Scholarships in Sweden Without IELTS: As an international student planning to enroll in a degree program in Sweden, demonstrating language proficiency is crucial. While some institutions may require proficiency in Swedish, others prioritize strong English skills. This article guides you on how to secure admission in Swedish institutions and obtain top scholarships in Sweden, even without IELTS.
The learning environment in Sweden is designed to make students feel at ease. Although the expectations are high and students are encouraged to work diligently, the education system remains flexible and informal. Engaging in team sports, joining cultural societies, and participating in outdoor activities are popular pastimes among students.
Sweden boasts some of the world’s top universities that offer free education to EU/EEA citizens and individuals with a permanent Swedish residence permit. Moreover, students from countries outside the EU/EEA can avail themselves of various scholarship opportunities and funding to support their education.
How to apply for Admission in Sweden
International students can apply for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Sweden through a centralized application service, Universityadmissions.se. Alternatively, applications can also be submitted directly via the university and program websites. While specific admission requirements may vary across universities, the general documents required include:
- Identification document
- Record of completed upper secondary education (translated into English)
- University records (translated into English)
- Proof of language proficiency
In addition, universities often request the following:
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Sample of academic writing
- Recommendation letters from professors and employers
Scholarships in Sweden Without IELTS for International Students
Sweden offers several scholarships that do not require IELTS, providing international students with fully-funded opportunities as well as partial scholarships.
1. Swedish Institute Scholarship for Professionals
This scholarship, funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, supports students enrolled in full-time, one- or two-year master’s programs. In 2023, the Swedish Institute is expected to grant about 250 scholarships for master’s degree studies in Sweden. The benefits of this scholarship include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- A monthly payment of SEK 11,000 for living expenses
- Insurance against illness and accident
- A travel grant of SEK 15,000
- Membership in the SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP)
2. ERASMUS+ Scholarships
The ERASMUS+ Scholarships are open to students of all nationalities who aspire to pursue a Master’s degree. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) are globally recognized Master’s programs offered by international tertiary institutions. These programs enable eligible students to receive scholarships for an international Master’s degree.
3. The Visby Programme Scholarships
The Visby Programme offers numerous full scholarships for Master’s programs in Sweden to students from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine. The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly living expenses of SEK 9,000, insurance, and a one-time travel grant of SEK 5,000.
4. Chalmers University of Technology Scholarships
Chalmers University of Technology provides a wide array of scholarships, exempt from IELTS, to diverse students in the form of full tuition payments, partial payments, and tuition waivers. These scholarships target students from various locations and include:
- The Avancez Scholarship: Open to all students.
- The IPOET Scholarships: Open to all students.
- The Sievert Larsson Scholarship Fund: Specifically for Thai citizens.
- The US Friends of Chalmers Scholarship: Exclusively for USA citizens.
- Adlerbert Study Scholarship: Available to students from 143 countries.
Top University Scholarships in Sweden for International Students
Several universities in Sweden offer scholarships to international students. These include:
- Uppsala University Scholarship
- Lund University Scholarship
- Umea University Scholarship
- Linnaeus University Scholarship
- University of Skovde Masters Scholarship
- Malardalen University Scholarship
- Stockholm University Scholarship
How to Apply without IELTS
Most universities in Sweden do not require IELTS from students who have completed a previous degree in English. It is advisable to contact the admissions department of your prospective school for more details.
Given the numerous Bachelor’s and Master’s programs taught in English, proficiency in the language is essential in Sweden. Apart from IELTS and other English language proficiency tests, Swedish universities accept the following as proof of your language skills:
- High school studies conducted in English
- Previous university studies conducted in English