With eight universities in the QS World University Rankings 2024, Sweden is an attractive study destination. International students eyeing spots at top Swedish universities must meet the minimum English language requirements. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular tests to prove English language proficiency and is accepted in 140 countries, including Sweden. Let’s further discuss IELTS for Sweden.
5 Reasons IELTS Score is Important for Admission and Student Visa
The IELTS test has been designed by language experts and assesses your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Over the years, IELTS scores have become highly recognized and are now accepted by several prestigious universities globally. With 4,00,000 IELTS tests booked each year, IELTS's popularity is widely recognized. Let us understand the reasons why this score is important:
Acceptance in Global Institutes
More than 11,500 institutions worldwide accept IELTS scores as proof of English skills. This includes colleges, universities, and other academic institutions.
Acceptance by Immigration Authorities
The IELTS test is trusted by immigration authorities in several countries that require proof of English language skills for granting visas.
Popular Test
Established in 1989, IELTS tests have been taken more than 30 million times. Due to the range of test types offered and the speedy delivery of results, IELTS is sought-after by international students.
Provides Accurate Assessment
IELTS uses a standardized scoring system, and the test questions are crafted by experts. By using a rigorous evaluation process, the IELTS scores reflect your English language skills accurately. Thus, allowing admission committees to understand your English language proficiency.
Governed by Trusted Bodies
The reputation of IELTS is undeniable because it is overseen by trusted organizations like Cambridge English, the British Council, and IDP Australia.
Sweden Student Visa IELTS Requirements
If you want to enroll at any Swedish university and obtain a student visa, understanding the minimum IELTS requirements is a must. For most English-taught courses in Sweden, you need to demonstrate proficiency levels of English Level 6 (advanced). This corresponds to English studies completed at the Swedish upper secondary school level. It is also equivalent to a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with 5.5 in each section. Some master’s courses will ask for proficiency levels of English 7. For this, the corresponding overall IELTS score is 7.0, with no less than 6 in each section. Thus, it is important to go through the course’s requirements carefully before applying for your student visa. The IELTS results are valid for two years, and universities will not accept older IELTS results.
IELTS Requirement for Top Swedish Universities
The minimum IELTS scores required for the top 10 universities in Sweden are
University
World University Rank 2024
Sweden Rank 2024
Minimum IELTS Score
Karolinska Institute
50
1
6.5
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
97
2
6.5
Lund University
106
3
6.5
Uppsala University
140
4
6.5
Stockholm University
185
5
6.5
Chalmers University of Technology
189
6
6.5
University of Gothenburg
201–250
7
6.5
Linkoping University
251–300
8
6.5
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
301–350
9
6.5
Umea University
401–500
10
6.5
Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
There are several other tests that you can take to prove your English language skills besides IELTS. Some of the other English language test scores accepted bySwedish universities are
TOEFL iBT Test
For English 6 level: You must score 20 (on a scale of 0 to 30) on the written test, with a total score of 90.
For English 7 level: You must score 20 (on a scale of 0 to 30) on the written test, with a total score of 100. The required score for a paper-based examination is 4.5 (on a 1 to 6 scale) on the written test, with a total score of 575. Swedish universities do not accept the TOEFL Examinee Score Cards.
University of Cambridge ESOL Exam
For the English 6 level, the required test scores are
Cambridge English: Advanced certificate or
Minimum overall score of 180 on the C1 Advanced Exam, or
The certificate of Cambridge English Level C1 with a minimum score of 180.
For the English 7 level, the required test results are:
Cambridge English: Proficiency certificate
Minimum overall score of 200 on the C2 Proficiency Exam.
Cambridge ESOL Exam test results are valid for a lifetime.
PTE Academic Online or Pearson PTE Academic
The required overall score for the English 6 level is 62, with 61 in the written test.
The overall required score for the English 7 level is 68, with 61 in the written test.
Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments
For the English 6 level, you must pass the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) examination by the University of Michigan. This test result is valid for a lifetime.
As gaining entry into top Swedish universities becomes more challenging, showcasing your English language skills can strengthen your profile and increase your chances of selection. By securing the minimum IELTS scores, you can embark on your educational journey in Sweden.
For the English level 7, what IELTS score is required in Sweden?
You must score at least 7.0, with a minimum score of 6 in each IELTS section, if the university requires English level 7 proficiency.
Can I get admission to Swedish universities without an IELTS score?
Students who have completed their high school degrees with English as a medium of instruction will not be required to submit IELTS scores for bachelor’s programs. However, their ICSE/CBSE transcripts must state that English was the language of instruction. Applicants holding a Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Engineering, or Bachelor of Computer Applications from recognized Indian institutions may meet the English language requirements for master’s courses at some Swedish universities.
Is an IELTS score of 5.5 sufficient for admission into Swedish universities?
The general entry requirement for Swedish universities is an IELTS score of 6.5. Thus, a score of 5.5 may not be considered by top institutions. However, students are advised to check their course’s prerequisites before applying.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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