English Proficiency Requirements for Studying in Sweden

If you're considering studying at a university in Sweden, meeting English language requirements will likely be a key part of the admissions process, especially if English is not your first language. Swedish universities assess English proficiency levels using standardized tests, and the good news is that the application process in Sweden is centralized, making it easier to understand the required scores for your program.

Accepted English Tests for Admission in Sweden

Swedish universities accept scores from all major English tests, including:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL (both PBT and iBT versions)
• Cambridge English Tests
• Pearson PTE Academic

English Levels and Required Scores

Swedish universities generally categorize English proficiency requirements into levels termed “English 5,” “English 6,” and “English 7.” These levels align with how English is taught in Sweden’s school system.

For most English-language Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, “English 6” (also known as “English B”) is the standard requirement. Once you know the level required by your chosen university, you can check which test scores meet that standard. Here’s a breakdown of the scores needed for each level:

English 5

To meet the “English 5” requirement, you need at least:

• IELTS: 5.5 (with no section below 5.0)
• TOEFL PBT: 4.0 in the written test and an overall score of 530
• TOEFL iBT: 17 in the written test and an overall score of 72
• Cambridge English First Certificate in English (FCE): Grades A, B, or C
• Pearson PTE Academic: 47

English 6

For the more common “English 6” level, required for most programs in Sweden, the minimum scores are:

• IELTS: 6.5 (with no section below 5.5)
• TOEFL PBT: 4.5 in the written test and an overall score of 575
• TOEFL iBT: 20 in the written test and an overall score of 90
• Cambridge English Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• Pearson PTE Academic: 62 (with a writing score of 61)

English 7

For programs that specify “English 7,” typically the highest level, you’ll need:

• IELTS: 7.0 (with no section below 6.0)
• TOEFL PBT: 4.5 in the written test and an overall score of 600
• TOEFL iBT: 20 in the written test and an overall score of 100
• Cambridge English Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
• Pearson PTE Academic: 68 (with a writing score of 61)

Common Requirements for Swedish Universities

The majority of Swedish universities require test scores that meet the “English 6” level, so applicants should aim to meet or exceed this standard for most undergraduate and graduate programs.

By understanding and preparing for these English proficiency levels, you can take a big step toward studying in Sweden.