Students at universities and colleges in Scandinavia have always enjoyed tuition fee-free courses and study programs regardless they were EU students or not. However, the situation is changing and some Scandinavian countries are already charging tuition fees for non-EU students or are planning on charging fees shortly. For example, Sweden will introduce tuition and registration fees for non-EU students as of the autumn semester 2011. Denmark is already charging fees for non-EU students of about 10,000 EUR/year at public institutions. Finland will also introduce fees for study programs taught in English at public universities and colleges. Iceland and Norway, however, are not planning on charging fees at the moment.
Why are they charging tuition fees?
Education in Scandinavia has always been tax-supported. In a global environment, governments claim it doesn't make much sense non-EU students can study for free at Scandinavian universities while EU students must pay tuition fees abroad. Many people also claim students should choose to study in Scandinavia because of the right reasons, i.e., because of the quality of education not because it's free.
Exchange students will still enjoy tuition fee-free courses.
Will Scandinavian universities be competitive when tuition fees are charged?
It's hard to say at the moment. Many students have chosen to study at Scandinavian institutions because of the lack of tuition fees. I believe some students may veer away from studying in Scandinavia in the beginning because of the introduction of tuition fees. But Scandinavian universities are now planning on creating funds to provide scholarships and grants addressed to non-EU students to balance the introduction of fees. The objective of those funds would be to attract the most talented students in the world regardless their economic situation. Until now, Scandinavian universities didn't have very extend programs to support financially the best students.
Should you still study in Scandinavia even though there are tuition fees?
Education is a very important investment for your life. Scandinavian as well as institutions in other parts of Europe, offer high quality study programs. My advice is that you should always focus on the quality of the program, the outcomes and the possibilities of further developing your career rather than on the fees. After all, you can always find a part-time job or ask for a bank loan as many students do. In fact, I myself was working at the same time I was studying. It might be a very demanding situation, but it will help you mature and finish your studies.
Welcome to Europe!
Sponsored resources
- Are you an EU student? Click here to find out
- More information about tuition fees in Sweden
- More information about tuition fees in Finland
- More information about tuition fees in Denmark
- More information about tuition fees in Norway
- More information about tuition fees in Iceland
Add your comments
