Let's explore some of the most prominent scholarships available for international students in the Scandinavian and Nordic countries. Each country's scholarships, including those for Studying in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, will be discussed individually in dedicated in the following posts.
This post is a continuation of our series. In Part 1, we introduced Scandinavia and its leading countries, while in Part 2, we delved into the education systems, student benefits, study visas, top master's courses, and leading universities. In this post, we explore the most prominent scholarships available for international students in these regions.
Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) offer several scholarships for international students. These scholarships can be government-funded, university-specific, or provided by private organizations. Here are some of the most notable opportunities:
SWEDEN
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and a travel grant.
- Aimed at students from specific countries pursuing a master's degree.
University-specific Scholarships
- Many Swedish universities offer scholarships, such as the **Lund University Global Scholarship** or the **Chalmers IPOET Scholarships**.
DENMARK
Danish Government Scholarships under the Cultural Agreements
- Available for students from selected countries pursuing full degrees or exchange studies.
Danish Government Scholarships for Highly Qualified Non-EU/EEA Students
- Funded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science, targeting non-EU/EEA students at Danish universities.
University-specific Scholarships
- Examples include the **Aalborg University Scholarships** and **Copenhagen Business School Scholarships**.
NORWAY
Norwegian Quota Scheme
- For students from developing countries, this scheme has transitioned to being part of the **Norwegian Partnership Program for Global Academic Cooperation (NORPART)**.
University-specific Scholarships
- Universities like the **University of Oslo** and **BI Norwegian Business School** offer scholarships for international students.
FINLAND
Finnish Government Scholarship Pool for study in Finland
- For doctoral level studies or research in Finnish universities, intended for students from selected countries.
University-specific Scholarships
- Examples include the **University of Helsinki International Scholarships** and the **Aalto University Scholarships**.
ICELAND
Icelandic Government Scholarships
- Specifically for students of Icelandic language and culture, offered by the **Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture**.
University-specific Scholarships
- Opportunities may be available at the **University of Iceland** or **Reykjavik University**.
General Tips:
Nordplus Scholarships: For students from Nordic and Baltic countries.
Erasmus+ Program: Many Scandinavian universities participate, offering scholarships for exchange students.
Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, so it's crucial to check the requirements directly with the university. We will also cover each scholarship in detail in the following posts, where you can find information on requirements, eligibility criteria, application periods, the application process, and the documents needed.
First, Let’s take a look at the data from the past year for these countries.
In the last year, over 11,000 international students were awarded scholarships and accepted into degree programs at Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). This marked a significant increase in the number of international students in Finland, reflecting the country's growing appeal as a destination for higher education. The surge in applications and scholarships can be attributed to the active student recruitment efforts and reforms in student residence permits, making it easier for international students to study in Finland. (Opetushallitus)
Taking a brief look at the data from Sweden, in the most recent academic year, a total of 299 international students received the prestigious Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals. This scholarship is highly competitive, with nearly 10,000 applicants from around the world. The SI Scholarship supports full-time master’s studies in Sweden and is available to students from 41 eligible countries. The number of recipients tends to fluctuate annually; for instance, 442 students were awarded the scholarship the previous year. This program is part of Sweden's effort to attract global talent and foster future leaders aligned with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
However, Norway offers a variety of scholarships through universities and programs like Erasmus Mundus and those provided by institutions such as the BI Norwegian Business School and the University of Oslo. These scholarships are competitive and cater to different academic levels and fields. Generally, several hundred international students benefit from these scholarships annually, though the exact figures can vary based on specific programs and institutions
Let's highlight some of the most notable scholarships in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway that international students can apply for to support their studies abroad. Each of these scholarships can provide significant financial independence while studying. Details on each scholarship will be discussed individually in further posts, which you can refer to for comprehensive information:
Here’s a list of scholarships available for international students in FINLAND:
1. Finnish Government Scholarship Pool
- For doctoral studies and research.
- Available for students from specific countries.
2. Erasmus+ Scholarships
- For students participating in exchange programs between European universities.
3. University of Helsinki Scholarships
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses.
- Available for high-achieving international master’s students.
4. Aalto University Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships covering 50% to 100% of tuition fees.
- Available for international master’s students.
5. Tampere University Scholarships
- Includes the Tampere University Global Student Award for academic excellence.
- Covers full or partial tuition fees.
6. University of Oulu International Scholarship
- Covers 50% or 75% of tuition fees for academically talented students.
7. University of Eastern Finland Scholarships
- Available for students enrolled in master’s programs, covering tuition fees partially or fully.
8. CIMO Scholarships
- Administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education for doctoral studies and research.
9. Hanken School of Economics Scholarships
- Covers full tuition fees and may include a living allowance.
- Merit-based scholarships for master’s degree students.
10. Arcada University of Applied Sciences Scholarships
- Offered to bachelor's and master’s degree students, covering part of the tuition fees.
11. LUT University Scholarships
- Multiple scholarships covering 50% or 100% of tuition fees.
- Available for master’s degree students.
12. Metropolia UAS Scholarships
- For bachelor’s and master’s degree students, covering part of the tuition fees.
13. Åbo Akademi University Scholarships
- Covers tuition fees fully or partially.
- Available for master’s degree programs.
****These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and deadlines, so it's important to check the respective university or scholarship body for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here’s a list of scholarships available for international students in SWEDEN:
1. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Full scholarships for master’s level students from specific countries.
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and travel grants.
2. Visby Programme Scholarships
- For master’s students from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine.
- Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and insurance.
3. Blenkinge Institute of Technology (BTH) Scholarships
- Covers 50% of tuition fees for master’s students.
4. University of Gothenburg Study Scholarships
- For fee-paying master’s students, covering tuition fees.
5. Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
- Funded by the Swedish Council for Higher Education for master’s students.
- Covers 75% of tuition fees.
6. Uppsala University Global Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships for master’s students, covering tuition fees.
7. KTH Royal Institute of Technology Scholarships
- Covers full or partial tuition fees for master’s degree students.
8. Lund University Global Scholarship Program
- Merit-based scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s students.
9. Karolinska Institutet Global Master's Scholarships
- Covers tuition fees for master’s programs in health-related fields.
10. Linköping University Scholarships
- Covers 25%, 50%, or 75% of tuition fees for master’s students.
11. Halmstad University Scholarships
- Partial scholarships for master’s students, covering 25% or 50% of tuition fees.
12. Mälardalen University Scholarships
- Full scholarships for master's programs, covering tuition fees.
13. Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme
- Covers tuition fees for master’s students.
14. Dalarna University Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition fees for master’s students.
15. Umeå University Scholarships
- Covers full or partial tuition fees for master’s programs.
16. Karlstad University Global Scholarship
- Covers 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of tuition fees for master’s students.
17. Södertörn University Scholarships
- Scholarships for master’s students, covering up to 100% of tuition fees.
****These scholarships typically have specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines. It’s important to check the respective university or scholarship organization for detailed and up-to-date information.
Here’s a list of scholarships available for international students in DENMARK:
1. Danish Government Scholarships
- Offered to highly qualified non-EU/EEA students.
- Available at Danish universities for full-degree students, covering either full or partial tuition fees and sometimes including a monthly grant.
2. Erasmus+ Scholarships
- For EU and non-EU students participating in exchange programs between European universities.
- Provides funding for tuition, travel, and living costs.
3. Aalborg University Scholarships
- Specific scholarships for non-EU/EEA students covering tuition fees.
- Available for various master’s programs.
4. University of Copenhagen Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships for master’s students from outside the EU/EEA.
- Covers full or partial tuition fees and may include a living allowance.
5. Aarhus University Scholarships
- Offered to highly talented non-EU/EEA students enrolled in master’s programs.
- Covers full or partial tuition fees.
6. Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Scholarships
- Available for non-EU/EEA students applying to master’s programs.
- Covers tuition fees and may include a grant for living expenses.
7. Roskilde University Scholarships
- Offered to non-EU/EEA students for selected master’s programs.
- Covers full or partial tuition fees.
8. IT University of Copenhagen State Scholarships
- For highly qualified non-EU/EEA students enrolling in master’s programs.
- Covers tuition fees and may include a grant for living costs.
9. Copenhagen Business School Scholarships
- Available for non-EU/EEA students applying for master’s programs.
- Includes tuition fee waivers and possibly a grant for living expenses.
10. University of Southern Denmark Scholarships
- For highly talented non-EU/EEA students in master’s programs.
- Covers full tuition fees and may include a living allowance.
11. KEA - Copenhagen School of Design and Technology Scholarships
- Offered to talented students from outside the EU/EEA for bachelor’s programs.
- Covers part of the tuition fees.
12. VIA University College Scholarships
- Available for non-EU/EEA students in selected bachelor’s and master’s programs.
- Covers part of the tuition fees.
13. Nordplus Scholarships
- For students participating in exchange programs within the Nordic and Baltic countries.
- Offers funding for study periods abroad, including tuition, travel, and living costs.
14. Southern Denmark EU Scholarships
- Targeted at EU/EEA students for selected programs, covering tuition fees and living expenses.
****These scholarships often come with specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines. It’s important to check the official websites of the universities or scholarship providers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here’s a list of scholarships available for international students in NORWAY:
1. Norwegian Quota Scheme
- Previously available for students from developing countries and Central and Eastern Europe, this program was replaced by other scholarship opportunities under Norwegian institutions.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Scholarships
- Various scholarships for international students, including merit-based scholarships for master’s programs.
3. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
- BI Presidential Scholarships: Full tuition coverage and a living stipend for top international master’s students.
- BI International Scholarships: Covers partial or full tuition fees.
4. University of Oslo Scholarships
- Offers scholarships for various programs, particularly through the Erasmus+ and Nordplus schemes for exchange students.
5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) Scholarships
- Scholarships for international students in specific master’s programs.
6. University of Bergen (UiB) Scholarships
- Available for students under the Erasmus Mundus and Nordplus programs.
- UiB also offers other scholarship opportunities based on merit and specific fields of study.
7. Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) Scholarships
- Includes the NHH PhD Scholarships for international doctoral students.
8. Nord University Scholarships
- Available for selected master’s programs, offering tuition waivers and living stipends.
9. Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) Scholarships
- Offers scholarships through various international programs like Erasmus+.
10. The Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU) Scholarships
- Manages programs like Erasmus+, Nordplus, and other bilateral scholarship programs that benefit international students.
11. NORAM Scholarships
- Grants and scholarships for American students studying in Norway.
12. Erasmus+ Scholarships
- Available for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students participating in exchange programs between European universities, including Norwegian institutions.
13. Nordplus Scholarships
- For students from Nordic and Baltic countries participating in exchange programs.
****These scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements, and deadlines vary by program. It is recommended to check the individual university websites or scholarship programs for detailed information and application procedures.