Part 1: Frequently asked questions
Since I started my postgrad studies this summer in Sweden, I’ve received dozens of questions about the application process, finances, language requirements, scholarships, and many other topics. Most of the questions I’ve received were the same questions I had during my application process. Searching for answers when it comes to studying abroad can be quite challenging, especially since the rules and regulations differ per country. This blog is part of a six-part series about studying in the Nordics. In this post, I will answer more general questions regarding studying abroad in the Nordics.
Disclaimer: I can not go into detail regarding visa regulations. Always contact your local embassy or institution if you have any questions or doubts regarding the visa process or specific questions about the application process or program. Furthermore, this series will mainly focus on how to do a full Master's program abroad.
Do I need to speak the language to study in a Nordic country? No, most Nordic universities offer programs in both their native languages as well as in English for international students. Make sure to confirm this by looking at the specifics on the program page.
In case of doubt, always contact the program coordinator/university help desk to double-check!
Is the quality of education good? The Nordics are known for their high-quality education. Especially if you are aiming for an international career, a degree from a Nordic university can help a lot. Many Nordic universities can be found high up on the international university rankings for 2023;
85 - University of Copenhagen
89 - KTH Royal Institute of Technology
95 - Lund University
101 - University of Oslo
104 -Technical University of Denmark
106 - University of Helsinki
166 - Aalto University
What I personally like about education in Sweden (or at Lund University) is that the focus mainly lies on studying through cooperation. In my program, we have many group projects and presentations during seminars.
Is it hard to get accepted?
Depends, it basically comes down to two things; I) the quality and suitability of your application (CV, grades, motivational statement) II) The program that you are applying for. For example, I know that the Masters in International Marketing and Brand Management is quite popular and hard to get into. If you made up your mind about studying abroad, I would always apply to multiple universities/programs that you are interested in.
What are the requirements to get accepted? The requirements differ per country, institution, and program. In Sweden, there are general entry requirements you need to meet as well as university/program-specific ones. It is important to look at each program's page and make a list of documents you have to submit.
Is living in the Nordics expensive?
Yes and no. While a large share of Nordic countries offer scholarships and tuition waivers (mostly for EU students only) living costs can be quite high. On average you need around 800 to 1100 euros per month (depending on your lifestyle). Especially, Iceland and Norway are considered the most expensive countries to live in within the Nordics. Therefore it is important to make an inventory of which financial means you have at your disposal and create a budget beforehand.
Can I get a scholarship? Sometimes. The requirements to obtain a scholarship differ per country/institution. I will write more about scholarships in the country-specific posts. However, here are a few general tips;
Make sure to check out the websites of the embassies. For example, I found many scholarship opportunities on the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands.
Look at the website of the ministry of education of the country you want to study in. They often post travel and scholarship opportunities there.
Contact the international office of your undergrad institution and follow them on social media. I was able to get a scholarship because the international desk of my university posted about it on their LinkedIn profile.
Make sure to look at the opportunities Erasmus offers for students worldwide.
Is it hard to integrate and make friends? People differ, areas differ and cultural backgrounds differ. As I can only speak for Sweden, making friends within the International bubble is not that hard as Lund is rather small. However, when it comes to staying in a country for a longer period of time, I do think it is important to know (some) of the language and get a good grasp of the culture, especially if you plan to work in this country. It will be much harder to find a job without knowing the language (I can only speak for Sweden and my home country, the Netherlands).
After all, we are guests in order people's countries.
How can I find housing? Finding housing can be a challenge, especially when applying for a university at a popular destination (Stockholm, Helsinki etc.) The best thing you can do is to start looking for accommodation as soon as you know that you are accepted. Look on the university websites for advice, ask current students, and sign up for housing queues. Be alert when it comes to scams, especially in places where the housing market is competitive. Bopoolen, a housing website for Lund gives here a list of tips how to prevent getting scammed.
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, visa regulations and personal situations differ. Unfortunately, it is only possible for me to write a more generic type of blog based on my own personal experience together with the information I obtained through talking to people who live in these countries and from university websites. However, I still hope this blog series will be useful for anyone who is considering studying in a Nordic country.
If you have a specific question regarding your application or study possibilities, your best bet is to contact an embassy, the university, or your undergrad institution.
Follow my journey in Sweden here