Sweden is a great country to live in, with world-class education, high quality of life and constant work on green living – the country is the place to be.
Students who are planning to study abroad for bachelor’s and master’s degrees – can study in Sweden without IELTS.
Yes, there is absolutely no need to go through the rigorous IELTS testing, and you can get Sweden study visa without IELTS.
Don’t worry; I will explain everything in this guide, from documentation to visa requirements and what to expect when you land in Sweden.
Visa Requirements for Studying in Sweden Without IELTS
Here are all the documents you need to keep updated as you apply to study in Sweden without IELTS:
- All the academic transcripts and certificates
- Updated passport
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Curriculum vitae (resume)
- Proof of finances
- Complete application form
- Proof of english proficiency
The proof of English proficiency varies for every university. Check all the requirements outlined by the universities. There are several English language testing alternatives to IELTS for Sweden.
Also, talking to expert education consultants would help you present a better case to university.
Alternatives to IELTS for Studying in Sweden
Here are some alternatives to IELTS if you are planning to apply to English-medium programs in Sweden:
- MOI – Medium of Instruction is a letter provided by the institute you last studied. It states that the complete education was provided with English as medium.
- TOEFL – also known as Test of English as a Foreign Language, you are required to pass with a minimum 100 score to be eligible to several universities.
- PTE – Pearson Test of English, the required score is 68 to be eligible for many universities for english-medium programs in Sweden.
- CPE – usually scoring 180 in Cambridge Proficiency English test would work for many
- CAE – you will need at least 180 scores in your Cambridge Advanced English.
- Duolingo Test – Some universities also offer to test your English language skills with the Duolingo English Test. It is one of the most convenient and affordable testing methods.
Disclaimer: Check the requirements of the universities you intend to apply to. Each university has a different criterion. MOI works fine for most universities. There are many no IELTS universities in Sweden.
Pro Tip: In some cases, if you attempt IELTS, you better your chances of approval from university. IELTS preparation isn’t difficult, you only need the right guidance to achieve good academic scores.
Understanding Language Requirements in Sweden for International Students
Here comes the tricky part. Since the emphasis is not laid on learning the English language, most universities require some level of Svensk (Swedish) language understanding.
The levels are divided on the basis of difficulty as dictated by CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Language).
- A1- Beginner level: You will learn names and words. You may be able to put a sentence together. The aim is to identify and manage everyday life and be independent in going about the city.
- A2- Pre-intermediate: With this level, you will be able to have some conversations.
- B1- Intermediate: You will get a grasp of grammar, tense and complex words. By now, you can talk to people without difficulty.
- B2- Upper-intermediate: With a good command of the language, you will be able to write complex language and engage in complex conversations.
- C1- Advanced level: When you reach this level, you won’t have any difficulty
- C2- Fluent/ Native level: You can engage in conversation on various topics without any difficulty.
Swedish Universities That Do Not Require IELTS
Here are some of the top-tier name of universities where you can study in Sweden without IELTS:
- Lund University
- Uppsala University
- Stockholm University
- Chalmers University of Technology
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Linköping University
- Umeå University
- Örebro University
- Karolinska Institute
- University of Gothenburg
- Orbera University
- Jonkoping University Foundation
Scholarship and Financial Aid Options for Non-IELTS Applicants
Sweden is definitely a hub for aspiring students. The country lays emphasis on all the avenues of growth and betterment.
Their focus on green energies and free education attracts students from all parts of the world to study and settle in the country.
There are scholarship opportunities you can benefit from to study in Sweden without IELTS:
Swedish Institute Scholarship
The program offers opportunities for students who plan to study for master’s education in Sweden.
With over 7000 master’s programs, this program is a chance and opportunity for students to pave better futures.
The program covers travel expenses, tuition, and living expenses while students can study without any financial constraints.
Naturally, these grants are offered to students who are exceptional in academics.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
The renowned Erasmus Mundus Grand is an excellent opportunity for students. It covers the tuition fees and travel expenses. Students also get living allowances.
This integrated program offers students to study in Europe without IELTS in other universities as part of the program.
KTH Royal Institute OF Technology
Students from non-EU and EEA countries can apply for this grant. It offers partial and full fee waiver for master’s programs. You can study without IELTS but may have to produce other alternative test scores.
The students with exceptional grades are offered this grant to study in Sweden. They can also get to study at other universities across Europe under the KTH Joint Scholarship Program.
Lund University Global Scholarship Program
There are multiple tiers of fee waivers depending on the student’s profile. You can apply for bachelor’s and master’s programs. They do not require an IELTS score but TOEFL, PTE, and MOI certificates as alternatives.
Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
This program is only for students who are applying for Master’s programs. Only for students from non-EU and EEA countries, the program offers around 75% fee waiver. They offer programs with language exemptions for Swedish universities, explore their catalogues to find details.
Umeå University Scholarship
This is again for students who want to enrol in the master’s program only. The program offers full and partial fee waivers. You may need to present the scores for other language tests such as TOEFL, PTE, and MOI.
Student Life in Sweden
Life is sound and thriving in Sweden. The country is deemed one of the safest countries in the world. Sweden is brimming with educational opportunities.
Students get around from campus to their housing via public transportation and bicycle, which is a common mode of transport in all major cities.
Some universities have campus and hostel housing opportunities for students. Every university offers various educational conferences, fairs, and symposiums to explore further opportunities.
During the course of education, students are allowed some hours of work. Various students work near the campus doing odd jobs to save money for food and housing.
Career Prospects and Post-Study Work Opportunities in Sweden
The career path after study is full of opportunities. Once you have completed the education, you can apply for a post-study visa. This visa allows the student to stay back in the country for a year and look for work.
To apply for this opportunity, you should have an up-to-date passport, valid health care service, and proof of funds to sustain your stay in the country.
If they secure a job within the year that provides them a work permit, they can continue to live as they maintain their work status.
EU Blue Card
This is another work permit that you can apply if:
- You have a highly qualified job offer.
- 180 credits or relevant professional experience.
- Health insurance
- 5-year job contract
- Salary 1.5 times of an average wage in Sweden
The employer initiates this work permit on your behalf. Of course, you have to be exceptionally brilliant in academics and prove that with a track record.
Takeaway
I hope this guide helped clear most doubts. Sweden is surely an amazing country brimming with opportunities for education. You can explore several programs that grant you a visa to study in Sweden without IELTS.
Meanwhile, for some programs, if you opt for alternatives to IELTS for Sweden student visa, you will edge towards success in your application. Once a university offers you the offer letter, the embassy in your country offers the visa nine out of ten times.
Can I study in Sweden without IELTS?
Yes, you can study in Sweden without IELTS. Most universities ask for other alternative test scores and A1 or A2 level of Svensk.
Which universities in Sweden accept students without IELTS?
There are several universities which grant Sweden study visa without IELTS. Some most known names are Uppsala University, Lund University, Stockholm University, Chalmers University of Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Linköping University, Umeå University, Örebro University, and Karolinska Institute
What alternatives to IELTS are accepted by Swedish universities?
You can study for TOEFL, PTE, CAE, and CPE. Some universities only require MOI from your previous university.
How do I get a student visa for Sweden without IELTS?
You would need to gather all documents, such as a complete application form, previous educational certificates, proof of language proficiency, proof of expense, resume and a valid passport to apply for a Sweden study visa without IELTS.
Do I need to learn Swedish to study in Sweden?
Yes, some universities require you to have a basic understanding of the language. Meanwhile, some require to have an intermediate level of Swedish language proficiency. Besides, having a basic level of understanding will help you get your work done and get around the city.