Free universities are an idea whose time has come. It may seem like a pipe dream to some, but the fact is that free college education is already available in many countries around the world. One such area that has many tuition-free universities is Scandinavia. Scandinavia consists of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The area is known for its five beautiful cities: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, and Tallinn. Scandinavia is also home to some of the oldest universities in the world, such as Uppsala University (founded 1477), Lund University (founded 1666), and Helsinki University (founded 1640).
The Scandinavian countries also have a well-earned reputation for some of the best universities in the world. So, it may surprise you that there are a number of universities with no tuition fees and where English is commonly used in classes. Check out this list of free universities in Scandinavia for international students.
Free Universities in Scandinavia
1. University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen is the best and the oldest University in Denmark, with more than 41,000 students. It’s also Europe’s largest research institution. The University collaborates with many other institutions worldwide, including Harvard University, MIT, Oxford University, and Cambridge University. Its research activities contribute to Denmark’s economic growth and job creation by increasing knowledge about society, culture, and health care.
The University offers undergraduate and graduate programs taught in English and Danish and interdisciplinary programs that you can study in either language. In addition, approximately 40% of all students are international, representing more than 100 countries worldwide.
Students from EU countries pay no tuition fees at this university in Scandinavia. They only need to pay the application fees mandated by the university. On the other hand, the tuition fees for international students depend on their program.
2. University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is a leading research university in Scandinavia with no tuition fees. It is a university with a distinctly international orientation and a clear focus on education. The University offers Norway’s most comprehensive study opportunities, with over 135 different programs in all fields. The University of Oslo has more than 40,000 students from all over the world, with around 15% coming from abroad.
The University is split into four faculties: Humanities, Medicine and Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and Law, Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The Faculty of Law is ranked 19th worldwide by the QS World University Rankings 2020/21.
The tuition is free for all students coming from both EU and Non-EU countries. They would only have to pay the application fee.
3. Lund University
Lund University is a Swedish public research university located in Lund, the third-largest city in Sweden. It ranks among the world’s 100 best universities in several high-profile international rankings, and in 2017 it was ranked as the best Scandinavian university by U.S. News & World Report.
Lund University also offers an international environment with opportunities to study a wide range of subjects taught in English. You can choose between bachelor’s and master’s programs and Ph.D. programs.
Non-EU undergraduate and master’s students would require to pay the full tuition fees and the application fee if they join the program as full-time students.
4. Stockholm University
Stockholm University is a public research university located in Stockholm, Sweden. Established in 1878 as an alternative to the undergraduate course in Uppsala, it is the largest institution of higher education in Sweden and one of the oldest universities in the Nordic countries, with over 40,000 students and 4600 employees.
Stockholm University hosts more than 50 international exchange programs and collaborates with more than 200 universities worldwide. It offers excellent opportunities for international students. The University has long been ranked among the world’s leading institutions of higher learning, with alumni including 6 Nobel Laureates.
EU students can study in this Scandinavian university for free, but non-EU international students would be required to pay the tuition fees. The price varies depending on the programs that they take.
5. Uppsala University
Uppsala University is one of the best institutions that offer free education in Scandinavia. It was established in 1477 by King Eric of Pomerania and is still ranked as the second-largest University in Sweden.
The University has a high international reputation for teaching history, religion, and cultural studies, as well as for its research into cognitive science and mathematical physics. Uppsala University has been a member of the League of European Research Universities since 2010.
Are you an EU student, or a family member of a student, living in Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland, with a Swedish residence permit? If yes, you’re likely entitled to free university studies at Uppsala University.
6. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Norwegian University of Science and Technology was established in 1910 as one of three universities established with state funds and is one of eight universities in Norway today. This school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across five campuses around Trondheim.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology offers education within four faculties: natural sciences, engineering sciences, social sciences and humanities, and health sciences.
The university offers free tuition for all students, so even if you’re not from Norway, you can study there for free. Just don’t forget to pay the application fee only.
7. Aarhus University
Aarhus University is Denmark’s second-largest University and has more than 40,000 students. The school was founded in 1928, but its roots date back to the mid-19th century. Its main campus is a few kilometers from the Aarhus city center, but there are also smaller campuses throughout Jutland.
Aarhus University offers more than 300 degree programs across all fields of study, including business and administration, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, law, engineering, architecture, design, and medicine. Aarhus University has also been ranked as one of the best 100 universities by Times Higher Education (THE). This independent British weekly magazine provides global rankings of universities based on academic criteria.
Students from EU countries don’t need to pay tuition fees. They only need to pay the application fees mandated by the university. On the other hand, the tuition fees for international students depend on their program.
Many international students study in Scandinavia because they can get their degrees while learning about other cultures and countries. Furthermore, many Scandinavian universities have agreements with foreign universities that allow students to transfer credits between them easily so they can complete their degrees faster than normal compared to standard four-year programs. In addition, Scandinavians tend to be very open-minded and enjoy meeting new people from other cultures, making them friendly toward students who come to their countries to study.
So, if you’re looking for a tuition-free Scandinavian university that will give you all the benefits of studying abroad and impact your future career, check out these universities.
I hope this article on free Scandinavian universities was helpful! Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
