Scandinavia – Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden – is one of the most prosperous and developed regions of Europe. Scandinavians’ inherent thoroughness in everything is the basis of a high standard of living. The general principles of education in Northern Europe are continuity, accessibility, and universality. The latter means that the obtained diploma has recognition abroad. Find out why many students aspire to these countries. This is an introduction to studying in Scandinavia.
Nordic education features – the ultimate guide
The Nordic educational system follows roughly the same model and shares common features. First, most educational institutions in these countries are public. Moreover, the state subsidizes several private schools and universities. Thus education in Scandinavia is free. You have to pay only registration and small student fees. So the main expense for an international student is accommodation and food.
Secondly, unlike other European countries, the pre-university school program lasts three years. Thus Scandinavians graduate from high school at 19. This does not prevent Scandinavian universities from being more liberal towards foreign applicants.
Scandinavian educational institutions are open to foreigners. But emigration, even qualified (i.e. from foreign graduates of local universities) is not encouraged. Foreign applicants receive permission to stay in the country strictly for the period of study. After graduation, you have to leave hospitable Northern Europe.
Related: How to apply to top 5 Swedish universities
Studying in Denmark
The Danish higher professional education system includes schools of economics, management, foreign languages, pharmaceutical, library, pedagogical and dental colleges and technical institutes, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and the Copenhagen Conservatory. Professional institutes, colleges, and schools offer programs of varying lengths. The full course of study, equal to higher education, lasts 4-5 years and ends with a Kandidaat diploma.
Denmark provides students with a practical, relevant education that promotes personal, social prosperity. There is no such thing as broad and diverse university education in Denmark. The state, in turn, also tacitly supports the development of more promising specialties for the country. The authorities allocate more money for them. Today they are pharmacology, computers, commerce, management, and law.
There are more international programs in English, French, and German in Denmark than in Sweden. Admission to them is by special rules. Vocational schools also have their own requirements for admission. But most educational institutions ask foreigners to present a secondary school diploma. This is equal to a Danish high school diploma. If there is no such document, the institution will offer special training at the university center. You will also have to take the Higher Preparatory Examination.
Related: The top 3 secrets to Scandinavian innovation in education
Studying in Norway
Norwegian universities offer flexible curricula, an informal environment with small class sizes, and modern facilities. Education in the country is free, except for small annual contributions. However, you can’t go here without a budget — Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. A big plus is that the study visa allows you to work in the country. And for those who find it difficult to combine work and study, online services like Writemyessay will be a good help.
The Norwegian language prevails on most programs. You can learn it in the preparatory courses at universities. There are also free Norwegian courses during the school year in the municipalities.
The strongest programs are ecology, business, environmental management, navigation. Medics, lawyers, economists, and engineers take the longest time to study – from 4.5 to 6 years. These majors are considered more prestigious, with limited admission for foreigners.
Related: Top Scandinavian Universities for Foreigners
Studying in Finland
Studying at Finnish universities is free for citizens of all countries. All universities are state-owned. You only have to spend money for living in the country. As well as for study materials and annual fees for compulsory membership in student unions. Also, to get a visa, the consulate will request a certificate of the presence of 6,000 euros on your account.
The country has 30 polytechnics, 10 multidisciplinary universities, 3 technical schools, 3 schools of economics, and 4 art academies. Education in the polytechnics lasts 3.5-4 years + compulsory practice. Universities in the Bologna system offer undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate degrees with one feature. There is a step between the master’s degree and the postgraduate degree called the Licentiate.
The programs are mainly taught in Finnish and Swedish. But the English-language programs have increased in number over the years. Each university sets its own admission rules. The main criteria are academic success, financial prosperity, knowledge of the teaching language.
Studying in Sweden
About 7.5% of students at Swedish universities are foreigners. A wide choice of study programs, the quality of education, and the opportunity to get it for free attract students from all over the world to Sweden. However, no one will pay your living expenses, and life in the country is not cheap. A student can support himself. You have the right to work in parallel with your studies. And if there are difficulties with the lessons, you can always use homework help websites for college students.
Free education is available in the country thanks to the support of the state. Most universities are public. Few private institutions receive subsidies from the state, which covers most of the costs.
English is widespread in the country. There are many educational programs in it, but most are paid. To enter such programs, you need to confirm your level of skill in the language, passing the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Knowledge of Swedish is also important. You can improve it in special one-year training programs for foreigners.
The academic year is divided into autumn and spring semesters. Foreign applicants do not take entrance exams. Selection is based on the documents sent. Education in Sweden is highly specialized, allowing the student to become an expert in a particular field. Most majors require three years of study at the first level, while pharmacists and lawyers study for four years and doctors – for five and a half years.
No matter what country or institution you choose, studying is always challenging. But today’s students have learned how to overcome them. And turning to online assistants is one of the ways out in difficult situations. Especially when you can get free coupons by essayhoney for writing services.
An Introduction To Studying In Scandinavia, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by William Grabe. William is an experienced writer. He’s specialized in educational content creation. William also writes articles for his own Essaysadvisor blog and optimizes everything to make sure people find the content interesting and useful.
Feature image (on top): Mystic Art Design/Pixabay
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The nations making up Europe’s northernmost region are most commonly called either Scandinavia – Norway, Denmark, and Sweden – or the Nordic countries – Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland. (Editor’s note).