Study in Sweden without IELTS in 2025

Sweden, renowned for its high-quality education system and innovative teaching methods, offers international students a unique opportunity to study without the IELTS requirement in 2025. Several Swedish universities now accept alternative forms of English language proficiency, such as proof of previous education in English or other standardised tests like TOEFL. This flexibility makes Sweden an appealing destination for students from diverse backgrounds. By choosing Sweden, you’ll enjoy a world-class education within a progressive, multicultural environment.

Many prestigious Swedish universities — including Lund University, Uppsala University, and the University of Gothenburg — are offering admissions without requiring IELTS in 2025. These institutions accept alternative English proficiency evidence, ensuring language barriers do not limit your academic ambitions. This inclusive approach enables more international students to benefit from Sweden’s excellent academic programmes, experienced faculty, and cutting-edge research facilities within a dynamic, supportive community.

List of Universities to Study in Sweden

  • Stockholm University
  • Lund University
  • Uppsala University
  • Chalmers University of Technology
  • KTH Royal Institute of Technology
  • University of Gothenburg
  • Linköping University
  • Umeå University
  • Örebro University
  • Karolinska Institute

Alternative English Tests Accepted in Sweden (2025)

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Widely recognised by Swedish universities, this test assesses your ability to use and understand English in an academic context, covering reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): A popular, computer-based test accepted by many Swedish universities, designed to reflect real-life academic situations.
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: Exams such as C1 Advanced (CAE) and C2 Proficiency (CPE) are accepted by several institutions, measuring your English skills in academic and professional settings.
  • Duolingo English Test: A convenient, affordable online test assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, accepted by some Swedish universities.

Sweden Scholarships for International Students 2025

1. Uppsala University Scholarships 2025

  • Type: Fully funded / Tuition fee waiver
  • Host University: Uppsala University
  • Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver, living allowance (for selected scholarships)
  • Duration: Duration of the Master’s programme
  • Level: Master’s degree
  • Visit Uppsala University Scholarships 2025

2. Swedish Institute Scholarships 2025 (SISGP)

  • Type: Fully funded
  • Host University: Multiple universities in Sweden
  • Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel grant, medical insurance
  • Duration: 1–2 years (Master’s)
  • Level: Master’s degree
  • Visit Swedish Institute Scholarship 2025

3. KTH Royal Institute of Technology Scholarships 2025

  • Type: Tuition fee waiver
  • Host University: KTH Royal Institute of Technology
  • Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waiver (excludes living expenses)
  • Duration: 1–2 years
  • Level: Master’s degree
  • Visit KTH Scholarship 2025

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) 2025

  • Type: Fully funded
  • Host Country: Multiple (including Sweden)
  • Coverage: Tuition fees, travel costs, monthly stipend
  • Duration: 1–2 years
  • Level: Master’s degree
  • Visit Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

5. Dalarna University Scholarships 2025

  • Type: Partially funded (10%–50% tuition fee waiver)
  • Host University: Dalarna University
  • Coverage: 10%–50% tuition fee deduction, applied each semester
  • Duration: Bachelor’s or Master’s programme
  • Level: Bachelor’s / Master’s degree
  • Visit Dalarna University Scholarships 2025

6. Stockholm University Scholarships 2025

  • Type: Fully funded / Tuition fee waiver
  • Host University: Stockholm University
  • Coverage: Full tuition fee coverage for Master’s programmes
  • Duration: Duration of the programme
  • Level: Master’s degree
  • Visit Stockholm University Scholarships 2025

7. Mälardalen University Scholarship 2025

  • Type: Fully funded (tuition fee waiver)
  • Host University: Mälardalen University
  • Coverage: 100% tuition fee coverage for the entire Master’s programme
  • Duration: 1–2 years
  • Level: Master’s degree
  • Visit Mälardalen University Scholarship 2025

8. Axel Adler Scholarship 2025

  • Type: Fully funded (tuition fee waiver)
  • Host University: University of Gothenburg
  • Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes
  • Duration: Duration of the programme
  • Level: Bachelor’s / Master’s degree
  • Visit Axel Adler Scholarship 2025

9. Umeå University Scholarships 2025

  • Type: Fully funded / Partially funded
  • Host University: Umeå University
  • Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waivers. Some, like the Erling-Persson Scholarship for Public Health students, include a monthly stipend of SEK 12,000.
  • Duration: Bachelor’s or Master’s programme
  • Level: Bachelor’s / Master’s degree
  • Visit Umeå University Scholarships 2025

Required Documents to Study in Sweden Without IELTS

  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, PTE, CAE, CPE, Duolingo, or MOI)
  • Valid passport
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Financial proof
  • Completed application form

How to Study in Sweden Without IELTS in 2025

  1. Research Universities: Identify institutions such as Uppsala, Lund, and KTH that accept alternative English qualifications or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
  2. Check Language Requirements: Confirm the specific alternatives accepted — many recognise TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge qualifications, or an MOI letter.
  3. Prepare Documents: Gather academic transcripts, passport, SOP, CV, recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency, and financial documents.
  4. Apply to Universities: Submit your applications online, along with the required documents, and pay any necessary application fees.
  5. Await Admission Results: Admission decisions typically take a few weeks to several months.
  6. Apply for Scholarships: Explore options such as SISGP and university-specific awards. Submit separate applications if required.
  7. Apply for a Student Visa: Once admitted, apply for a residence permit using your admission letter, passport, and financial documentation.