Study in Sweden Without IELTS: Top Universities Here!

Sweden is a preferred European country for international students. Many students choose Sweden for further studies after graduation. 

There are English-taught programs and globally recognised degrees in Sweden universities. Most students believe IELTS is mandatory for Sweden admission, but that is not always the case. 

Many universities in Sweden give admission to international students without IELTS scores. Such students often ask, Is it possible to study in Sweden without IELTS? 

Yes, it is. Some top universities, like Lund University, and others offer alternative ways to prove English proficiency. In this article, we’ve explained how to study abroad in Sweden without IELTS, including the admission requirements, exemptions, and eligible Master’s in Sweden programs available for international students.

How to Meet the English Language Requirement in Sweden Without IELTS?

There are universities in Sweden that allow students without IELTS. These universities accept other proof to check the English language ability. Students from non-English speaking countries who cannot score well in the IELTS exam can apply through alternative options.

Here are some ways to study without IELTS in Sweden

• Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI): Students who completed previous education in English medium can submit a certificate issued by the school or college confirming English was the language of instruction.
• Alternate English Tests: Instead of IELTS, students can appear for tests like Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or Cambridge English.
• Interview: Some universities in Sweden assess the English level by direct interviews with the candidate. Students who perform well in the interview are given admission without IELTS.
• Exempted Countries: Students from countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand are exempted from English language tests.

Study in Sweden Without IELTS: Alternative Tests

Can I Study in Sweden Without IELTS?

Yes. Students can study in Sweden without IELTS. This is possible in case the student can provide other accepted English language proof. These may include a Medium of Instruction certificate, alternative English test scores, or direct interviews conducted by the university. Universities check academic history and language medium to allow waivers.

Students from English-speaking countries are not required to show IELTS or TOEFL. Students from non-English speaking countries may get admission if their previous degree was in English. Candidates must check university-specific requirements for exact details.

Why study in Sweden - Things to know

Universities in Sweden Without IELTS

Many top universities in Sweden offer admission to international students without IELTS. These universities accept alternative methods to verify the English level of students. Some ask for MOI. Others accept different tests. A few take interviews. Below is a list of universities in Sweden without IELTS.

Top Sweden Universities Without IELTS

Students can apply to these universities without IELTS if they meet the conditions mentioned.

How to Apply to Swedish Universities Without IELTS?

It’s actually possible to apply to universities in Sweden even if you don’t have an IELTS score. A lot of students aren’t aware of this. Not every university asks for it. Some are fine with different types of proof. So first, you will need to look up which Sweden universities accept other options.

Most of the time, if your last school taught you in English, you can get a letter from them saying that, that’s called a Medium of Instruction certificate. Some schools also take Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE. A few might even do an interview instead.

When you’ve found a few programs that work for you, you apply through universityadmissions.se. This is the official website to apply to most of the Swedish universities. Just upload your documents there — transcripts, passport, proof of English, and whatever else they ask for. After that, wait for them to get back to you. They usually email the confirmation of admission.

Education System in Sweden: Schooling & University Education

Student Visa for Sweden Without IELTS

To study in Sweden, students must get a student visa or a residence permit. For this visa, students must submit proof of English. If the university accepts admission without IELTS, then the same document can be used in the visa process. This includes MOI or other accepted English test scores.

Applicants must check the visa document list properly. The Swedish Migration Agency accepts proof approved by the university. If admission is confirmed, then the language proof used for admission is usually accepted for a student visa too.

Documents Required for a Student Visa in Sweden

• Valid passport
• Admission letter from a Swedish university
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• MOI certificate or English test proof
• Health insurance
• Financial proof for 1st year
• Visa application form
• Recent passport-size photograph

Cost of study in Sweden for Indian Students

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Sweden Without IELTS

Many students search for the cheapest universities without IELTS. Sweden has low-cost public universities that offer English-taught programs and are known for lower tuition fees compared to others in European. These universities accept alternative English proof instead of IELTS.

Below is a list of the cheapest universities in Sweden that accept international students without IELTS:

• Dalarna University
• Linnaeus University
• Malmö University
• Umeå University
• Mälardalen University
• Mid Sweden University
• Karlstad University
• Blekinge Institute of Technology
• University of Gävle
• Halmstad University

These universities are affordable and do not require IELTS for admission.

MBA in Sweden: Top Universities, Rankings & Other Details

Scholarship for Swedish Universities Without IELTS

There are many scholarships for students who want to study in Sweden without IELTS. Students with MOI or alternate English tests can apply for these scholarships. Most scholarships are based on academic performance and course level. Some are offered by the Swedish Government and others by universities.

List of Scholarships in Sweden Without IELTS

• Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
• Lund University Global Scholarship
• Uppsala University Global Scholarship
• Linnaeus University Scholarships
• Dalarna University Tuition Fee Waiver
• Blekinge Institute of Technology Scholarships
• Chalmers University IPOET Scholarship
• KTH Tuition Fee Waiver
• Malmö University Scholarships
• Study in Sweden Scholarships for International Students

These scholarships can help cover tuition fees and living expenses.

MBA in Sweden for Indian Students

Conclusion

It is possible to study in Sweden without IELTS. Students can use a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, Duolingo, PTE, or other approved tests to get admission. Many Sweden universities allow these options. A student visa can also be applied for without IELTS using the same language proof. Sweden has low-cost universities and scholarships that support international students. Students planning for 2025 can choose Sweden for study abroad without IELTS.

If you’re planning to apply to Sweden universities in 2025, now’s a great time to start preparing. Look into universities, gather your documents, and check which English language options fit your profile. With the right approach, Sweden could be a perfect study destination — even without IELTS. Students facing any kind of difficulties in understanding the Sweden admission process, or regarding the IELTS exam, can connect with the upGrad experts for better guidance.