English as a foreign language (EFL) is considered one of the most important subjects within the Swedish school system, and a passing grade is crucial for students’ graduation from secondary school. However, many schools have found that this English requirement proves a challenge for some newly arrived teenagers. This thesis aims to look at how the motivation to study EFL compares between newly arrived students, with little or no knowledge of English at arrival in Sweden, and Swedish‐speaking students who began the study of English in primary school. Qualitative interviews with newly arrived, and Swedish-born students in upper secondary school show that though there are similarities when it comes to motivating factors between the two groups, several differences can be identified. The newly arrived students connect more negative emotions to the obligation to learn English than their Swedish-born peers, as well as show less connection to English as an important part of Swedish society. The findings indicate a need for 1) policy change, 2) a review of teachers’ motivational strategies when working with newly arrived students struggling with learning EFL, and 3) further research within the field of motivation connected to EFL for newly arrived students, within a Swedish context.