If you’re Swedish and are interested in learning Spanish overseas then you have a unique opportunity to do so with funding from the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN). Read this guide for full information about what CSN is, who is eligible and how to study Spanish with CSN.
Contents
Why learn Spanish as a Swedish students?
What is CSN?
Who can apply for CSN funding for study outside of Sweden?
What are the requirements for receiving CSN funding?
Step-by-step: how to apply to use CSN to study Spanish abroad
FAQs
Why Learn Spanish as a Swedish Student?
There are plenty of good reasons to learn Spanish today - in fact, there are 600 million of them. Spanish is now the third most widely spoken language in the world, with nearly 500 million native speakers and around another 100 million with some level of proficiency. It is one of the fastest-growing languages globally, especially in the US., where it is the second-most spoken language.
Given its global reach and significance, learning Spanish can open the door to new career opportunities, rich cultural offerings and more fulfilling travel experiences in countries Spain and Argentina. Not to mention the numerous mental health benefits associated with learning a new language. For Swedish students, CSN provides an excellent opportunity to finance this experience.
What is CSN and How Can It Support Your Study Overseas?
CSN (Centrala studiestödsnämnden) is a Swedish government agency that provides different types of financial aid for studies. This includes support for studies outside of Sweden, including language courses at accredited institutions like Expanish.
With CSN, Swedish students wanting to study Spanish in countries like Spain or Argentina may be able to access:
Student loans to cover tuition fees and other study expenses
Student grants to reduce the overall financial burden
Additional support to cover accommodation, insurance and other related costs while studying abroad.
16-20 year olds may apply for study allowance grants for overseas courses, with supplementary allowances for low-income households.
The type and amount of financial support you can receive depends on your age, the type and duration of the course you will be taking, and your level of income.
Who can apply for CSN financial support to study outside of Sweden?
It is normally the case that only Swedish citizens can receive student finance aid for studies outside of the country. However, there are some exceptions for foreign citizens that satisfy the conditions necessary to be entitled to Swedish student finance. This includes if you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you may be able to be treated as a Swedish citizen under EU law (e.g. if you work or own a business in Sweden). In this scenario, you and your immediate family members might be entitled to CSN loans and grants for studies outside of Sweden.
HOT TIP: Language courses abroad can sometimes be considered “exchange studies”, which make it easier for non-Swedish citizens to be approved for CSN financial support. Find more information HERE.
CSN Requirements (for studies outside of Sweden)
There are various requirements and conditions that must be satisfied in order for you to be entitled to student grants and loans.
The institution you will be attending must be approved by CSN.
Spanish courses approved by CSN must include an exam or knowledge test.
You must have been resident in Sweden for at least two consecutive years in the last five years (with certain exceptions).
If you will be studying within the EU/EEA or Switzerland, the course must last a minimum of 3 weeks. For anywhere outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland - such as South America - you must study full-time for at least 13 weeks.
For courses within the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you can receive student funding for both in person and online-studies. For everywhere else the course must be taken on-site in order to receive student funding (there may be exceptions if there is a particular reason you cannot study in person, such as an illness or functional disability).
You must be below the age of 60. The entitlement to borrow decreases from the year you turn 51.
You may not receive other scholarships or certain benefits at the same time as receiving CSN financial aid (e.g. activity support, sickness benefit and introduction benefit).
You can only receive CSN student grants and loans for a limited period, as below:
For university degrees or some other post-secondary education: a maximum of 240 weeks.
For upper secondary level (like language courses): a maximum of 80 or 120 weeks, depending on your previous education.
If you have previously received CSN financial aid, you must have satisfied the requirements as regards credits in order to receive new student grants and loans. The requirements regarding credits vary depending on which course you are studying.
You may not receive CSN support If you have unpaid annual fees or outstanding loans from previous study periods.
Step-by-Step: How to use CSN to study Spanish abroad
The application process for CSN scholarships is straight forward - here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
Choose your destination to learn Spanish. We recommend:
Pick an eligible Spanish course from an accredited institution like Expanish!
Within EU/EEA and Switzerland - minimum 3 weeks, part-time or full-time.
Rest of the world - minimum 13 weeks, full-time (usually at least 15 hours per week, see FAQs below for more information)
In all cases, the course must include a knowledge test/exam and provide a certificate proving that you have completed your studies at a certain level of Spanish.
CTA Expanish offers special packages designed for students with CSN scholarships at all of our schools in Spain and Argentina - find out more HERE!
Apply for CSN funding via the “mina sidor” online portal. For a language course you will need to attach the following documents with your application:
Certificate of language course (5509W), which must be completed and signed by the language school. This serves as proof of admission to the school and will include details on the course you will take, including the “date of exam/test” to demonstrate that you have completed the course.
Invoice, personal receipt, certificate or other documents that prove the cost of the course tuition fee (if not already included in admission certificate).
Certificate of housing costs if you have high initial costs for rent (to apply for additional loan support)
Previous study results if you have used CSN student funds before.
If approved, provide CSN with your Swedish bank account details and submit a “study declaration”, which certifies that you will start your studies according to the CSN-approved decision.
Receive your student support:
Any loans to cover travel, insurance and tuition fees are disbursed no earlier than three weeks before the start of your course.
The basic student grants/loans are typically disbursed on a monthly basis.
5 Benefits of Learning Spanish with Expanish & CSN
Fully accredited: Expanish has CSN-approved language schools for Spanish in Spain and Argentina, with special programs offering affordable courses for CSN students.
Flexible courses: Group or private lessons, or a mix of both. Expanish offers intensive programs to accelerate learning that are designed to meet the requirements for CSN student loans/grants.
Diverse locations: With Expanish you can be studying in Spain with CSN funding, in dynamic European cities like Barcelona, Madrid or Málaga. Or you can try our CSN-approved Spanish courses in Argentina and spend at least 13 weeks in Buenos Aires the “Paris of South America”.
Cultural immersion: All of our CSN programs include 4 free social activities per week, giving Swedish students the chance to experience local cultural traditions, practice Spanish in real-life situations and mix with like-minded people from all over the world.
Strong student support: Assistance from experienced professionals at every step of the way, from enrollment to your stay abroad.
Quick Facts CSN Eligible Spanish Courses
20 or 30 group classes
50 minutes per group class
Minimum 3 weeks
Morning or afternoon
From A1 to C2
10 students maximum
Every Monday
Welcome pack, Spanish Course Book, Immersion Activities, 24/7 Emergency Assistance, Orientation.
How it Works?
The financial aid can be paired with either the Intensive Spanish 20 course or the Intensive Spanish 30 course. At Expanish, we offer CSN Barcelona for our intensive courses, as well as additional discounts for long term students. You can also choose to add a homestay or a shared apartment, which would maximize your opportunities to practice your Spanish skills during your CSN trip to Barcelona
The programs include registration fee, social activities, class materiales, welcome pack and orientation and Shared Apartment (if applicable) with a single room.
Add a Part-Time Internship
You can combine this course with an experience that is capable to open doors to the real world, improve your resume/CV, and will be an unforgettable jumpstart to your career, while allowing you to study Spanish in Spain for the Spanish Course with CSN accreditation in Barcelona.
In addition to professional experience, it is invaluable to add intercultural experience to your portfolio in this globalized world. Expanish understands this and offers students a chance to undertake such professional development experiences in various sectors in the vibrant city of Barcelona.