The rise of the Nordic Countries in the Education sector *Image source: http://www.istockphoto.com Copyright: ScantyNebula

The rise of the Nordic Countries in the Education sector *Image source: http://www.istockphoto.com Copyright: ScantyNebula

The rise of the Nordic Countries in the Education sector: Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway are setting major global trends

Countries that offer a free higher education system – is it really working?

A balancing act of sorts: The idea of a free or no tuition fees based education system is to allow individuals to be able to contribute back to the country that educated them. There is a strong misconception that all education is free. In most cases it is public education that is free. Private institutions and various other student expenses such as housing, transport etc are not covered. FirstStep.me takes a look at the Nordic Countries and their implementation of a free higher education system.

Side notes: Scandinavia and the Nordic Countries have become a region on the rise in terms of the global education benchmark. Scandinavia is made up of its three mainland countries: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The Nordic Countries includes these three plus Finland.

The question is what are they doing right that other regions are not?!


Sweden:
Is becoming a talking point because the country has pushed and managed the concept of free education.
Information resources:

studera.nu: A website informing individuals about study options in Sweden.

uhr.se: The Swedish Council for Higher Education.

antagning.se: The admissions website for Swedish Universities and Colleges.

studyinsweden.se: Comprehensive guide to studying in Sweden.

sweden.se: The official site to everything you to know about Sweden.

Clarity and depth of online information: Lucid, clear, well presented and full of helpful content. 2

Side Notes:

Swedish Education system is funded by Tax Revenue. Each University has their own fee structuring capacity.
Free education -

Yes, it ranges from individuals who are from or hold various residency permits in Sweden, Nordic countries and within the EU. There are free education options for individuals who are not residents or do not fall into the above aforementioned criteria. Full details on can be found on antagning.se. 2

Study options for foreign students in Sweden: Yes. 2

    Study abroad programs
    University Exchanges
    Students looking to pursue studies in Sweden

For more details visit: studyinsweden.se

Options for Swedish students to study for free overseas: Yes – however this depends on certain circumstances. There are also financial aid systems to support this option.

Scholarships and financial aid programs for foreign students to study in Sweden: Yes

If needed are there options of financial assistance for Swedish Students: Yes - visit csn.se for more details –  loans are measured on various attributes in terms of repayment and students may take up to the age of 60 to complete this process. 2
Cost of living and accommodation for students:

Some universities cover accommodation within campus residences in their fees structure – so it can be for free. However space is limited and thus a number of students live off campus. This can be an expensive process and somewhat counters the concept of a free education system.
Points: 8 out of 8
Rating out of ten: 10

Conclusion: It’s a tough balance between free world-class education and a cost of living.


Denmark:
The combination of compulsory basic education and a free higher education is leading the way in terms of building a high skills level in the country.
Information resources:

fivu.dk: Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education in Denmark.

studyindenmark.dk: A comprehensive guide to studying in Denmark for International Students.

uvm.dk: Denmark’s Ministry of Education

ug.dk: An education guide for Denmark

Clarity and depth of online information: Fully comprehensive. 2

Free Higher Education: Yes. 2

Side notes:
The education tuition setup is based on a government implementation called a Taximeter system or scheme. Education is for free for students from the EU/EEA and on exchange programs. For more details on specifics visit studyindenmark.dk. Fees are specific to each university.

Study options for foreign students in Denmark? Yes. 2

Are there financial assistance options for Foreign Students wanting to study in Denmark ? Yes

Are there options of financial assistance for Danish or Local Students?  Yes with different options including a government loan system that allows for a 15 year pay back plan. 2

Options for Danish students to study for free overseas? Yes – however this depends on certain circumstances. There are also financial aid systems to support this option.
Cost of living and accommodation for students:

One of the highest costs of living on the planet but it is the price for the standard of living which is equally valued. Accommodation is at a premium so planning in advance is advised, which includes finding on campus accommodation. Visit workindenmark.dk which has information on costs of living in Denmark.
Points: 8 out of 8
Rating out of ten: 10

Conclusion: World class education that needs a strong management in terms of finances for living expenses.


Finland:
Higher Education in Finland is divided into two streams – University Education and Polytechnic Education.
Information Resources:

oph.fi: The Finnish National Board of Education.

studyinfinland.fi: Official guide about studying in Finland for international students.

okm.fi: Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland.

cimo.fi: CIMO an organisation for international mobility and cooperation.

Clarity and depth of online information: Solid but Sweden and Denmark has set the benchmark high in this region for content rich resources. 2

Free education: Yes, one of the few countries that has put into practice a test system to trial free education. Further they highlight the costs of living and budgeting finances of being a student. 2

Results of the trial system: Still pending but will be interesting to note what is the next step forward!

Financial Assistance for Finnish and local students: Yes, which include study grants, student loans, benefits of housing allowances and tax concessions of student loans. 2

Financial assistance for local students to study abroad: Yes but there are various terms and conditions for this.

Study options for foreign students to study in Finland: Yes. 2

Financial assistance for foreign students studying in Finland: Yes
Cost of living and accommodation for students:

This is subject to the choices of students and also includes learning materials as well as transport costs. However there is an awareness that is promoted by education setups for both local and foreign students to manage their budgets.
Points: 8 out of 8
Rating out of ten: 10

Conclusion: A world-class education system that has been careful monitored by its education authorities. Good stuff because there is a certified interested in the future of education in the country.


Norway:
An education system based on the cornerstone of research.
Information Resources:

regjeringen.no: Ministry of Education and Research.

nokut.no:  Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education.

studyinnorway.no:  A website developed by the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education (SIU).

lanekassen.no: Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.

Clarity and depth of online information: Could be better packaged but it’s still solid. 2

Side notes:

The education system fits within the Bologna process allowing Norwegian qualifications to be recognised in various countries outside of its own! This includes the aligning of a degree structure, grading system and quality assurance system.

Free higher education: Yes. 2

Financial Assistance for Norwegian and local students? Yes, however it is to be noted that studying at state universities and university colleges are free to both local and foreign students. 2

Financial assistance for local students to study abroad? Yes

Study options for foreign students? Yes. 2

Financial assistance for foreign students? Yes
Cost of living and accommodation for students:

Expensive but like other Nordic Countries can be managed.
Points: 8 out of 8
Rating out of ten: 10

Conclusion: A solid and well balanced education system that has pinned itself towards a European standard and the Bologna process. World-class and setting the benchmark but still there is the underlying factor of the cost of living for students.

FirstStep.me country education ranking criteria:

2 points for yes
0 points for no
Max points 8

1. Does the country offer free education? Yes or No
2. Student financial aid is offered by?
Government: 1 point
Private institutions: 1 Point
Both: 2 points
Does not exist: 0 points
3. Clarity and depth of online information:
Is there a clear outline of the countries education system? 1 point
Does it include a list or breakdown of accredited education institutions in the country? 1 point
Both: 2 points
4. Study options for foreign students? Yes or No