Studying in Sweden, Denmark or Finland: fees and scholarships

Innovation, quality of life, teaching based on autonomy and critical thinking, many master's programmes in English: Sweden, Denmark and Finland attract students from all over the world every year. For a Tunisian student, they are demanding destinations budget-wise, but they offer scholarships and attractive prospects. Here is a comparison of studying in Sweden, Denmark or Finland to help you choose.

What the three countries have in common

• Many English-taught programmes, especially at master's level, and widespread command of English among the population.

• Tuition fees for non-EU students at public universities.

• Centralised application on a national platform.

• Teaching through projects and group work, with strong links to companies.

• Safe societies, but a high cost of living and long winters.

Sweden

The universities

Lund, Uppsala, Stockholm, KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), Chalmers (Gothenburg), University of Gothenburg, Linköping, Karolinska Institutet (health)…

Applying

Applications are made on the national admissions platform, with an application fee. For the autumn intake, the main round opens in autumn and closes in winter (often mid-January). You can rank several programmes.

Fees and scholarships

• Fees for non-Europeans: around €9,000 to more than €25,000 per year depending on the programme.

• Scholarships: Swedish Institute scholarships for professionals (depending on that year's list of eligible countries), and fee reductions offered by universities.

Denmark

The universities

Copenhagen, Aarhus, DTU (Technical University of Denmark), Copenhagen Business School, Aalborg (known for problem-based learning), University of Southern Denmark…

Applying

For bachelor's degrees, the national platform sets a deadline in spring (often mid-March) for non-EU students. For master's degrees, each university sets its own dates, generally between January and March.

Fees and scholarships

• Fees for non-Europeans: around €6,000 to €18,000 per year depending on the programme.

• Scholarships: government scholarships awarded by the universities, in limited numbers.

Finland

The universities

Helsinki, Aalto, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, LUT, and the universities of applied sciences (more career-oriented).

Applying

A national joint application takes place mainly in January for the autumn intake, sometimes with a round in spring or autumn.

Fees and scholarships

• Fees for non-Europeans: around €8,000 to €18,000 per year.

• Scholarships: most universities offer substantial fee reductions (sometimes up to full fee waivers) depending on academic results.

Cost of living

Allow generally €900 to €1,400 per month depending on the country and city. Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki are the most expensive. The proof of funds required for the residence permit must cover at least one year.

The residence permit

All three countries require a residence permit for studies, applied for online before departure, with:

• the admission letter;

• proof of fee payment;

• proof of funds;

• health insurance;

• your passport.

Processing can take several weeks: submit your application as soon as you are admitted.

Working during and after your studies

International students can work part-time during their studies, under each country's own rules. After graduation, job-seeking residence permits exist in all three countries, subject to conditions.

English level

An English test is required, generally the IELTS or the TOEFL, with a score set by the programme. See IELTS or TOEFL: which one to choose?.

Which one to choose?

• Sweden: very wide range of master's programmes, prestigious universities.

• Denmark: project-based learning, strong links with companies, accessible English-taught bachelor's degrees.

• Finland: renowned education system, generous fee-reduction scholarships.

If your budget is limited, also compare with Germany, with no tuition fees at most public universities, or Austria.

Typical timeline for a September intake

1. September – October: choosing the country and programmes, registering for the IELTS or TOEFL.

2. October – January: applications in Sweden and Finland, preparing scholarship applications.

3. January – March: applications in Denmark (bachelor's and master's), results in Sweden and Finland in spring.

4. Spring: accepting the offer, paying fees, residence permit application.

5. Summer: accommodation, departure.

Scholarship applications are often linked to the admission application and have their own deadlines, sometimes before the admission deadline: do not miss them.

Documents to prepare

• transcripts and diplomas, with official English translation;

• English certificate;

• passport;

• motivation letter and CV;

• recommendation letters for some master's programmes;

• proof of funds and health insurance for the residence permit.

In Sweden, documents are often uploaded directly to the national platform; some universities also require a specific verification of diplomas.

Daily life in Scandinavia

• Accommodation: finding a place can be difficult in Stockholm, Copenhagen or Helsinki. Sign up early for student housing lists.

• Transport: efficient networks, cycling is very common.

• Climate: long, dark winters and bright summers. Vitamin D and an active social life help you get through the winter well.

• Language: English is enough for daily life, but learning the local language is a real asset for finding a job.

• Community: student associations organise many activities for international students.

How we support you

Worldwide Studies helps you choose the country and programmes, apply on the national platforms, look for scholarships and prepare your residence permit.

👉 Fees and scholarships vary by programme: talk to an advisor to compare Scandinavia with other destinations.