on SFI with more Swedish for studying, can qualify you for CSN student finance, and level 3 is part of the eligibility for university. If you still need to pass SFI D, see How to prepare for the SFI D test.
SFI Prov is a free app for SFI learners, with practice tests in reading, listening and writing for courses C and D and AI feedback on what you write.
Download SFI Prov on the App Store → · Google Play →
Sources
In Swedish.
- Skolverket: Swedish as a second language, national sub-course 1
- Skolverket: Swedish as a second language, national sub-course 4
- Skolverket: Komvux at basic level
- Skolverket: National test in Swedish as a second language level 1, komvux upper secondary
- Skolverket: National test in Swedish as a second language 3, komvux upper secondary
- CSN: Student finance and Swedish as a second language
- Antagning.se: Eligibility in Swedish
- Stockholm University: Several changes to sfi and sva in komvux are coming
- Ordinance (2011:1108) on adult education
SFI Prov is independent study material from SverigeFokus and is not affiliated with Skolverket, CSN, your municipality or any other authority. Always check what applies with your municipality.
Frequently asked questions
What is SVA?
Svenska som andraspråk, SVA, is the Swedish subject for people whose first language is not Swedish. In komvux it exists at basic level and at upper secondary level.
What is the difference between SFI and SVA at basic level?
SFI gives basic Swedish for everyday life, society and work. SVA at basic level builds on it with more fiction and non-fiction, longer texts with source references, argumentation, oral presentations and source criticism.
Can you get CSN student finance for SVA?
Yes. Unlike SFI, studying Swedish as a second language can qualify you for student finance from CSN, if you meet the conditions.
Are there national tests in SVA?
In komvux at upper secondary level there are national tests in Swedish as a second language 1 and 3. There is no national test at basic level.
Which SVA course do you need for university?
Basic eligibility requires Swedish as a second language 3, or Swedish 3, with at least grade E. Tisus also gives eligibility in Swedish.
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