Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
MDU English requirement by master's
From MDU's programme pages for Software Engineering, International Marketing and Sustainable Energy Systems, all starting 30 August 2027 in Västerås.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests | Non-EU fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering (120 credits) | 6.5, no band below 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 90 (TWE 20); PBT 575 (TWE 4.5) | 135,000 SEK a year |
| International Marketing (60 credits) | 6.5, no band below 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 90 (TWE 20); PBT 575 (TWE 4.5) | 100,000 SEK |
| Sustainable Energy Systems (120 credits) | 6.5, no band below 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 90 (TWE 20); PBT 575 (TWE 4.5) | 135,000 SEK a year |
Other ways to meet English 6
MDU also accepts the Swedish upper secondary courses English 6 or English level 2, or an equivalent. PTE and Duolingo are not named on the programme pages; the wording "or equivalent" means you should check with University Admissions in Sweden before relying on another test.
The 5.5 floor matters: an overall 6.5 with a 5.0 in Writing does not meet the requirement.
Free test: are you at MDU's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Fees and how to check
Non-EU/EEA students pay per semester before each term: 67,500 SEK for the two-year programmes and 50,000 SEK for International Marketing. Each programme also has its own academic entry requirements, such as credits in computer science, engineering or business administration.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your MDU programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Mälardalen University (MDU) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does Mälardalen University need?+
An overall band of at least 6.5 with no band below 5.5 for its international master's programmes.
What TOEFL score does Mälardalen University need?+
TOEFL iBT 90 with a writing score of at least 20, or 575 on the paper test with TWE 4.5.
Does Mälardalen University accept Duolingo or PTE?+
Neither is named on the programme pages, which list English 6, English level 2, TOEFL and IELTS or equivalent.
How much are Mälardalen master's fees for non-EU students?+
135,000 SEK a year for Software Engineering and Sustainable Energy Systems, and 100,000 SEK for the one-year International Marketing programme.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Sweden accepting IELTS 6.5
- IELTS for Sweden
- Malmö University IELTS requirement
- Uppsala University IELTS requirement
- IELTS band score calculator
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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