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Where Can You Study Abroad for Free?

laura.tucker@qs.com — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 15:03:24 +0000

Where Can You Study Abroad for Free?

laura.tucker@qs.com Fri, 08/30/2019 - 16:03

Fri, 08/30/2019 - 10:30

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While university fees continue to rise in many parts of the world, some of you might be thinking that getting a recognized degree qualification, either in your home country or abroad, is simply impossible without having a four- or five-figure budget at your disposal, or without obtaining a scholarship.

You’ll be pleased to hear that this isn’t necessarily the case. There are many countries worldwide where students are able to study abroad for free or for a very affordable amount. You just need to know where to look.

Below you’ll find a selection of countries that offer low-cost or free tuition, with details on eligibility and what current (low) university fees you can expect. To find internationally renowned universities in these countries, visit the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

Study in Germany for free

Interest in studying abroad in Germany just seems to keep on growing. This is largely due to the fact there are no undergraduate tuition fees at most public universities in Germany, and this applies to both German students and internationals, regardless of nationality. Just a small nominal university fee is charged, of around €150-250 (~US$170-280), to cover administration costs.

The exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg in south-west Germany, which reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students in autumn 2017. These students must pay €1,500 (~US$1,660) a semester (€3,000 or ~US$3,320 per year). PhD students and refugees aren’t affected, and the fees are reduced for those pursuing a second degree (to €650 (~US$720) a semester, which is €1,300 (~US$1,440) a year. It’s possible that other German states will follow and reintroduce fees in the future, as they seek to invest in and improve university education, so watch out for this.

Germany’s low study costs, combined with its strong economy and excellent higher education system, makes the prospect of undertaking study in Germany extremely appealing for both students and their parents worldwide. More than 40 German universities are featured among the world’s leaders in the QS World University Rankings – again, beaten only by the US and UK – with the highest place taken by the Technical University of Munich.

If you’re successful in finding a university where you can study in Germany for free, you will of course still need to budget for living costs. If you need a German student visa, you’ll need to prove you have around €10,236 (~US$11,330) per year for living expenses (with the average student spending €850 (~US$940) a month).

Two of the top destinations for study in Germany, Munich and Berlin, were also ranked within the top 30 most affordable cities to study in the QS Best Student Cities 2019.

For more information, download our free guide on How to Study Abroad in Germany, or see the following articles:

Study in France for free (or at low cost)

France may not be quite as widely known as Germany for affordable higher education, but international students may be surprised to hear they can also study in France for free (or, at a very low cost), regardless of their nationality.

Although technically university fees do exist at public universities in France, they’re just a fraction of those charged in most countries, amounting to just €170 (~US$190) per year at undergraduate level for EU/EEA/Swiss students.

However, from the 2019/20 academic year non-EU/EEA students will begin paying higher rates, with fees going up to €2,770 (~US$3,065) per year for a bachelor’s degree. However, the French government will be tripling the amount of scholarships available to international students, from 7,000 to 21,000.

Additional charges can bring the price of your studies up, particularly for more specialized programs such as medicine and engineering, but not dramatically. If you’re looking to study at a leading grande école, however, expect fees to vary widely.

As is the case in Germany, the majority of programs offering the chance to study in France for free are taught in the native language. However, there are a growing number of opportunities to study in English, particularly at graduate level. Alternatively, you can also attend a preparatory school to perfect your French skills before beginning your degree, but you’ll have to pay for this.

Living costs in France are also relatively affordable, amounting to around €9,600 (~US$10,620) per year, though you should expect to pay more if you choose to live in capital city Paris.

Find out more:

Study in the Nordic countries for free

Known for their high quality of life, stunning nature and liberal politics, northern European nations (known as the Nordic countries) also boast some of the strongest higher education systems in the world. Nordic nations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden all offer opportunities to study free or at low cost:

In Norway, university study is available free of charge to all students, regardless of study level or nationality. Like Germany, you will only need to pay a semester fee, in this case around NOK 300-600 (~US$33-66). The majority of undergraduate programs are taught only in Norwegian, and international students need to demonstrate proof of proficiency in Norwegian in order to study at this level. At master’s and PhD level, English language programs are far more common and free tuition still applies.

In Iceland, there are no tuition fees charged at the country’s four public universities, with only a registration fee of around ISK 75,000 (~US$600) a year.

Denmark, Sweden and most recently Finland only extend their free higher education perks to students from within the EU/EEA and Switzerland, meaning that students from outside these regions must pay tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s programs. However, PhD programs in these countries are fully funded, offering exceptional PhD candidates the chance to gain their degree without paying fees, and earn a salary. Non-EU/EEA students can also still study in Finland for free if they study in either Swedish or Finnish.

International fees at bachelor and master levels in Denmark, Sweden and Finland vary. In Denmark, university fees range from between DKK 45,000 and DKK 120,000 (~US$6,670-17,800) annually, while in Sweden they fall between SEK 80,000 and SEK 145,000 (~US$8,200-14,870) for most courses. In Finland, the recently introduced tuition fees currently amount to at least €1,500 (~US$1,700) per year, although most students will pay between €6,000 - 18,000 (~US$6,640-19,900) per year.

But what about living costs? Well, this is the catch, as the costs of living in northern Europe are among some of the highest on the continent. This is largely due to the healthy economy of the region and the strength of the Nordic currencies, so paying more for living when the streets are clean and the people are happy perhaps isn’t so bad. Four Nordic capitals have been ranked among the world’s top student cities: Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo and Stockholm.

Find out more:

Other places to study in Europe for free (or at low cost)

What about other places to study in Europe for free or at a low cost? There are a number of European countries which offer affordable or free universities, without any need to sacrifice on quality. See below for more examples.

Austria

Another country where students can study in Europe for free (or at a very low cost) is Austria. EU/EEA students enjoy the same rights as Austrians when it comes to the cost of higher education, and can study for free at any degree level. After this time, students pay a fee of just €363 per semester. International students from outside of the EU/EEA should expect slightly higher fees of around €726 (~US$803) per semester. Living costs will set all students back approximately €11,400 (~US$12,600) a year. Vienna, Austria’s capital city, was ranked 13^th in the QS Best Student Cities 2019.

Belgium

There are two main language communities in Belgium, each with their own stance on university fees. However, EU students will pay a maximum of only €906 a year. And while it’s just EU students who get the major benefits of being able to study in Europe for free, fees are still fairly affordable for non-EU international students, at around €4,175 (~US$4,620) per year. You can live in Belgium with a budget of around €11,400 (~US$12,600) a year. Brussels, the capital city, was ranked joint 43^rd in this year’s QS Best Student Cities.

Czech Republic

Students who speak Czech are able to study abroad for free in the Czech Republic at any public university. Students who wish to study in English can also study fairly cheaply, at around €4,000-12,000 (~US$4,425-13,275) per year. Living costs are more affordable than in many countries in western Europe, at around US$9,000 per year. The Czech capital city, Prague, is ranked joint 35^th in the QS Best Student Cities.

Greece

All students from within the EU/EEA are able to study abroad for free in Greece at public universities and colleges, with the exception of some master’s programs. International students from outside of the EU are also eligible for low-cost higher education, at approximately €1,500 (~US$1,660) per year. Greece offers one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union.

Italy

Although private universities in Italy can be known to charge fairly high tuition fees, public universities in Italy are markedly cheaper, charging between €900 and €4,000 (~US$995-4,420) per year for undergraduate programs. EU students are eligible for the same funding opportunities as Italian students, including loans, grants, scholarships and fee waivers. Milan is ranked 40^th in the most recent QS Best Student Cities, while capital city Rome is 70^th.

Spain

EU students aren’t required to pay high education fees in Spain, while international students are able to study for between €750 and €2,500 (~US$830-2,760) per year at public institutions. Fees are charged on a per-credit basis and can be higher at graduate level. To live in Spain, you should expect to spend between €10,800 and €13,200 (~US$11,940 – 14,600) a year in living costs. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia are all featured in the QS Best Student Cities, with Barcelona the highest ranked at 21^st.

Other places to study abroad for free (or at low cost)

Argentina

While Argentinian students all enjoy access to free universities, international students should expect to pay a small, nominal fee to enroll at public universities in the country. Private institutions in Argentina, on the other hand, can charge upwards US$5,000 a year. In the QS Best Student Cities 2019, Argentinian capital Buenos Aires is 31^st.

India

In India, international students will typically pay tuition fees of no higher than US$7,300 a year, though private university and graduate fees tend to be more expensive. Living costs in India are, for most students, likely to be very appealing – according to Numbeo, consumer prices are 163 percent cheaper than in the UK, while rental prices are as much as 391 percent cheaper. Overall, you should be able to live comfortably on as little as US$4,300 a year. However, it’s worth noting that international students aren’t allowed to work in India during their studies.

Taiwan

Tuition fees in Taiwan offer great value, with its top universities offering affordable programs. For example, National Taiwan University (NTU), the location’s leading university at 69^th in the QS World University Rankings, charged undergraduate students just TW$100,920-124,200 (~US$3,200-3,965) per year in 2017/18. In the QS Best Student Cities 2019, Taipei was ranked 17^th in the world and 14^th for affordability.

This article was originally published in March 2015. It was last updated in August 2019.

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Top 10 Things to do While Studying in Finland

staff.writer@qs.com — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 11:12:25 +0000

Top 10 Things to do While Studying in Finland

staff.writer@qs.com Fri, 12/21/2018 - 11:12

Fri, 12/21/2018 - 09:00

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Located at Europe’s northern peak, Finland is a country of intriguing quirks – so much so that there is even an official term coined to market the nation’s unique sense of the bizarre: Finnwacky.

While the Finnwacky stereotype doesn’t begin to do justice to the range of cultural and leisure pursuits that are on offer to those who study in Finland, it does describe one enticing aspect of Finnish culture – it’s a country with a real sense of fun.

Add to this the remote beauty of subarctic Lapland, the sophisticated design and chic scene of Helsinki, low or non-existent tuition fees (depending on if you’re from the EU or not) and Finland is a great place to spend your time studying abroad…

1. Visit Lapland, the home of Father Christmas

You may have grown up and stopped believing in Santa Claus long ago, but no period spent studying in Finland would be complete without a trip to Lapland, the mythical home of Father Christmas. A snow-coated wilderness populated by reindeer and elks, Lapland is the original winter wonderland. You could even study in Finland at the University of Lapland, which is located in the province’s capital, Rovaniemi, and is the most northern university in the European Union.

As well as stunning views of pristine snowy hills and the mysterious Northern Lights, Lapland offers a wide range of outdoor activities to help thaw you out – from skiing and tobogganing, to husky sleighing, snowmobiling and even (if you’re feeling brave) taking a dip in a frozen lake. When you’re finished, head to Kemi and check out the world’s largest snow castle.

Did you know?

Although Lapland is primarily famed for its frozen winter months, the region’s extreme northern longitude means it also experiences endless summer days – literally. For several weeks in June and July the sun never sets below the horizon, meaning there is daylight 24/7. The downside of this is that during the winter, the reverse happens – constant darkness for days on end. However, this does bring with it spectacular views of the famous Northern Lights.

2. Hang out in Helsinki

A maritime metropolis exuding Scandinavian chic, Helsinki is cool in more ways than one, and currently ranks as one of the best cities in the world for students in the QS Best Student Cities. While the darkness of the winter months brings an atmosphere of hibernation to the city, in the summer Helsinki’s young crowd explodes into life, packing the streets and squares and partying through the night as the city sees nearly 20 hours of sunlight per day.

If you’re based in Helsinki while studying in Finland, you won’t find too many language barriers – nearly 90 percent of Helsinki’s population speaks English. One perfect way to make friends with your new classmates could be Vappu – the annual Spring Festival. Traditionally a student event, Vappu in Helsinki is an all-night party culminating in a champagne brunch at Ullanlinna Park – at least for those who can handle the pace!

3. Turn up the temperature with a traditional Finnish sauna

If the party scene in Helsinki leaves you feeling in need of a detox, what better way than indulging in Finland’s traditional, national obsession, the sauna. Finland has over two million saunas – that’s about one for every three people – and taking a steam-bath is both a leisure activity and, for some, a fiercely competitive test of endurance.

With its endless summer days and endless winter nights, Finland is a nation of opposites, and the sauna is no exception – once you’ve baked in temperatures of over 80°C (176°F), the idea is to jump into a swimming pool – or, even better, an ice-cold lake. This is said to be good for blood circulation, but most people do it simply for the adrenalin rush.

4. Go to a hockey or pesäpallo match

Finland is known as one of the “big seven” ice hockey nations (alongside Canada, Russia, the US, Slovakia, Sweden and the Czech Republic) and the game is the country’s most popular sport alongside Formula One racing.

However, for a more quintessential Finnish sporting experience, check out the other national sport –pesäpallo. A Finnish version of baseball, pesäpallo has a few notable differences from its more internationally established cousin. Other popular Finnish sporting activities include football, floorball, Nordic walking, strongman competitions and, on the Finnwacky side of things, an annual wife-carrying race.

5. Have a picnic at Suomenlinna Island

Suomenlinna Island, which translates as “Castle of Finland”, is a former military sea fortress on a picturesque cluster of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbor. A popular tourist attraction for its spectacular views, Suomenlinna welcomes around one million visitors each year. It’s also a popular hang-out for locals, many of whom take a ferry out from nearby Helsinki on sunny days to have a picnic. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna could be the perfect spot for a relaxing study break during your time studying in Finland – or a seriously scenic backdrop to make your revision seem that little bit more bearable.

6. Embrace ‘Finnwacky’ - go to one of Finland’s legendary weird events

Every country has a few customs, traditions and rituals that look a bit peculiar to the uninitiated outsider – but no one does bizarre quite as well as the Finns. Take your pick from a host of compellingly weird festivals going on all year round – highlights include the World Wife Carrying Championship, the World Cell Phone Throwing Championship and various ant-nest sitting competitions (no, that’s not a typo – it’s a competition to see who can sit on an ant’s nest for longest).

Our personal favorite is the fiercely contested annual competition to find the planet’s most vicariously virtuosic master of the fictional fretboard – that’s right, it’s the World Air Guitar Championship.

7. Crank up the volume with Finland’s heavy metal scene

Speaking of rocking out, the Finns are pretty good at doing it for real, too. Remember Lordi, winners of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2006? Well, there’s plenty more where that came from. Finland is a country that isn’t afraid to turn it up to 11.

Hard rock and heavy metal are massive all over Scandinavia, but nowhere more so than in Finland. You might want to pick a more soothing accompaniment if you’re trying to study, but if you’re the sort of person who likes to let their hair down once in a while, Finland is definitely the place for you.

8. Check out Helsinki Design Week

Finland may be a country full of endearing oddities, but in the world of design, architecture and fashion, the Finns are as chic as it gets. Since 2005, Helsinki Design Week has been showcasing the city’s creative achievements, coinciding with the laidback party atmosphere that prevails in the capital during the sunny summer months.

If you can’t make it to Helsinki for design week, fear not – you can always get your dose of Finnish fashion and art decor in Helsinki’s design district. A neighborhood consisting of 25 streets peppered with art and antique shops, boutiques, museums and exhibitions, the design district is the perfect place to take a walking tour if you’re of a creative persuasion.

9. Hit the slopes

As you would imagine for a country that’s home to Father Christmas, Finland is a pretty good place to study abroad if you’re a skiing or snowboarding fanatic. If you decide to study in Finland having never tried snowsports before, don’t worry: there’s no better place to learn.

With many of the country’s slopes lying at relatively low altitude, there are an abundance of reasonably unthreatening descents to get you started without putting you off for good. Those who are more experienced will be glad to hear there are also enough advanced runs and off-piste opportunities to keep even the most intrepid adrenalin junkie happy.

10. Explore Scandinavia and Eastern Europe

One of the great things about studying abroad in Europe is the proximity of a vast array of different nations, cultures, languages and landscapes packed into a compact space – meaning you may never have a better opportunity to travel and clock up some extra stamps on your passport.

Studying in Finland gives you an excellent chance to check out some of the less well-trodden travel trails in eastern and northern Europe during weekends or between semesters.

Hop on a ferry over to the Estonian capital Tallinn, just 50 miles south of Helsinki, or head to Latvia and get to know Riga, both a party capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also well within striking distance are Lithuania and Sweden, with trendy Stockholm just a ferry ride away too. If you fancy adventuring further afield, why not head east by train to Russia, and explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg?

Did you know?

Finland is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union (EU).

More things to do:

Sit down to a meal of reindeer (just try not to think about Rudolf)
Put your hiking boots on and explore one of the 30+ national parks. The Archipelago National Park is included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves..
Heard of any Finnish cities other than Helsinki? Well there are plenty to explore, including Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio and Lahti.
Photograph a moose
Try your hand at fishing – after all, it is a staple part of the Finnish diet!

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This article was originally published in June 2010. It was last updated in December 2018.

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BI Norwegian Business School Scholarship: What You Need to Know

craig@qs.com — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 15:03:55 +0000

BI Norwegian Business School Scholarship: What You Need to Know

craig@qs.com Thu, 11/22/2018 - 15:03

Thu, 11/22/2018 - 15:00

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BI Norwegian Business School and QS have joined together to offer an exclusive scholarship, available to all attendees of the QS World Grad School Tour. The scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition fees and is available to two students every year. Based on academic performance, you may also be able to have the scholarship renewed for your second year of study.

To learn more about the scholarship and how you can make your application stand out, we spoke to Shani Pearson, the school’s international recruitment coordinator.

Why has your institution been motivated to offer this scholarship?

By working with QS, BI Norwegian Business School is increasing our brand presence with international students and positioning our master’s programs among the top academic performers. As a triple accredited and highly-ranked business school, we aim to ensure international diversity in our programs and want to attract strong candidates seeking a top-notch business education.

What should all prospective applicants know about your institution before they apply?

BI Norwegian Business School is the top business school in Norway. Our programmes and faculties are highly ranked and our accreditations are a symbol of quality. We know we aren’t the obvious choice (everyone is worried about the cold since we are located in the north) so we’re looking for candidates who want to stand out from the crowd and who will dare to do something different.

What should students demonstrate in their applications?

The ideal candidate for the BI Norwegian Business School/QS Scholarship needs to demonstrate a strong academic record. All our scholarships are awarded based on academic performance. We also want the candidate to have met us at our booth at the QS World Grad Fair or during a QS Connect 1-2-1. They need to know that BI Norwegian Business School is the right school for them.

Why do you feel scholarships are important?

Attracting the best academic performers is a priority at BI Norwegian Business School so our scholarship program is designed to attract top international students to our master’s programs. We have a generous scholarship program which includes the two scholarships available for candidates who meet us at the QS World Grad Fair Tour. These scholarships fund tuition for up to two years.

Aside from this scholarship, why do you feel students should consider applying to your institution? What makes your institution unique?

We’re looking for candidates who dare to do something different. Norway is one of the best countries in the world to live in, has one of the strongest and most stable economies, and is known for its adventurous spirit (think about the Vikings sailing to all ends of the earth and the polar explorers skiing to the North and South Poles).

It’s not the obvious choice for many. But, for those seeking a business degree that will make them stand out from the crowd, BI Norwegian Business School is a good choice.

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laura.tucker@qs.com — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 11:36:39 +0000

International Scholarships for Europe’s Nordic Countries

laura.tucker@qs.com Wed, 08/22/2018 - 12:36

Wed, 08/22/2018 - 10:30

北欧五国国际奖学金

Northern Europe oozes style, high living standards and world-class higher education. So it’s little wonder that the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) are prime destinations for study abroad students.

While higher education in most Nordic countries was free for all up until a few years ago, tuition fees are being gradually introduced. As it stands, only Norway and Iceland remain tuition-fee free to all. As a result, there’s growing demand for international scholarships for this part of the world, and even those looking to study in Iceland or Norway may be able to gain funding to cover living costs and other fees.

Keen to attract talented students from around the world, each of the five Nordic countries offers various scholarship opportunities for international students. Read on for a summary of international scholarships available for study in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Denmark

Universities in Denmark offer free tuition for Danish students, EU/EEA citizens and exchange students. International students from outside of the EU/EEA are subject to tuition fees, and are required to show proof of funding before receiving a residence permit or a place on a Danish university program. Some popular scholarship opportunities for study in Denmark are listed below.

Government scholarships

Danish Government Scholarships for Foreign Nationals – These scholarships are available to international exchange students interested in studying Danish language and culture. For current students on exchange programs from institutions in Brazil, China, Egypt, Japan, South Korea and Russia.
Denmark Government Scholarships for non-EU Students – Offering exceptional non-EU international students the chance to study in Denmark backed by government funding.
Fulbright Commission Scholarships to Study in Denmark – Scholarships to study abroad in Denmark for US citizens wishing to undertake study in Denmark for a year.

University-specific scholarships

Roskilde University Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships – Various scholarships for graduate students from outside the EU/EEA to study in Denmark at Roskilde University.

Iceland

Tuition fees in Iceland vary depending on whether the university you wish to study at is state or privately owned. While state universities charge just a nominal registration fee for all students, private institutions charge tuition fees, which will be higher for non-EU students. As an example, graduate tuition fees for EU students at Reykjavik University start at €6,800 (~US$6,860) a year, while non-EU fees start at €12,000 (~US$13,900) annually.

Government scholarships

Icelandic Government Scholarships – International scholarships for students pursuing studies in the Icelandic language at the University of Iceland.

University-specific scholarships

Reykjavik University Scholarships – Merit-based scholarships awarded to full time students at the university, with options to study at graduate level in the Iceland School of Energy.
University of Iceland Scholarships for Existing Students – Various scholarships and research grants for existing students who work, research or study in Iceland at the University of Iceland.

Finland

Previously free for all students regardless of nationality, Finland has now introduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students studying English-taught courses, which start at €1,500 (~US$1,700) a year, though most students will actually pay between €4,000 - €20,000 (~US$4,600 – 23,160), depending on the course. Non-EU/EEA students can still study for free if they’re a PhD student or their course is in Finnish or Swedish, and more scholarships are becoming available to help them fund their studies.

Government scholarships

Finnish Government Scholarship Pool – Government-funded scholarships for graduate students pursuing doctoral level study in Finland. Open to international students and researchers from selected countries.

University-specific scholarships

University of Helsinki – The University of Helsinki offers scholarships for non-EU/EEA students studying master’s degrees at the university.
University of Oulu Tuition Fee Waivers for International Students - Scholarships for international master’s degree students undertaking study in Finland at the University of Oulu.
University of Turku – Up to 30 percent of students can receive a scholarship to study a master’s degree at the University of Turku.

For more university-specific scholarships to study in Finland, visit StudyinFinland.fi.

Norway

Although all state universities in Norway offer free tuition to both domestic and international students, many students who choose to study in Norway will need to gain some sort of funding to cover the high living costs. Here are a few examples of what’s available:

Government scholarships

EEA and Norway Grants – International scholarships for students from selected countries within the EEA, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal and Spain.
High North Scholarship – Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this program offers scholarships to students from Canada, the US, Japan, South Korea and Russia to study in Norway at selected institutions in Northern Norway.

Sweden

Similar to the rest of the Nordic nations, tuition fees to study in Sweden only apply to students from outside of the EU and EEA. International students should expect to pay SEK80,000-190,000 (~US$8,800-20,940) per year of study for bachelor’s and master’s programs, and even more for medical and fine art subjects. PhD candidates may be happy to note that PhD programs in Sweden are free of charge. To cover any costs for study in Sweden, you may be interested in the following:

Government scholarships

Swedish Institute Scholarships – The Swedish Institute (SI) is a government agency which offers scholarship opportunities to international students and researchers looking to study in Sweden. Eligibility criteria varies.

University-specific scholarships

KTH Royal Institute of Technology – KTH offers tuition-fee waivers as well as academic scholarships to master’s students. The website also lists a number of useful external scholarship programs.
Linköping University International Scholarships – Merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers on offer to international students studying at Linköping University at master’s level.
Lund University Global Scholarship – In 2015, Lund University gave out over SEK17 million (US$2 million) in merit-based scholarships for international students from outside the EU/EEA. For bachelor’s or master’s students.
Malmö University Scholarships – International scholarships for master’s students, as well as excellence scholarships for bachelor’s students, from outside the EU/EEA to study in Sweden at Malmö University.
Stockholm University Scholarships – International scholarships offered to non-EU/EEA students, covering tuition fees only.
Umeå University Scholarships for International Students – Various scholarships for graduate students undertaking a master’s degree at Umeå University. Some funds are subject-specific.
Uppsala University Scholarships – Various opportunities for international students to gain funding to study in Sweden at Uppsala University.

For more university-specific scholarships to study in Sweden, visit StudyinSweden.se.

Other scholarships to study in the Nordic countries:

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Fellowships and Grants – US citizens can also seek funding to study in the Nordic Countries via the ASF.
Erasmus Mundus – These scholarships are funded by the European Commission and are on offer to students from around the world who are looking to study abroad in a European country.
The Nordic Africa Institute – Scholarships are available for African students with a PhD to take part in Africa-oriented social sciences research at the institute, which is based in Uppsala, Sweden.

This article was originally published in November 2014. It was last updated in August 2018.

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如何获得挪威学生签证

hasna@qs.com — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 10:09:18 +0000

How to Get a Student Visa for Norway

hasna@qs.com Mon, 06/25/2018 - 11:09

Mon, 06/25/2018 - 12:00

如何获得挪威学生签证

If you plan to spend some time studying in Norway, you may need to apply for a student visa, otherwise known as a student residence permit.

Who doesn’t need a student visa for studying in Norway?

Students from Iceland, Denmark, Sweden or Finland do not need a student visa for Norway, and do not need to register with the police. However, if you plan to study in Norway for more than six months, you must report to a tax office in Norway for an ID check and to report your move to Norway.

Students from nations within the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) can study in Norway for up to 90 days without applying for a student residence permit.

However, these students will need to apply for a student residence permit for stays of over 90 days. This process is quite straightforward: you’ll firstly need to register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration online, providing details of your correspondence address in Norway, and then go in person to the nearest police station once you arrive, to present the relevant documents showing your basis for residence.

You will need to show:

Your passport
Confirmation of admission to an approved educational institution
Private health insurance or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Personal declaration of sufficient funds to support yourself while you study in Norway

You also do not need to apply for a student visa if you fulfill one of the other exemptions to the visa requirement, as listed on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website.

Who does need a student visa for Norway?

All other students will need to apply for a student residence permit if they intend to study in Norway for more than three months. If you are studying in Norway for less than three months, and you come from a country with a visa requirement for entering Norway, you will still need to obtain a visa. Requirements and procedures for obtaining a student residence permit will depend upon your country of origin.

Requirements to get a student visa for Norway

In order to be granted a student visa for Norway, you must have been admitted to a field of study at a college or university (with some exemptions). After you’ve received your letter of admission you should contact your nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate for information on the study permit application procedure, and apply from your country of origin.

While some candidates can apply online from within Norway or through a Norwegian embassy, most students will need to hand in a paper application form to their closest Norwegian embassy or consulate.

When you hand in your student residence permit application form, you must also provide your passport, along with other necessary documentation. You’ll need to submit:

A completed application form
Receipt of having paid the application fee (NOK 5,300, which is roughly US$650)
A valid travel document (i.e. passport)
Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background
Evidence of admittance to an approved full-time education program
Evidence of sufficient financial funds for the entire period of study, including funds to support any accompanying family, which should be in a Norwegian bank account (it can be difficult to open an account in a Norwegian bank without a Norwegian personal number, so you can usually deposit the required amount into an account established by your educational institution). You need to prove you have access to NOK 116,369 for each academic year (10 months), which is approximately US$14,350.
Evidence that you have somewhere to live (such as a house, apartment, bedsit or room in a hall of residence)
Evidence that you will leave Norway when your residence permit expires (usually in the form of a return ticket)
Completed and signed UDI document checklist, which you should print off and hand in along with your other documents

Processing times for student residence permits will vary and may take two months or so, therefore it is advisable to apply as soon as you are able. If your application is granted, you must then obtain a residence card. This is proof that you have the right to live in Norway and is issued by your local police station in Norway. You’re required to visit the police station within seven days of your arrival in Norway. You’ll have your fingerprints and photo taken and will be sent your residence card by post within 10 working days.

What does the student residence permit allow you to do?

When you are granted a Norwegian student residence permit, you are also granted a permit to work part-time in addition to your studies (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during university holidays, at no extra charge. You can renew your study permit through the online Application Portal Norway at least three months before it expires, providing evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself, as well as satisfactory progress studying in Norway (your Study Progression Report, issued from your faculty, confirms this). The UDI will also use your Study Progression Report to confirm that you can continue to be issued a work permit. You must be making satisfactory progress in your studies to continue to be able to work part-time.

You can also apply for a permit to work full-time for a limited period if you can prove that the work is relevant to your studies.

Having completed your studies, you are eligible to apply for a residence permit for up to six months in which to seek employment as a skilled worker. You must be able to prove you have become qualified as a skilled worker during your time studying in Norway, or that you had specialist training before your stay in Norway and then undertook further education in Norway. You must also meet the requirements to be able to provide financial support for yourself (and your family), and have a solid job offer.

This article was originally published in February 2014. It was last updated in June 2018.

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为什么要就读于斯堪的纳维亚的大学？

laura@qs.com — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 08:52:54 +0000

Why Study at a Scandinavian University?

laura@qs.com Fri, 06/15/2018 - 09:52

Fri, 06/15/2018 - 11:00

Why Study at a Scandinavian University? main image

If you’re planning to study in Europe, then Scandinavian universities should definitely be on your list. Find out why you should consider studying in Denmark, Sweden or Norway – or nearby Finland or Iceland (these last two are not technically part of Scandinavia, but are within the Nordic group).

1. Support for research and innovation

If one word was chosen to sum up the Scandinavian countries, ‘innovative’ would surely be a high contender. All three of these Northern European nations score consistently well on global surveys intended to measure how innovative and innovation-friendly countries are – as do fellow Nordic nations Finland and Iceland. In INSEAD’s Global Innovation Index 2017, for instance, Sweden was ranked second (beaten only by Switzerland), Denmark sixth, Finland eighth, , Iceland 13^th and Norway 19^th.

In Bloomberg’s most recent list of the world’s 50 most innovative economies, which uses slightly different criteria, Sweden is also ranked second overall, Finland seventh, Denmark eighth, Norway 15^th and Iceland 24^th. Nordic countries tend to score particularly well in terms of research and development (R&D) intensity and researcher concentration, while Denmark gets the top score in the list for researcher concentration.

These national traits are reflected in the region’s universities, many of which have a strong focus on research and innovation – including support for students to develop their own ideas.

At Finland’s University of Helsinki (in the global top 150 of the QS World University Rankings®), one example of this is the Helsinki Think Company, an initiative launched in collaboration with the city government. This dedicated innovation center aims to bring together students, academics and budding entrepreneurs, to fast-track the process of transforming good ideas into commercial enterprises.

Meanwhile, Carl-Fredrik Miles, deputy director for student affairs and international relations at Sweden’s University West, says support for research and innovation underlies the country’s higher education system. “Swedish universities have an open climate, with a strong focus on group work. I would say that the way we teach and make students responsible for their own results means they are more open to innovation.”

As Miles points out, this in turn adds to graduates’ employability: “The global job market values ambitious, innovative and perceptive team players.”

2. Some of the world’s best universities

More generally, these research and innovation strengths mean Scandinavian/Nordic countries are home to some of the world’s best universities. The QS World University Rankings 2019 features a total of 27 Nordic universities – 10 in Finland, eight in Sweden, five in Denmark and four in Norway – most of which are well within the global top 500.

These are admittedly much lower numbers than countries like the UK or Germany – not to mention the US. But that’s mainly because the Nordic countries have much smaller populations, and therefore fewer universities. In fact, the combined population of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland – about 26 million – is less than half that of the UK (around 65.6 million) and nowhere close to the US (about 325 million).

For those who want to study at one of the best universities in the region, the rankings may be a good starting point, but it’s important to look beyond them too. Some of the best-known Scandinavian universities are not actually listed in the overall rankings, because they are too specialized to meet the criteria for inclusion. Examples of this are Sweden’s Stockholm School of Economics and the Karolinska Institute (a medical university), both highly reputed worldwide in their respective fields.

Many Scandinavian universities offer a growing selection of opportunities to study in English. In Sweden, for example, there are now almost 100 English-taught programs at bachelor’s level, and over 900 at master’s level. Danish institutions offer more than 700 degrees taught in English, and Finish institutions more than 450.

3. The attractive Scandinavian lifestyle

Beyond the universities, there’s also the wider appeal of the Scandinavian lifestyle. These countries may not have the world’s most appealing climates, but they are known for their high quality of life, highly advanced social support systems, and leadership on issues ranging from gender equality to environmental policy. And of course in recent years, the Danish concept of "hygge" has been trending across the world.

Nordic capital cities frequently rank well in global quality of life indexes, such as Mercer’s Quality of Living Rankings – in the 2018 edition, Copenhagen came ninth, Stockholm 23^rd, Oslo 25^th and Helsinki 32^nd. All of these cities are also included among the world’s top 100 cities for students in the QS Best Student Cities 2018, with Stockholm the highest-ranked Scandinavian entry at 33^rd.

It should be noted that these cities are not on the same scale as much larger metropolises such as London or New York – so if you want to lose yourself among skyscrapers or in a tangled underground system, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. But Nordic cities generally pride themselves on combining city life with a pleasant, clean, relatively relaxed atmosphere.

US student Lucas Tilley, who completed a Master in Economics at Sweden’s Uppsala University, recalls falling in love with the country when he first visited. “I was enthralled by both the culture and the language. Things were similar enough to my own culture that I knew I wouldn't experience ‘culture shock’ when moving here, but there were also enough differences that I knew studying here would broaden my perspectives and expose me to new values and experiences.”

Lucas also mentions Uppsala’s proximity to “beautiful Swedish nature” – and natural beauty is another feature typically associated with the Nordic countries. Mountains, fjords, islands, forests – there’s lots to explore, and lots of outdoor pursuits on offer. (Just remember the further north, the colder it’s likely to be, and the more extreme the variation in daylight hours.)

4. The possibility of a free degree

While the Nordic countries do tend to have relatively high living costs, this is to a large extent balanced out by low tuition fees – you may even get a free degree! However, note that this is no longer as common as in previous years, with most Nordic nations now charging fees for at least some groups of students.

In Denmark, tuition remains free for all EU/EEA students and for students on exchange programs. International students from further afield can expect to pay €6,000-16,000 (~US$7,050-18,800) per year.

In Finland, there are no fees for citizens of EU/EEA countries, PhD students, or programs taught in Finnish or Swedish. Non-EU/EEA students are now required to pay fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs. These vary depending on the program, ranging from €4,000 to €18,000 (~US$4,700-21,130).

Public universities in Norway are still free for students of all nationalities, at all study levels. There’s just a very small fee of NOK300-600 (~US$37-74) per semester. Private universities in Norway do charge fees, but these are relatively low, and are the same for both local and international students. Some public universities also charge fees for a small number of specialized courses, usually at master’s level.

In Sweden, there are no fees for students from within the EU/EEA and other Nordic countries. PhD programs are also tuition-free. Students from elsewhere in the world can expect to pay SEK80,000-145,000 (~US$9,900-17,900) per year for most bachelor’s and master’s programs. However, certain subjects, such as medicine and architecture may come with a higher rate.

Some scholarships are also available for international students at Scandinavian universities, including both government initiatives and university-specific awards.

To find out more about Scandinavian universities and studying in the Nordic region, take a look at our study destination guides: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland.

This article was originally published in August 2013. It was last updated in June 2018.

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斯堪的纳维亚半岛上学费最低的大学

sabrina@qs.com — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 09:58:53 +0000

Universities in Scandinavia With the Lowest Tuition Fees

sabrina@qs.com Tue, 01/23/2018 - 09:58

Tue, 01/23/2018 - 09:30

斯堪的纳维亚半岛上学费最低的大学

Scandinavian countries are increasingly popular with international students, with thousands attracted to living and studying here by the region’s strong academic reputation and extremely high quality of life. In fact, the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report, is currently Norway, followed by Denmark and Iceland.

Unfortunately, studying in such a paradise is expensive, as living costs are very high. Also, tuition in most Nordic countries is only free for EU students, which might put you off if you’re looking to study in Scandinavia and are from outside the EU. However, there are ways to come and study here without being filthy rich. Here’s our guide to the universities with the lowest tuition fees for international students, allowing you to study at a top Scandinavian university without breaking your budget.

Norway

This one is a bit of a cheat, since all students, regardless of nationality, can study for free at any public university in Norway, at all study levels. You will need to pay a small semester fee, however, which is typically only NOK 300-600 (~US$38-76). Tuition fees may be charged for some specialized postgraduate programs.

Norway’s four entrants in the QS World University Rankings® are all public, with the University of Oslo ranked highest (and consistently in the global top 150). The language of instruction is normally Norwegian, but an increasing number of English-taught programs are available, particularly master’s degrees.

Finland

Until recently, Finland was also free for all students, but it’s now introduced tuition fees for non-EU students. While students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland can study in Finland for free, non-EU students need to pay tuition fees of at least €1,500 per year (~US$1,840). However, most students will pay between €4,000 and €20,000 (~US$4,900 – 24,500) depending on their course. You can find links to the exact non-EU tuition fees for your chosen university and read about the scholarships they have available on this page on the official Study in Finland website.

The universities in Finland with the lowest tuition fees are:

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences: €1,500 a year for a Master’s in Construction and Real Estate Management
VAMK - Vaasa University of Applied Sciences: €4,000 (~US$4,900) per year for bachelor’s degrees, €5,000 (~US$6,100) per year for master’s degrees
University of the Arts Helsinki: €5,000 per year
Karelia University of Applied Sciences: €5,500 (~US$6,735) per year
Saimaa University of Applied Sciences: €4,300 (~US$5,260) for bachelor’s degrees, €5,100 (~US$6,240) for master’s degrees, or €1,500 per year for a double degree

There is good news however. Non-EU PhD students can continue to study in Finland for free. Also, those adept at languages can study in Finnish or Swedish for free at all levels. To get your language skills up to scratch, you might be able to travel to Finland on a short-term visa to take part in a language course before your main studies.

Denmark

Like Finland, free tuition only applies for EU/EEA/Swiss students, so if you’re a non-EU student you’ll pay tuition fees of around €6,000-16,000 per year (~US$7,350-19,600). The University of Southern Denmark is one of the cheaper Danish universities, with fees of €6,500 (~US$8,000) per year for a bachelor’s level business or social sciences degree, or €8,500 (~US$10,400) at master’s level. At the University of Copenhagen, Denmark’s highest-ranked university, English-taught master’s degrees start at DKK 40,000 (~US$6,600) per year (example given is for an MSc in Geography and Geoinformatics).

Sweden

EU/EEA/Swiss students can also study in Sweden for free, while non-EU students pay fees around SEK 80,000-140,000 (~US$9,950-17,400) depending on the course. As is typical at most universities around the world, tuition fees for medical degrees are among the most expensive, with the prestigious medical university Karolinska Institutet charging from SEK 165,000 (~US$20,600) upwards per year for its programs. Lund University, the highest-ranked university in Sweden, is comparatively cheaper, with courses such as a BSc in Development Studies or International Business available for 100,000 SEK (~US$12,500) per year. Or, you can choose to study at Stockholm University, where non-EU students currently pay fees of 90,000 SEK (~US$11,200) per year at the university’s business school for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in addition to an application fee.

Iceland

Not (geographically speaking) part of Scandinavia, but certainly culturally similar, the most affordable way to study in Iceland is by studying at one of the country’s four public universities: the University of Iceland, the Agricultural University of Iceland, Hólar University College and the University of Akureyri. There are no tuition fees for any students at any of these public universities, but you will need to pay an annual registration fee of ISK 75,000 (~US$730). If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, you’ll also need to pay a small application fee. Tuition fees are charged at private universities, and will be higher for non-EU/EEA students.

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哥本哈根大学还是隆德大学？

laura@qs.com — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 15:58:38 +0000

University of Copenhagen or Lund University?

laura@qs.com Tue, 06/27/2017 - 16:58

Tue, 06/27/2017 - 10:00

University of Copenhagen or Lund University? main image

If you’re an international student looking for a top undergraduate, master’s or PhD program in Scandinavia, the University of Copenhagen and Lund University are likely to be two of the names at the top of your list.

Not only are they two of Northern Europe's most historic universities, they are also at the top of the tree academically. The University of Copenhagen is Scandinavia’s top-ranked, while Lund University is the region's second.

Choosing between the University of Copenhagen and Lund University

Not too long ago, Sweden and Denmark were two of the only countries in which international students from anywhere in the world could take a full undergraduate degree completely for free.

If that sounds a little good to be true, well, that’s because it is. In the past few years, tuition fees have been introduced in both countries, meaning for students based outside of the EU they are now in roughly the same price range as destinations such as the UK or US.

It’s not all bad news though – that is, if you’re a student from a country in the EU. In that case, your degree will still be completely free, and in some cases you will be able to study it in English.

Lund University offers five full undergraduate degree programs taught entirely in English, and both universities have a wide range of options for English-language study at graduate level. There are also numerous English-language options for international exchange students.

Both universities are highly international, have excellent facilities and are based in historic cities in areas of stunning natural beauty. Having to choose between them is a nice problem to have.

To help, here’s a look at how University of Copenhagen and Lund University compare on key indicators, with an at-a-glance overview followed by a more detailed comparison...

	University of Copenhagen	Lund University
QS World University Rankings® 2018	Ranked joint 73^rd in the world in 2018 Ranked 76^th in the world by academics and 205^th by employers Higher score than Lund for student/faculty ratio (21^st in the world) 401+ for research impact (citations per faculty member) 173^rd in the world for percentage of international faculty members, and 401+ for international students	Ranked joint 78^th Ranked 81^st by academics and 123^rd by employers 261^st in the world for faculty/student ratio 218^th for research impact (citations per faculty member) Higher scores than Copenhagen for percentage of international faculty members (152^nd) and international students (171^st)
Subject strengths*	Ranked 58^th for arts & humanities Joint 132^nd for engineering & technology 27^th for life sciences & medicine Joint 48^th for natural sciences Joint 63^rd for social sciences & management	Joint 131^st for arts & humanities Joint 110^th for engineering & technology Joint 88^th for life sciences & medicine Joint 90^th for natural sciences 101^st for social sciences & management
Location	Campus is spread over four sites in Copenhagen (approx. pop. 2.3 million), Denmark’s capital, ranked joint 37^th in the QS Best Student Cities	Located in Lund (approx. pop. 114,000), a small but lively city near to Sweden’s south-west coast
Student community	Total number of students: 38,615 Undergraduate students: 21,764 Graduate students: 16,818 International students: 3,676 (9.5%)	Total number of students: 42,000 20% of students are international
Tuition fees	Tuition is free to students from within the EU/EEA and Switzerland Tuition fees for non-EU students are generally around €9,000 - 15,000 (~US$10,000 – 16,700) per year. There are no tuition fees for international exchange students	Tuition is free to students from within the EU and Switzerland Tuition fees for non-EU students studying for full undergraduate programs vary by subject, but generally range from around US$13,000-20,000 per year. There are no tuition fees for international exchange students
Programs taught in English	A wide range of master’s and PhD programs taught in English No full undergraduate programs taught entirely in English	Six full bachelor’s degrees taught in English: development studies, international business, mathematics, physical geography and ecosystem science, physics, and fine arts A wide range of courses in other subjects taught in English, many available to international exchange students A wide range of master’s and PhD programs taught in English
What the students say…	Morgwyn Ward, international exchange student from Brisbane, Australia: “One really great thing about being an international student at University of Copenhagen is that, although the students really take their studies seriously, they also make time for lots of socializing. There are so many great activities going on all the time and heaps of opportunities to meet lots of new people which is perfect for international students.”	Rachelle Lacharité, international student from Calgary, Canada: “Lund is the perfect balance of a high-quality education, proximity to an international airport and European capital, spirited student activities, just everything I was looking for. It has a small, cozy town feel, as well as hugely important historical and international connections.”

*Based on the broad subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017.

QS World University Rankings® 2018

The University of Copenhagen and Lund University are Scandinavia’s two leading institutions, and among the most highly regarded universities in Europe. Featuring close together in the rankings, Copenhagen comes out ahead overall, ranking joint 73^rd, five places ahead of Lund in joint 78^th.

The two are evenly matched in many respects, although Lund has the advantage for both employer reputation and research impact. Employers rank Lund as the 123^rd best university in the world for the quality of its graduates, ahead of Copenhagen in 205^th.

What swings things in Copenhagen’s favor, however, is its outstanding student/faculty ratio. Only 20 institutions in the world boast greater teaching resources per student admitted, meaning the University of Copenhagen is well placed to offer a considerable level of personal attention and small class sizes.

However, in terms of on-campus international diversity, Lund is stronger – gaining higher scores than Copenhagen for both its percentage of international faculty members and international students – gaining a much stronger lead on the latter (171^st to Copenhagen’s 401+).

Subject strengths

The University of Copenhagen and Lund University both achieve positions in the global top 150 for each of the five broad subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017, with Copenhagen achieving positions in the worldwide top 50 for two subject areas: life sciences & medicine (27^th) and natural sciences (joint 48^th). Lund also receives its highest score for life sciences & medicine (joint 88^th).

A more detailed view of how Copenhagen and Lund each rank for individual subjects can be found below.

Copenhagen and Lund in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017
	University of Copenhagen	Lund University
Accounting & finance	--	101-150
Agriculture & forestry	18^th	--
Anatomy & physiology	16^th	51-100
Anthropology	16^th	51-100
Archaeology	30^th	51-100
Architecture	101-150	51-100
Biological sciences	37^th	51-100
Business & management	--	51-100
Chemistry	51-100	51-100
Communication & media studies	--	101-150
Computer science & information systems	101-150	151-200
Dentistry	20^th	--
Development studies	14^th	=32^nd
Earth & marine sciences	=43^rd	51-100
Economics	51-100	101-150
Education & training	101-150	--
Engineering (civil)	--	51-100
Engineering (electrical)	--	51-100
Engineering (mechanical)	--	51-100
Engineering (mineral & mining)	32^nd	--
English language & literature	101-150	101-150
Environmental sciences	51-100	=38^th
Geography	--	26^th
History	51-100	101-150
Law	--	101-150
Linguistics	101-150	51-100
Mathematics	101-150	101-150
Medicine	37^th	51-100
Modern languages	51-100	101-150
Nursing	--	49^th
Pharmacy	30^th	--
Philosophy	29^th	--
Physics & astronomy	51-100	101-150
Politics	25^th	51-100
Psychology	101-150	151-200
Sociology	42^nd	51-100
Sports-related subjects	18^th	--
Statistics	51-100	101-150
Theology, divinity & religious studies	38^th	51-100
Veterinary science	13^th	--
See the full QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017

Location

Though the two universities are in different countries separated by a stretch of sea, they are actually only around 60 kilometres apart.

For students looking to base themselves in a big, bustling capital city, the University of Copenhagen has the upper hand. Copenhagen offers all of the cultural riches you might expect from a major European capital with a population of around two million, all set against a stunning backdrop of canals and picturesque promenades.

“I love the food, the people, the history and how beautiful the country is,” says Morgwyn Ward, an Australian exchange student currently at the University of Copenhagen. “In Copenhagen, you really feel that the world and cultural experiences are so accessible.”

While Lund may be a city of more modest dimensions, for Rachelle Lacharité, a Canadian who studied for a bachelor’s degree at Lund University, it represents the best of both worlds.

“I love life in Sweden. I come from a city of over one million people back in Canada and was a bit afraid at first to go to a city of only about 80,000 inhabitants, but it has been perfect for me. You have a quaint, idyllic, reasonably priced student city, that is only a few kilometers from many other lovely cities, and actually, in Canadian terms, Stockholm and Berlin are also very close (only four hours by train).”

Student communities

Both universities have large and diverse student communities, with Lund’s total of 42,000 enrolled students slightly larger than the Copenhagen figure of around 38,615. In a city whose total population stands at just 114,000, that means Lund is perfect for those who want to retreat into a student bubble.

Rachelle describes Lund University’s commitment to its international students as “impressive”. “They have an international desk that offers all support you could ever need in all aspects of your studies, housing and social life, and they have even started to offer brilliant graduation ceremonies for some programs in the main university building (something that is not a Swedish tradition but is highly appreciated by international students).”

“One really great thing about being an international student at Copenhagen University is that, although the students really take their studies seriously, they also make time for lots of socialising,” says Morgwyn. “There are so many great activities going on all the time and heaps of opportunities to meet lots of new people which is perfect for international students.”

Tuition fees and funding

While EU, EEA and Swiss students (and those studying exchange programs) are exempt from paying tuition fees at the University of Copenhagen and Lund University, all non-EU students need to pay tuition fees. These will vary depending on your study level and subject, but generally range from €9,000-15,000 (~US$10,000-16,700) per year at Copenhagen and US$13,000-20,000 per year at Lund.

To help fund your studies, there are a number of scholarship schemes available. For example, the Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (SISS) are awarded to selected students planning to study a master’s degree, starting in the autumn of each application round. There were 335 of these scholarships awarded for the 2017 round, and they cover both tuition fees and living costs. Priority is given to students choosing programs with an emphasis on gender equality, sustainable development, democracy, human rights or poverty reduction.

At Lund University, the available scholarships include the Lund University Global Scholarship, which is a selective, merit-based grant awarded to bachelor’s and master’s students outside the EU/EEA. It awards up to 100% of your tuition fee amount and gave over SEK 17 million (~US$1.9 million) in grants in 2016. More scholarships offered by Lund University can be found here.

In Denmark, there are government scholarships available to students from China, Japan, Israel, Egypt, Russia and South Korea – these are only available to master’s and PhD level students and include free tuition and a monthly stipend. At the University of Copenhagen itself, some faculties offer scholarships for non-EU students. For example, the Faculty of Science offers a limited number of scholarships to outstanding non-EU/EEA masters students, which all students with a GPA of 80% or above in their bachelor’s degree are considered for.

What the students say…

Morgwyn: “Do it! Apply now. Studying at the University of Copenhagen has been such an amazing experience. My entire perspective has changed and I have learnt so much since being here.”

Rachelle: “My advice would be: do not hesitate. Lund University has been around for almost 350 years, so they obviously must be doing something right. I've seen this for myself now during my bachelor’s degree, and can say I am so incredibly pleased with my education, the country of Sweden, the student life and the beautiful city of Lund.”

Are you considering studying in Scandinavia?
Connect with other students in our international student forum >

This article was originally published in July 2013. It was updated in June 2017.

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斯德哥尔摩

staff.writer@qs.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 17:49:14 +0000

Stockholm

staff.writer@qs.com Mon, 11/30/2015 - 17:49

Wed, 07/31/2019 - 01:00

Stockholm main image

QS Best Student Cities ranking

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is known for its beauty, friendliness, culture, high quality of life – and high quality of universities. Built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, Stockholm is also characterized by the fact that water is never far away. Stockholm is ranked high in the world for desirability, reflecting the city’s high standards of living, and its popularity amongst students.

As for universities in Stockholm, the city’s KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University both make the world’s top 200 in the QS World University Rankings®.

What is there to do in Stockholm? Most visitors start by exploring the cobbled streets of the city's well-preserved medieval origins, a boat trip around the archipelago (island group) surrounding the main islands, or a visit to one of the many museums and galleries.

As a student, you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to explore Stockholm’s buzzing nightlife, bohemian shops and cafés, or perhaps just take a break from studies by relaxing in the parklands of Djurgården Island.

Stockholm ranks well in the student view indicator this year (its highest score of all the indicators) with one student saying: “The tolerant, progressive ideology that the people of Sweden have is my favorite aspect of the city”. With a high employer activity ranking, students also praise the employment prospects available in Stockholm after graduation, saying that it’s nice to be “so close to many innovative companies”.

Are you studying in Stockholm? Rate your experience.

Internationally ranked universities in Stockholm

KTH Royal Institute of Technology; Stockholm University;

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

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Built across 14 islands, Sweden's capital is known for beauty, culture and high quality of life. Find out what makes it a great city for students.

QS Best Student Cities

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哥本哈根

staff.writer@qs.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 17:31:14 +0000

Copenhagen

staff.writer@qs.com Mon, 11/30/2015 - 17:31

Wed, 07/31/2019 - 01:00

Copenhagen main image

QS Best Student Cities ranking

Well known for its high quality of life, the Danish capital has a very strong score for desirability again, an indicator which takes into account the overall quality of life to be had in each city, including factors such as safety and pollution.

As well as being famed for their high quality of life, progressive politics and beautiful landscapes, the Nordic countries are also known for being relatively expensive places to live. This is reflected in Copenhagen’s low score for affordability, despite the relatively low tuition fees at its universities.

However, for those who manage their student budgets efficiently, the city certainly repays the investment, packing lots into a fairly small space. This includes an impressive selection of museums, galleries and theaters, as well as parks, waterways and charming cobbled streets, with lots of cafés and independent shops to explore.

If you’re interested in street fashion, Copenhagen is home to many fashion-conscious young people – particularly within the hip Nørrebro district – where monochromic layers, block-colored bikes and stripped-back sophistication are the standard.

Are you keen to study in Copenhagen? Tell us why.