IELTS for Sweden: Scores Required for Top Universities

Updated on 05 March, 2024

IELTS for Sweden: Scores Required for Top Universities

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

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English Language Test Scores Equivalent to IELTS

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 by Swedish 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. 

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FAQs

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. 

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Urvi Agrawal

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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