IB Subject Requirements for Sweden.

IB Subject Requirements.

Sweden is a popular destination for IB students due to its English-taught bachelor’s programs, innovation-focused universities, and strong STEM offerings. However, Swedish admissions are requirement-driven rather than holistic. Universities follow national eligibility rules that clearly specify which IB Math and Science subjects are required for each degree.

This blog explains how Sweden evaluates IB subject combinations, which subjects are mandatory by field, and where IB students commonly lose eligibility.

Sweden IB Subject Snapshot

Aspect	Sweden’s Approach
Admissions Style	National, rule-based
Subject Flexibility	Low
Math Preference	Math AA strongly preferred
Science Requirements	Degree-specific
Holistic Review	Minimal
Foundation Years	Very limited
Score vs Subjects	Subjects override score

How Swedish Universities Evaluate IB Students

Swedish universities:

• Apply national eligibility frameworks

• Treat IB subjects as formal prerequisites

• Evaluate eligibility before merit ranking

If a required subject is missing, the application is not considered further, regardless of IB score.

IB Math Requirements in Sweden

Accepted Math Types

• Math AA is the standard requirement

• Math AI is not accepted for STEM and technical degrees

Level Expectations

• Math AA HL: Engineering, Computer Science, Physics

• Math AA SL: Some Science, Economics, non-technical programs

Math selection determines which degrees are even visible to the applicant.

IB Science Requirements by Degree Area

Engineering & Technology

Mandatory:

• Math AA HL

• Physics HL

Chemistry may be recommended depending on the specialization.

Computer Science & Data-Focused Programs

• Math AA HL strongly preferred

• Physics often recommended

• Math AI not accepted

Natural Sciences

• Biology for Life Sciences

• Chemistry for Chemical Sciences

• Physics for Physical Sciences

HL is often required for competitive programs.

Medicine & Health Sciences

• Chemistry HL mandatory

• Biology HL mandatory

• Math AA required

Medical pathways are highly restricted and centrally regulated.

Environmental Science & Sustainability

• Math AA SL or HL

• At least one science subject

• Interdisciplinary programs still enforce core prerequisites

Math AI: Sweden’s Position

• Not accepted for Engineering or CS

• Not accepted for Medicine

• Rarely accepted for core Sciences

• Occasionally accepted for non-STEM or interdisciplinary degrees

Choosing Math AI severely narrows Swedish options.

Public Universities: Zero Discretion Model

Most Swedish universities are public:

• No foundation years to replace missing subjects

• No subject substitutions

• No holistic compensation

Eligibility is determined strictly by subject completion.

Common IB Mistakes for Sweden Applicants

Mistake	Result
Math AI for STEM	Ineligible
Missing Physics for Engineering	Rejection
No Chemistry for Medicine	Blocked
Assuming score can compensate	Disqualification
Late subject changes	Not accepted

Strategic Subject Planning for Sweden-Bound IB Students

• Choose Math AA early

• Take Physics if Engineering or CS is possible

• Maintain science continuity from pre-IB

• Treat Sweden like Germany or Norway — rules first, profile later

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1) Is Math AI accepted in Sweden?

Generally no, especially for STEM and technical programs.

2) Can IB scores override subject requirements?

No. Missing subjects result in automatic ineligibility.

3) Are foundation years common in Sweden?

No. Public universities rarely offer foundation pathways.

4) Is Sweden flexible for interdisciplinary degrees?

Somewhat, but core Math and Science rules still apply.

5) Should undecided IB students consider Sweden?

Only if they choose Math AA and maintain science breadth.

Final Takeaway

Sweden evaluates IB applicants through a national eligibility lens, not a holistic one. Correct Math AA selection and precise Science subjects are non-negotiable, and IB scores cannot compensate for missing prerequisites.

For IB students, Sweden rewards accuracy and early planning, not last-minute fixes.