The three European countries- Sweden, Norway and Denmark are grouped together as Scandinavian countries. Sometimes, Iceland and Finland are also included in the broader definition of Scandinavian countries but the term better regarded for this wider group is ‘Nordic countries’. Here we shall talk about higher education in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Let’s take a look at why these countries are becoming a top pick for many international students.
In this blog:
1. Quality of Life in Scandinavian Countries
2. Low-Cost Higher Education in Scandinavian countries
3. High-Quality Higher Education in Scandinavian Countries
4. Structure of Higher Education in Scandinavian Countries
5. Top Universities in Scandinavian countries
Quality of Life in Scandinavian Countries
The Scandinavian countries usually grab ranks in the top 10 countries in the world when it comes to happiness reports and quality of life. Since 2013, the five Nordic countries– Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland have bagged positions in the top 10 in the yearly list of countries of the World Happiness Report (WHR). Principles of democracy, peace, freedom of life and speech are highly valued in the Scandinavian countries. The Scandinavian countries have played leadership roles on various issues such as gender equality, LGBTQ rights, environmental policy, etc. With free education and free healthcare, the citizens of Scandinavian countries enjoy a strong social safety net.
When living in a Scandinavian country, you are always close to nature. Even if you are living in a big city, you are not too far from a natural getaway. The countries are abundant with forests and lakes, and breathtaking mountains and oceans. Hiking and water sports are the top activities of summer while winters are a perfect time for skiing.
Although Scandinavian countries are rich in natural beauty, knowledge is their best asset. Scandinavian countries are built on people and invest highly in their education and welfare. Scandinavians enjoy a good work-life balance. No wonder the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ has been trending worldwide. Moreover, language is not a barrier when it comes to pursuing your higher education in Scandinavian countries since almost everyone speaks fluent English. International students have actively explored and enrolled for higher education in Scandinavian countries.
Low-Cost Higher Education in Scandinavian countries
Scandinavian countries offer high-quality, world-class education at a low cost. Most of the educational institutions are public and offer highly subsidised or tuition-free courses. The government of Norway considers access to higher education an important part of Norwegian society and therefore, the public universities in Norway are tuition-free for all students, including those from outside of the country. Sweden offers tuition-free Ph.D. degrees to all students irrespective of their country of origin. Students can also apply for scholarship programmes to finance their studies in Scandinavia. Low-cost allows international students access to some of the top-ranked Scandinavian universities in the world for their higher education.
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High-Quality Higher Education in Scandinavian Countries
Pursuing higher education in Scandinavia is a life-altering experience for many international students. Higher education in Scandinavian countries follows roughly the same model. The higher education system in these countries is known for its innovative teaching methods that promote creative and critical thinking. The institutions follow a problem-based learning approach with real-world applications of education. Students can choose from a wide range of bachelors, masters or doctoral programmes taught in English.
In picture: Copenhagen, Denmark
Structure of Higher Education in Scandinavian Countries
The Scandinavian countries are signatories to the Bologna Process which aims at making the European Higher Education system more compatible and comparable. The European Higher Education Area (EHEA), created as a result of the Bologna Process, is a group of 48 countries, which introduced the ECTS credit points (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). ECTS helps in the recognition of higher education among the signatory countries of EHEA. The EHEA countries have adopted a hom*ogenous higher education system of three levels-
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
Want to know about the admission process at Scandinavian universities?
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Top Universities in Scandinavian countries
Despite being relatively small in size and population, Scandinavian countries house some of the top-ranking universities in the world. The wide range of courses, world-class infrastructure, global research opportunities and high-quality education are some of the reasons for pursuing your higher education in Scandinavian countries.
Here is a list of top Scandinavian universities which have made it to the list of global rankings-
Some of the best-known Scandinavian institutions such as Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm School of Economics are not included in the overall rankings because of the specialised nature of their courses, yet they enjoy a high reputation worldwide in their respective fields.
The University of Oslo, well-known for producing Nobel laureates over the years, offers a wide range of research programmes spanning from physics to entrepreneurship. Aarhus University is the second oldest university in Denmark with more than 1000 international students enrolled in its variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Studying in Scandinavian countries not only opens up the opportunity of a world-class education at some of Europe’s finest universities but also exposes you to the rich culture of these countries. For more information on pursuing your higher education in Scandinavia, you can talk to our counsellor.
FAQs
As medieval Scandinavia interacted with other medieval cultures on a variety of levels, there are excellent opportunities to connect to many other medieval fields of study and departments, such as medieval English, medieval Archaeology, German Medieval Studies, or historical Religious Studies, which offer opportunities ...
Why is education better in Scandinavian countries? ›
For one thing, there are national curricula in Scandinavian countries that every school has to follow, and there's no exceptions to that. The school systems are also very student-oriented. There's a lot of talk about inclusion, democracy, and equality. The teachers unions, too, are very strong.
Why study in Nordic countries? ›
Traditionally, the education systems in these countries are among the best in the world. The attraction of these countries is, of course, enhanced by the high happiness index of these nations as well as the Nordic style of living. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland are part of the European Economic Area (EEA).
What is special about Scandinavian countries? ›
The Nordic countries cluster near the top in numerous metrics of national performance, including education, economic competitiveness, civil liberties, quality of life and human development. Each country has its own economic and social model, sometimes with large differences from its neighbours.
Why are Scandinavian countries so great? ›
These nations are known for high living standards and low-income disparity. The Nordic model merges free-market capitalism with a generous welfare system.
Why did you choose to study in Sweden? ›
High Quality, Unconventional Education
Studying in Sweden is different from studying in other countries because Swedish universities have an open climate with a strong focus on group work. The Swedish education system focuses more on your academic interests than pushing you to achieve a grade.
What is the Scandinavian approach to education? ›
In Scandinavia, children start school at age 6 or 7 (rather than 4-5 in the UK). This provides a stable foundation for the future of their education and is fundamental to the development of cognitive skills, nurtured in a low pressure, age appropriate and play-based environment.
Which Scandinavian country has the best education? ›
The University of Copenhagen, Denmark's oldest and largest university, is also the best university in Scandinavia. Lund University is Sweden's oldest and most prestigious university.
What is the Nordic learning style? ›
The Nordic Pedagogy is distinctive not only for a unique – and fundamentally play-based -approach to learning but also because it actively involves parents as co-educators, extending the learning environment beyond the classroom and into the familial home by providing the necessary tools and aids.
Why is Sweden best for education? ›
Sweden is a country built around staunch equality and community spirit. This directly influences their school system, where children are taught the same subjects until they are old enough to make their own education / career choices.
International students give many reasons as to why they like studying in Norway: the safe, peaceful, and technologically advanced society; the magnificent scenery; the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities – summer and winter; and the fact that studying in Norway will enhance their ...
What is the difference between Scandinavian and Nordic countries? ›
Differentiating Scandinavian and Nordic:
While Scandinavian countries consist of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, the Nordic countries encompass Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. This distinction highlights that the term “Nordic” extends beyond the Scandinavian peninsula to include Finland as well.
Why is Scandinavia so famous? ›
The Scandinavian Peninsula is famous for its scenery and is often ranked in the top ten 'most beautiful countries in the world'. Iceland tends to rank highly with its volcanoes, expansive underground ice caves and glacial lakes, closely followed by Norway for its dramatic mountains, fjords and dense forests.
What are the values of Scandinavian countries? ›
The Nordic and Scandinavian countries are often used as role models for good governance, especially when it comes innovation, openness, transparency, equality, and sustainability. Although the Scandinavian countries have their own uniqueness, they all share a common history and have developed a common set of values.
Why should I go to Scandinavia? ›
From ultra-hip cities full of sleek design and world-class restaurants, to back-to-basics cabin living in some of the most epic natural landscapes in the world. From must-see urban destinations like Stockholm and Copenhagen, to must-be-seen-to-be-believed phenomenon like the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun.
What can you do with a degree in Scandinavian studies? ›
Scholars who major in the field are equipped for careers in the countries that are the world leaders in gender equity, societal welfare, and 21st-century business practices, as well as a range of careers including education, law, international trade, translation, civil service, non-profits, the arts, linguistics, ...
What is the significance of Scandinavia? ›
The region became notable during the Viking Age, when Scandinavian peoples participated in large-scale raiding, conquest, colonization and trading mostly throughout Europe. They also used their longships for exploration, becoming the first Europeans to reach North America.
Is it useful to learn a Scandinavian language? ›
The status of English in the Scandinavian countries
Studying a language helps you to communicate with the locals, whether you just want to travel there or move there for work. Additionally, it shows appreciation for the language and culture, even if you're able to communicate only on the most basic level.
What is the main motivation behind the Scandinavian model? ›
Much of the model is based on how Nordic cultures have developed over the centuries. The citizens have a high degree of trust in their government and a history of working together to reach compromises and address societal challenges through democratic processes.
