- SAS is next level after SFI
- Equivalent to Swedish taught in schools
- More academic and structured
- Needed for higher studies or certain jobs
- Focuses on grammar, writing, and deeper understanding
- Usually part of adult education (Komvux)
If SFI is “let’s survive in Swedish,” SAS is “let’s actually understand what’s going on.”
This is where things get real:
- Essays
- Grammar
- Opinions
- Actual confidence
Welcome to Swedish… for real this time.
SAS (Swedish as a Second Language) is a more advanced course after SFI.
It’s often taken through Komvux (adult education) and is equivalent to Swedish taught in Swedish schools.
what will learn
SAS focuses on:
- advanced grammar
- reading comprehension
- writing essays
- discussions and arguments
- formal and academic language
You move from “basic communication” → “real fluency”
levels in s.a.s.
Usually divided into:
- SAS 1
- SAS 2
- SAS 3
Completing SAS 3 can qualify you for:
- university studies in Sweden
why s.a.s. matters
SAS is often required for:
- higher education
- certain jobs
- professional environments
It shows you can function fully in Swedish society.
☐ Finish SFI D or reach equivalent Swedish level
☐ Find your municipality’s Komvux / SAS application page
☐ Prepare your ID and personal number (personnummer)
☐ Upload previous SFI grades if required
☐ Submit your SAS application online
☐ Attend a placement assessment if requested
☐ Choose daytime, evening, or distance classes
☐ Start with SAS Grund, SAS 1, 2, or 3 depending on your level
☐ Prepare for more reading and writing than in SFI
☐ Read Swedish news every day
☐ Watch Swedish TV or listen to Swedish podcasts regularly
☐ Practise speaking Swedish outside class
☐ Learn vocabulary connected to your profession or studies
☐ Write short texts or journal entries in Swedish
☐ Get comfortable with presentations and discussions
☐ Continue to SAS 3 if planning to attend university in Sweden
☐ Use SAS as a pathway into work, higher education, or professional licensing
- It’s more demanding than SFI
- Requires consistent study and effort
- Often includes exams and assignments
- Usually free (via Komvux), but depends on your status
- Taught mostly in Swedish, less hand-holding
- Don’t rush into SAS, build a solid SFI foundation first
- Practice writing regularly (this is key)
- Read Swedish books, news, and articles
- Ask for feedback, especially on writing
- Stay consistent, it’s a marathon, not a sprint
↗︎ Swedish education system
↗︎ Adult education system within several Västmanland municipalities
↗︎ Universities that offer Swedish language courses
↗︎ Gothenburg university
do I need to finish s.f.i. before s.a.s.?
Not necessarily. You can move to SAS once you have the required level of Swedish, even if you have not completed all of SFI. Your school or municipality can assess your level.
is s.a.s. harder than s.f.i.?
Generally, yes. SAS is more academic, with greater focus on reading, writing, grammar and formal Swedish.
do I need s.a.s. 3 to study at university?
Usually, yes. SAS 3 is a common way to meet the Swedish-language requirement for university, although other qualifications such as TISUS may also be accepted.
can I work while studying s.a.s.?
Yes. Many people work alongside SAS, although the courses require regular study and assignments.
is s.a.s. worth it?
If you want to study at university or qualify for jobs requiring stronger Swedish, SAS can be very worthwhile.