STUDY IN THE NORDIC COUNTRIES

Basic facts

Pros & cons

• + High Academic quality, strictly enforced and maintained
• + Many programs taught in English
• + Active social and cultural life
• - High cost of living
• - Some difficulty with residence permits

Why the Nordic Region?

From Denmark’s mix of modern cities, enchanting villages and sleepy islands, to Norway’s Viking traditions, snowy plateaus and majestic fjords, each of the countries that make up the Nordic region has its own unique character. Finland has the world’s biggest smoke sauna and 200 000 reindeer. Sweden, home of the IKEA, has countryside perfect for outdoor adventure. However, despite their historical and cultural differences, these countries have weather in common. There’s no escaping the long, hard, snowy winter with little light, but you will enjoy the beautiful summer with endless hours of sunlight. If you study abroad in one of these countries you’ll have the best of both worlds: bustling cities of Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo and Stockholm and the tranquil and peaceful natural environment.

Education system

The higher education systems of the Nordic countries are all organized in a similar way. Each offers three or four-year bachelor degrees and one or two-year master programs. They are largely state-dominated, with public rather than private institutions. Universities tend to offer degree-level teaching while university colleges offer diplomas and certificates in more applied subjects.

Norway has the most private investment in higher education, with 29 private institutions holding government accreditation. Finland provides the largest number of English language programs in Europe outside the UK. Sweden and Denmark offer diverse systems of higher education, where both vocational and academic programs are available.

Common entry requirement is a completed graduation exam awarded after 13 years of education. Students who don’t meet the entry requirements are offered bridging courses.

Costs

One of the greatest advantages of higher education in Nordic countries is that tuition fees are either reasonably priced or not yet in existence. Denmark charges market-rate tuition fees on a modest scale. Individual universities may charge a small administration fees for every semester.

However the cost of living in these countries is extremely high. University or private accommodation tends to be the largest single expenditure for students studying here. All of the countries offer scholarships to help finance students living and study expenses.

Another element of life in the Nordic countries is the excellent welfare state, offering protection to all in society. Students are covered for all medical care, including emergencies by their own medical system.

Student life

Universities in big cities can offer more facilities than those in smaller towns, however common to all institutions is the customary range of academic, social and sporting clubs organized on campus by students for students. Student unions also offer useful resources for students in terms of discounts and advice. All countries have an excellent transport system allowing students to cheaply and comfortably explore not only their place of study, but also the neighboring countries.

As an international student you can work in all Nordic countries. The common limitation is 20 hours a week during term-time and full-time during vacations.