If you’re thinking about going to college for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, Scandinavian scholarships are a great opportunity that offers a fantastic study environment. We have created a list of top Scandinavian scholarships for international students that can help you find all the top Scandinavian scholarships at one place. Countries like Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Finland have been around for a long time and have excellent schools for all sorts of subjects. These countries are getting noticed globally for their unique culture and great academic programs.
More and more students from different parts of the world are choosing places like Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Finland for their studies. Why? These countries have a good quality of life, and many people there speak excellent English. So, if you’re an international student, it’s super easy to fit in and transition to studying in one of these countries. There are various top Scandinavian scholarships available. Below, you can find the list of top Scandinavian scholarships for international students that will help you fulfill your dream of studying abroad.
Top Scandinavian Scholarships for International Students:
Sweden Scholarships:
In Sweden, tuition fees apply only to students outside the EU and EEA. International students can anticipate paying SEK 80,000-190,000 (approximately US$8,800-20,940) per year for bachelor’s and master’s programs, with higher fees for medical and fine art subjects. A noteworthy exception is for PhD candidates, as PhD programs in Sweden are free of charge. If you’re looking to cover any study-related costs in Sweden, consider the following options. These are some top Scandinavian scholarships.
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is an academic grant designed for full-time, one- or two-year Master’s studies in Sweden. This scholarship encompasses a diverse array of study fields, including over 700 of the 1000 English-taught master’s programs in Sweden.
The primary goal of the scholarship, provided by the Swedish Institute (SI), is to cultivate a network of upcoming global leaders. These leaders will play a crucial role in advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and spearheading progress in their respective home countries.
- Jönköping University Scholarships:
Students accepted into bachelor’s or master’s programs at Jönköping University (JU) can secure a scholarship or financial assistance. JU administers scholarships on behalf of the Swedish government, specifically designed for students who are required to pay tuition fees. These scholarships aim to cover a percentage of the tuition fee throughout the entire duration of the program.
- Linköping University International Scholarships:
Linköping University (LiU) provides limited scholarships for outstanding international students, with additional opportunities through the Swedish Institute. The LiU International Scholarship offers a 25% or 50% reduction in tuition fees for eligible Master’s degree students. These scholarships are limited, and LiU extends this support to a select number of new students.
- Lund University Global Scholarship:
Approximately SEK 20 million (€1.7 million/US $1.8 million) is awarded annually in merit-based scholarships for top academic students outside the EU/EEA. Lund University Global scholarships, covering partial or full tuition fees, are selective and competitive, given to individuals with a proven record of consistently high grades and a good fit for the programs offered.
- Malmö University Scholarships:
Malmö University annually offers scholarships for qualified Master’s students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, covering partial or full tuition fees based on academic merit, experience, and motivation. The scholarship is extended to the second year for two-year programs if the first-year criteria are met.
Denmark Scholarships:
Higher education in Denmark is free for students from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and those entitled to the same status as Danish citizens under EU law. Exchange program participants also enjoy tuition-free study. Additionally, individuals with permanent residence or temporary residence with the potential for permanency can pursue higher education in Denmark without tuition fees. Denmark scholarships are also on the top Scandinavian scholarships for international students.
- Denmark Government Scholarships for non-EU Students:
Providing outstanding non-EU international students with an opportunity to pursue their studies in Denmark, supported by government funding. This initiative underscores Denmark’s commitment to fostering global education and cultural exchange, inviting exceptional talents from around the world to experience the country’s renowned academic environment.
- Danish Government Scholarships for Foreign Nationals:
These scholarships are open to international exchange students keen on immersing themselves in the Danish language and culture. Specifically designed for students currently enrolled in exchange programs from institutions in Brazil, China, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, and Russia, these opportunities aim to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of Denmark’s language and cultural richness.
- Roskilde University Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships:
Roskilde University extends a limited number of Danish state tuition fee waivers and scholarships for specific Master’s programs, catering to highly talented students from non-EU/EEA countries who are obligated to pay tuition fees.
These tuition fee waivers and scholarships are allocated annually for the September entry, with a maximum duration of 22 months for programs commencing in September. Valued at DKK 7,800 per month, the scholarship is intended to assist in covering living expenses during the student’s stay in Denmark.
Iceland Scholarships:
- Reykjavik University Scholarships:
Students who attain top results in each examination period stand the chance to be recognized on the Dean’s List and, as a reward, have their tuition fees for the subsequent semester waived. The Hvatasjóður educational fund is a collaborative effort between Reykjavik University and Landsbankinn in Iceland. Its primary objective is to promote equality by facilitating high school graduates with a first language other than Icelandic to pursue undergraduate studies at Reykjavik University.
- University of Iceland Scholarships for Existing Students:
Diverse scholarships and research grants are available for current students engaged in work, research, or study at the University of Iceland. These scholarships in Scandinavian countries aim to support and encourage the academic pursuits of individuals contributing to the university’s dynamic learning and research environment.
Finland Scholarships:
- Finnish Government Scholarship Pool:
Finnish Government-funded scholarships are offered to graduate students pursuing doctoral-level studies in Finland. This opportunity is open to international students and researchers from specific countries, aiming to foster global collaboration and advanced academic research.
- University of Helsinki:
These Scandinavian scholarships are designed for outstanding students hailing from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, aspiring to pursue a Master’s program at the University of Helsinki. Eligibility for the Master’s program at the University of Helsinki is a key requirement. Applicants falling under the category of tuition liability are citizens of non-EU/EEA countries without permanent residence status in Finland. As such, they are responsible for tuition fees.
- University of Turku:
The University of Turku provides scholarships for both Bachelor’s and Master’s level studies, specifically for students subject to tuition fees. These scholarships are granted based on academic merit, with approximately 30% of admitted students receiving this financial support from the university.
Norway Scholarships:
While all state universities in Norway provide free tuition to both domestic and international students, many individuals opting to study in Norway may require additional funding to meet the substantial living costs. Here are a few examples of available funding opportunities that are one of the top scholarships in Scandinavian countries:
- EEA and Norway Grants:
Scholarships are available for international students from specific countries within the EEA, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.
- High North Scholarship:
High North Scholarship Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this program provides scholarships for students from Canada, the US, Japan, South Korea, and Russia to pursue studies in Norway at designated institutions located in Northern Norway.
The Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, offer a diverse array of scholarships for international students pursuing higher education. From tuition fee waivers to government-funded initiatives and university-specific programs, these top Scandinavian scholarships for international students reflect the commitment of the Nordic nations to global education and cultural exchange. As students explore the unique academic landscapes and high living standards of the region, these top Scandinavian scholarships not only ease the financial burden but also contribute to the cultural diversity that defines the Nordic educational experience. Consider the Nordic countries a compelling destination for your academic journey, where top Scandinavian scholarships pave the way for a rich and rewarding educational experience.
Written by: Adeeba Shah
