Welcome to The IB Programme at Åva gymnasium
The IB Programme at Åva Gymnasium is a respected, international education designed to prepare students for studies and careers in both Sweden and abroad. When you join our programme, you will develop as a knowledgeable, curious, and open-minded individual with strong academic skills.
Our community values diversity and openness, with students and teachers from many backgrounds. As a motivated student you will find a supportive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages learning, teamwork, and leadership. Through the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme, you can explore new interests and join student clubs like Amnesty, the United Nations, and the Book Club.
Programme Structure
Your first year at Åva is a preparatory year where you study foundation subjects based on the Swedish curriculum with an IB focus. At the end of this year, you choose six subjects to study in depth during the two-year diploma programme, which includes final assessments at the end of your studies.
Admissions for August 2025 start
- Pre-DP (Preparatory year)
Apply through Gymnasieantagningen, starting on January 15, 2025. On March 11, you will complete entrance tests in English and mathematics. Results from these tests, combined with your grade 9 results, will determine admission. For applicants living abroad, we offer digital tests; please contact our IB administrator. - Direct entry to DP1 (Grade 11)
If you wish to join the DP1 year directly, contact Åva Gymnasium. Entrance tests and an interview are required, along with grades from a grade 10-equivalent programme. You must meet minimum grade requirements in the subjects you wish to study at higher levels. Digital testing is available for international applicants. - Entry to DP2 (Grade 12)
Students who have completed DP1 at another school may apply to join DP2 if we offer the same subjects. Admission will be based on discussions with the student’s previous IB coordinator and review of DP1 grades. All CAS records, extended essays, and internal assessments must be transferred to Åva to maintain continuity.
Program plans
Contact us
If you would like to contact us, please send an email to the Study and career counselor Satu Haidenthaller
or the IB coordinator Jo-Anne Ahlmen.
Rosalia Buncic, IB23
I chose the IB at Åva because after visiting, I felt that it was a safe environment and the students had a good relationship with both the teachers and the curriculum overall. I also liked the idea of getting to still take part of the Swedish gymnasie-experience while being in the IB world. The IB is a program which is recognised around the world, and is a program which pursues not only academic excellence, but also critical thinking and international mindedness. In the future, my goal is to study in a university outside of Sweden. The IB program sets me up perfectly to pursue an international education, due to it being recognised globally, and even allowing me to receive credit in most programs.
Yohannes Kefyalew, IB24
The best thing with IB is that it is a programme which accepts people all over the world. I am a foreigner and I am learning Swedish right now. Therefore, this programme was perfect for me. So far I have met many nice people and great teachers. After graduation I hope to attend a university here in Sweden. If you are good with time management and want a good future ahead of you, you should definitely apply to IB. It will prepare you for university and is a great chance to get accepted into good universities around the world.
Satu Haidenthaller
Study and career counselor for
International Baccalaureate
+ 46 76 643 8062
Jo-Anne Ahlmén
IB coordinator for
International Baccalaureate
+46 76 643 8029
As well as being the IBDP coordinator, I also teach the English A: Literature course here at Åva. I am originally from the UK where I studied English and German at university followed by a diploma in Journalism before I decided to take my teacher certification. Following stints in different countries and professions, I moved to Stockholm in 1993 and was lucky enough to start working at an IB school in Stockholm. I immediately fell in love with the IB philosophy and vision of providing high quality education to a multi-cultural mix of students from all over the world. With its focus on nurturing the holistic development of the student, as well as being academically rigorous, this programme offers students a fantastic educational experience.
Having worked as both a MYP and DP language and literature teacher, an IB examiner, and, since 2009, a DP coordinator, I am a true believer in the IB values and pedagogics. I started here in Åva in 2017 and, with over 40 different nationalities in our classrooms, learn as much as my students every day and am continually inspired and engaged in their development. I enjoy coming to school and particularly the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in our IB corridor. The possibility to meet with our students informally as well as in the classroom is a great privilege.
Ulrika Perbo, deputy principal
Deputy principal for International Baccalaureate, Samhällsvetenskapsprogrammet and Ekonomiprogrammet.