Basic Swedish for international students
The University of Gothenburg offers free courses in Swedish to admitted and registered international students, who study programmes or free standing courses at the University.
Courses in Swedish at four levels
Learning the Swedish language not only enriches your experience of Swedish society and culture, but also plays a significant role when seeking employment in Sweden. That's why the University offers free courses in Swedish to international students.
We provide courses at four different language proficiency levels, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, spanning from A1 to B1. It's important to note that the initial three language levels, Swedish 1–3, collectively encompass levels A1 and A2. This means that one course doesn't fully align with a full CEFR level.
Application and notification
Course registration is open during specific periods. The registration for the first period in the spring semester of 2025 is closed. The registration the the second period will open on February 11 at 10:00.
Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's advisable to apply early when registration begins. We will notify you after the registration 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.
Course dates
Each semester consists of two 10-week course periods, allowing the possibility of taking two courses, such as Swedish 1 and Swedish 2, depending on the courses offered.
Upcoming courses for the spring semester 2025
Period 1 (January 20 - March 26)
- Basic Swedish 1, Online, 18:00-21:00, Mondays
- Basic Swedish 1, Campus, 18:00-21:00, Mondays
- Basic Swedish 2, Campus, 15:15-18:00, Wednesdays
Period 2 (March 27 - June 8)
- Basic Swedish 1, Campus, 18:00-21:00, Wednesdays
- Basic Swedish 2, Campus, 15:15-18:00, Tuesdays
- Basic Swedish 3, Campus, 15:15-18:00, Wednesdays
After completed courses
The courses provide no credits, but a student who has fulfilled the compulsory requirements of the course, and participated at least 80 % of the course, is awarded with a certificate.
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 Thursday afternoons during the fall semester and no pre-registration is needed.
Please follow the link to find out more about the Language Café (gu.se)
Course descriptions
Course literature
In Swedish Language Course 1–3, we use the textbook Rivstart A1/A2 (2023). You need both the one called ”Textbok” and the one called ”Övningsbok” (exercise book). Both books are needed from the start.
In Course 4 we mainly use Svenska för internationella akademiker av Vendela Blomström and Eva Nobel.
(Blomström, Vendela & Eva Nobel 2023. Svenska för internationella akademiker. Studentlitteratur.)
You can purchase the required literature from Campusbokhandeln, located at Götabergsgatan 17, or order it online, for example through Adlibris or Bokus
How to apply
When the course registration is open, you apply via the link under 'Registration' below. Provide your student email address from the University when you apply. The email is used to link you to the course's Canvas page. If you haven't received a student email yet, use a private email adress, and we'll contact you in case you get a seat at the course.
Before applying: 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.
Registration
Before applying, carefully review course descriptions and determine your language level. Registration for period 2 in 2025 opens on February 11 at 10:00.
Online placement test
Take our online placement test in order to be able to choose a suitable course, if you are a new student with prior Swedish knowledge.
The test takes approximately one hour to complete. Once started, you have 48 hours to complete it. During this period of time, you can pause the test anytime. It’s important to be in a calm environment. Make sure to have a stable internet connection, and use a modern computer with an updated web browser. Also check your audio settings since listening is a part of the test.
Understanding the result from the online placement test
After you have completed the online placement test, the result shows you language level of Swedish according to the CEFR scale. It’s now up to you to analyze and interpret your results, and from that outcome choose a Basic Swedish course that fits you. We have provided a few examples how one can interpret the results and out of that choose a 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 reach A2 in each category at the end of the course.
Result example 3
Based on example 3, we recommend that you choose Basic Swedish 2, in order to start the A2 level.
Result example 4
Based on example 4, we recommend that you choose Basic Swedish 4, in order to start and continue acquiring language skills at the B1 level.
If you still are uncertain which course to take, please contact our coordinator (carl.engwall@svenska.gu.se) for further consultation.
