Basic Swedish for international students
The University of Gothenburg offers Swedish language courses to admitted and registered international students, who are enrolled in programmes or freestanding courses at the University. The courses are free of charge.
Swedish language courses at five levels
Learning Swedish not only enriches your experience of Swedish culture and society, but also plays a significant role when seeking employment in Sweden. The university offers courses at multiple levels – from true beginner courses (A1 level) to more advanced ones (B2 level). Read more about the courses and how to apply below.
Course descriptions
Our courses largely follow the European standardized levels for language teaching outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
The courses are ten weeks long, except for the fifth course, which is slightly longer. In most cases, there is one class session per week. Between sessions, students are expected to complete homework and assignments according to the teacher's instructions.
Course literature
In Basic Swedish 1–3, we use the textbook Rivstart A1/A2 (2023). Right from the start, it is required to have both the book titled 'Textbok' and the one titled 'Övningsbok' (English: exercise book). In Basic Swedish 4 and 5, the textbook Svenska för internationella akademiker (2023) is used.
• Levy Scherrer, Paula & Karl Lindemalm 2023. Rivstart A1/A2 Textbok. 3 ed. Stockholm: Natur & Kultur.
• Blomström, Vendela & Eva Nobel 2023. Svenska för internationella akademiker. Lund: Studentlitteratur.
The required literature can be borrowed from the university library or purchased through various retailers. On-site in Gothenburg, you can find Adlibris Campus located at Götabergsgatan 17 in Studenternas hus. There are several major Swedish online bookstores available, such as Adlibris or Bokus. Another option is to look for used books through Adlibris Campus or, for example, Tradera, Antikvariat.net, Bokbörsen, or even Facebook Marketplace.
Admission and application
The admission for the second period in the spring semester 2025 is closed and all the courses are fully booked. The admission for the courses in the first period of the autumn semester will open on May 20, at 10:00.
Each semester is divided into two 10-week course periods, making it possible to take two courses in the same semester – for example, Basic Swedish 1 followed by Basic Swedish 2 –depending on course availability. The admission is open a certain period in February, May, October, and December. The dates for the next admission period are listed below.
Upcoming courses for the autumn semester 2025
Period 1 (September 1 - November 4)
- Basic Swedish 1, Online, 18:00-21:00, Mondays
- Basic Swedish 1, Campus, 18:00-21:00, Tuesdays
- Basic Swedish 2, Campus, 15:15-18:00, Thursdays
- Basic Swedish 3, Campus, 15:15-18:00, Thursdays
Assess your language level
Before applying you must determine your Swedish language level:
- New students with prior Swedish knowledge should take our Online placement test to find the right course level based on the CEFR scale (Common European Framework of Reference for languages). The result will guide you in your choice of course. Scroll down for more information and examples of how to analyse and interpret the results.
- If you're new to Swedish, you should apply for Basic Swedish 1.
- If you have already taken and passed one of our courses of Basic Swedish, simply apply for the next course.
Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's advisable to apply early when admission opens. We will notify you after the admission period ends to confirm your course placement. Admission to one course doesn't guarantee a spot in the next level. You must apply separately for each level you wish to attend.
When the admission is open, you apply via a link under 'Application' below. Provide your student email address from the university when you apply. The email address is used to link you to the course's Canvas page. If you haven't received a student email yet, use a private email address, and we'll contact you in case you get a spot in the course.
Apply here
Before applying, carefully review course descriptions and determine your language level. Registration for period 1 in the autumn semester 2025 will open in May.
Practice Swedish at the Language Café
Are you a beginner or have you already studied Swedish for a semester or two? Come to the Language Café at Humanisten and practice speaking Swedish! We meet some Tuesday afternoons during the spring semester and no pre-registration is needed.
Please follow the link to find out more about the Language Café (gu.se)
Online placement test
If you are a new student with prior knowledge of Swedish, take our online placement test to assess your language level and find a suitable course. The test takes approximately one hour to complete. Once you start, you have 48 hours to finish it, and you can pause at any time during this period. Make sure you are in a calm environment with a stable internet connection, and use a modern computer with an updated web browser. Also, check your audio settings since the test includes a listening section.
Interpret the results of the placement test
After completing the placement test, you will see your Swedish language level according to the CEFR scale. It is then up to you to analyse and interpret your results and, based on them, choose the most suitable Basic Swedish course. To help you, we have provided a few examples of how to interpret the results and select the right course.
Result example 1
Based on example 1, we recommend that you choose Basic Swedish 2, in order to continue acquiring language skills at the A2 level.
Result example 2
Based on Example 2, we recommend that you choose Basic Swedish 3 in order to achieve the A2 goals in each category by the end of the course.
Result example 3
Based on example 3, we recommend that you choose Basic Swedish 2 and begin developing your language skills at the A2 level.
Result example 4
Based on example 4, we recommend that you choose Basic Swedish 4 and continue developing your language skills at the B1 level.
If you are still uncertain which course to take, please reach out to our coordinator for further consultation (basic.swedish@svenska.gu.se).
After completed courses
The courses do not provide credits, but students who have met the compulsory requirements and attended at least 80% of the course will be awarded a certificate.
FAQ
General questions
Application and eligibility
Classes and more
Results, credits and certificates
