Higher education in the Scandinavian countries

You can go to Scandinavia not only for the unique northern nature and culture, but also for quality education.The countries of this region are highly developed economically, life here is not cheap by our standards, but higher education in some places can be obtained absolutely free.In this article, we will take a broad concept of the Scandinavian countries - we will talk about education in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

Sweden

About 7.5% of students in Swedish universities are foreigners...Students from all over the world are attracted by a wide choice of training programs and specialties, the quality of education and the opportunity to receive it for free.However, no one will pay for your accommodation, and life in the country is not cheap.A student can support himself independently - in parallel with his studies, he is allowed to work.

Free education is available in the country thanks to the support of the state: the majority of universities belongs to it, and a few private ones receive subsidies from it, which cover most of the costs.

English is very widespread in the country.It offers many training programs, however, most are paid.For admission to such programs, you will need to confirm your level of language proficiency by passing the international TOEFL or IELTS exam.Sufficient knowledge of Swedish is also important - it can be improved on special one-year training programs for foreigners that are offered at universities.

The academic year is divided into fall and spring semesters.Foreign applicants do not pass entrance exams, the selection is based on the submitted documents.Education in Sweden is highly specialized, which allows the student to become an expert in any field.Most of the specialties involve three years of study at the first stage, pharmacists and lawyers study for 4 years, doctors - for 5 and a half years.

Denmark

The universities in the country are divided into universities, colleges and highervocational schools.As in Sweden,education is given rather highly specialized.For the broadest you need to go to the university, out of 11 universities in Denmark 5 are multidisciplinary.

There are even more programs with teaching in English here than in Sweden.The system of admission to them is the same - you pass international exams in English and send documents.You can travel with zero Danish - most of the locals are fluent in English.

Education for foreigners is paid.Only exchange students, as well as holders of scholarships and grants, study free of charge.The average cost of studying at universities is 6000-8000 euros per year.Accommodation is also not cheap at all - as well as throughout Scandinavia.Despite this, many are ready to invest in getting a quality education and prospects for future careers.

Norway

uncrowded study groups and modern technology.Education in the country is free, apart from small annual fees.However, you can't go here without a budget - Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe.A big plus is that a student visa allows you to work in the country.You can also come to study with your husband / wife and child, if you confirm that you can provide them financially.

Most programs are taught in Norwegian.It can be learned in preparatory courses at universities.Also, free Norwegian courses are offered throughout the school year at municipalities.

The strongest programs: ecology, business, nature management, navigation.Doctors, lawyers, economists and engineers study longer than others - from 4.5 to 6 years.These specialties are considered more prestigious, the admission of foreigners to them is limited.

Finland

Education in Finnish universities for citizens of all countries is free.All universities are state-owned.You will have to spend only life in the country, as well as pay for educational materials and annual feesfor compulsory membership in student unions.Also, to obtain a visa at the consulate, they will require a certificate that you have 6,000 euros on your account.

There are 30 polytechnic universities, 10 multidisciplinary universities, 3 technical, 3 economic schools and 4 art academies in the country.Training at polytechnics lasts 3.5-4 years + compulsory practice.Universities according to the standard Bologna system are divided into bachelor's, master's and postgraduate studies with one peculiarity: there is a stage called licentiate between master's and postgraduate studies.

Programs are mainly conducted in Finnish and Swedish, however, English-speaking languages ​​have been increasing over the years.Each university establishes the rules for admission itself, the main criteria: academic success, financial wealth, knowledge of the language of instruction.

Iceland

There are only seven universities in Iceland.Not so many foreigners come here, they make up about 5% of all students.However, 6 universities offer programs in English and their number is only growing.

In public universities, education is free for both citizens of the country and for foreigners.You only need to pay a small entrance fee from 100 to 600 euros (depending on the university).In private universities for citizens of the CIS, training will be released at 18,000-36,000 euros / year.The country offers several international scholarships for international students, in particular for those studying the language and literature of Iceland.

There are no particular difficulties in admission to universities in Iceland for foreigners.Entrance tests are carried out only on certain programs.The main problem is that in Icelandic schools they study until the age of 20, and in order to compensate for this gap in education, you will need to unlearn for 1-2 years at a university in your homeland.An exception may be made for candidates who demonstrate special academic preparation and moral maturity.

Undergraduate studies last 3-4 years, master's programs - 2 years, postgraduate studies - depending on the program.In parallel, programs similar toRussian specialists - they have been trained for 6 years.