Proof of Proficiency in English and Swedish
To be accepted for studies you need to prove that you have sufficient knowledge of the language that the courses/programmes will be taught in. The required level of English needed for the education taught in English is specified in the online course catalogue. You only have to prove your proficiency in Swedish if you are applying for courses or programmes that are taught in Swedish.
Basic Proficiency in English (equivalent to English course B/6 from Swedish Upper Secondary School)
Proficiency in basic English can be proven by test scores from one of the following internationally approved tests:
- IELTS (Academic) - minimum score 6.5 with no individual score below 5.5 (Tests taken before January 2008 are not admissible)
- TOEFL - tests:
- Paper-based; Minimum score 575 with minimum TWE score 4.5.
- Computer-based; Minimum score 213 with minimum Essay Writing 4.0.
- Internet-based (iBT); Minimum score 90 with minimum Writing score 20. - University of Cambridge/Oxford:
- Certificate in Advanced English
- Certificate of Proficiency
- Diploma of English Studies
- Oxford Delegacy Higher Examination - Michigan English Language Assessment Battery(MELAB) - minimum score 90
- Advanced Placement International English Language (APIEL)
- Pearson Test of English Academic: Score of 62 (writing 61)
You are also considered to meet the requirements for the basic level of English proficiency if you have:
- One of the following certificates of upper secondary studies: General Certificate of Education (GCE) O-level/ General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) with a grade of C or higher, International Baccalaureat (IB) with English B/6 A1 or A2, SL with grade 4, German Abitur with English as Leistungskurs or first foreign language
- At least two years of university studies in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain.
- A Bachelor's degree from a university where English is the only language of instruction, according to the latest edition of International Handbook of Universities.
- A Bachelor's degree (a Swedish Kandidatexamen or equivalent academic qualifications) with English as the major subject.
- Have a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Natural Science or Technology from India or Pakistan.
Some education might require a lower level of English (equivalent to English course A/5 from Swedish Upper Secondary School) and this can be proven by supplying test scores from one of the following internationally approved tests:
- IELTS Academic Training - minimum score 5.5 with no individual score below 5.0 (Tests taken before January 2007 are not admissable)
- TOEFL - tests:
- Paper-based; Minimum score 530 with minimum TWE score 4.0.
- Computer-based; Minimum score 173 with minimum Essay Rating 4.0.
- Internet-based (iBT); Minimum score 72 with minimum Writing score 17. - University of Cambridge/Oxford:
- First Certificate in English - Grade A, B or C
- Lower Certificate in English - Grade A or B - Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) - minimum score 85
- Pearson Test of English Academic: Score of 47
Language test scores are not required if:
- You have completed a minimum of two years of studies at an accredited university or college with English as the medium of instruction. There are some exemptions to this rule.
- You have completed one year of graduate studies and have written your thesis in English.
- You are a student attending under a formal exchange agreements between Umeå University and their home university. See Exchange Students.
Proficiency in Swedish
To study one of the programmes or courses that are taught in Swedish you must prove that you have sufficient proficiency in Swedish. This can be done through the TISUS test. Find more information about the Tisus test under Related Information.