3 Reasons to Study for a Bachelor's Degree in a Nordic Country
Nordic countries are a popular choice for international students wanting to study for a Bachelor's degree. Here's why Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland are great study destinations.
✨ 5-second summary
Reasons to study in Nordic countries include low or no tuition fees at top universities, high quality of life, vibrant culture, and strong job prospects.
Studying for a Bachelor's degree in the Nordic countries offer unique opportunities for international students. From high-quality education to vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes, studying here could open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Let's take a closer look at three reasons why studying for a Bachelor's degree in a Nordic country is worth considering.
🌍 Where are the Nordic countries?
The Nordic region is in northern Europe, including Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. These countries share a strong history of collaboration and cultural ties and work together politically through the Nordic Council.
💡 Note: Scandinavia technically refers only to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, while “Nordic countries” is the broader term that includes all five nations.
Inspired to study for a Bachelor's Degree in a Nordic country?
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Browse Bachelor's Degrees →1. Study a Bachelor's degree in a Nordic country with low or free tuition
Students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can study tuition-free at public universities in Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. In Iceland, public universities charge no tuition, only a small registration fee.
Here's what to expect if you're a non-EU/EEA student:
- Finland: Tuition typically ranges from €6,000 to €18,000 per year for English-taught programs.
- Norway: Universities can now decide individually whether to charge tuition fees. Some may remain tuition-free, while others have introduced high fees that vary by institution and program. 👉 Learn more about the changes in Norway's tuition requirements
- Denmark and Sweden: Tuition fees generally range from €8,000 to €18,000 annually.
- Iceland: Only registration fees are charged at public universities, while private universities have modest tuition by international standards.
2. Experience vibrant student life in world-class cities
The Nordic countries are known for high-quality education, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving student scene. Bachelor's students enjoy a mix of academic excellence and social life, with plenty of opportunities to join student unions, cultural events, and international networks.
Highlights include:
- Historic universities like Uppsala University in Sweden and University of Copenhagen in Denmark
- Cities like Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki with large youth and student populations
- Stunning natural scenery—fjords, northern lights, and forests—right outside your campus
All the major cities in northern Europe have distinct personalities, so it's wise to do your homework before deciding on the country and city to study.
💡Tip: Check out our podcast episode with former international student Lola to hear about her experience studying in Sweden and Norway!
3. Strong employment options and high salaries after graduation
International Bachelor’s students in Nordic countries can often work part-time during their studies in sectors such as hospitality, retail, or roles related to their degree. These opportunities not only help cover living expenses but also provide valuable work experience and networking connections.
If you choose to stay after graduation, you'll have access to strong local economies and high-quality jobs in fields ranging from technology and engineering to healthcare and finance.
Learning the local language will make it much easier to secure skilled work, even if your Bachelor's program is taught in English. For example, graduates fluent in Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian often have a competitive edge for roles in multinational companies and local businesses.
💡Read more about the best countries to work and settle in after your studies
💰 Average monthly salaries in the nordic countries
| Denmark | DKK 45,481 (~ $6,866) |
| Norway | NOK 45,839 (~ $4,600) |
| Sweden | SEK 46,000 (~ $4,700) |
| Finland | EUR 3,777 (~ $4,245) |
| Iceland | ISK 687,000 (~ $5,275) |
Conclusion
Studying for a Bachelor's degree in a Nordic country gives you more than just an excellent education. You'll enjoy low tuition costs, rich cultural experiences, and strong career opportunities, all while living in one of the world's safest, most progressive regions.
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