Sweden advances plan to impose a three-year cap on SFI degree programs
In a recent development, Sweden's government, led by Minister for Upper Secondary School, Higher Education and Research, Lotta Edholm, has proposed a revised approach to Swedish language studies for immigrants. The proposal, which aims to encourage more intensive and coordinated study periods, suggests a three-year limit for completing Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) studies, with potential extensions in certain circumstances such as illness.
The move comes amidst concerns about high dropout rates in SFI classes. In 2023, almost half of all SFI students prematurely interrupted their studies. The proposal does not directly address extending the three-year limit, instead focusing on setting a more defined study period to address these dropouts.
The proposal was initially put forward by the previous centre-left government in 2020, with an initial implementation date of January 1st, 2025, and a three-year transition period for those already enrolled in SFI courses. However, the new proposed implementation date is now January 1st, 2026.
Edholm did not provide data on the number of immigrants who withdraw from SFI classes each year or discuss any other potential reasons for early withdrawals. She did mention that many immigrants who withdraw may have plans to return to studies but find it difficult and risk losing their Swedish language skills. However, the proposal does not specify any changes to address this issue.
The government believes that more intensive and well-coordinated SFI studies are necessary for better results. The proposal has been submitted to Sweden's Council on Legislation for comment, and while their comments are not legally binding, they are usually followed.
SFI classes have faced criticism for poor teaching standards, lack of resources, and failure to cater to people with different educational backgrounds. The proposal is a result of a collaboration between the Liberals, Moderates, Christian Democrats, and Sweden Democrats.
The Council on Legislation will ensure the law does not conflict with any existing laws, such as the constitution. The proposal allows for extensions by up to three additional years if there are special reasons, such as illness, and the decision would be made by the municipality responsible for SFI.
[1] Source: Swedish Ministry for Upper Secondary School, Higher Education and Research press release, July 2025.
- Thisrevisedapproach to Swedish language studies for immigrants, proposed by Minister Lotta Edholm, falls under the category of both education-and-self-development and policy-and-legislation, as it involves politics and legislation in the sphere of general-news.
- The proposed three-year limit for SFI studies, along with potential extensions in specific circumstances, is aimed at improving learning outcomes for immigrants in Sweden, thereby addressing concerns about high dropout rates in SFI classes.
