The three-year period is counted from the day a student begins SFI, according to official sources. For those already enrolled, the time limit will start on January 1, 2026. It does not matter if studies are full-time or part-time, and if a student moves to another municipality, the same three-year period continues.
All SFI studies after January 1, 2026 are counted together under this framework. Exceptions exist only for special reasons, such as pregnancy or parental leave, where a principal can decide to grant more time, officials said. The new requirements have sparked concern among students and teachers at the SFI education in Mjölby, multiple reports indicate.
According to Östgöta Correspondenten, students with the least educational background will be most disadvantaged by this change. The purpose of the rule change is to make the education more cohesive and efficient, Skolverket reports. However, it remains unclear what specific measures are being taken to support students with limited educational backgrounds under the new three-year limit.
The number of students currently enrolled in SFI and how many are expected to be affected by the time limit has not been confirmed. Additionally, the criteria and process for a principal to grant additional time beyond three years for special reasons have not been detailed.