Scholarships to study abroad in Sweden, Norway, Denmark: opportunities in Northern Europe

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Scholarships to study abroad in Sweden, Norway and Denmark attract more and more Vietnamese students thanks to their high quality of education, safe environment and many master's programs taught in English. However, the tuition policies for non-EU/EEA students in the three countries are quite different, so the scholarship hunting strategy also needs to be adjusted. This article summarizes the main scholarship sources and things to keep in mind.

Tuition fees in Northern Europe for non-EU students

Previously, Northern Europe was famous for free education. Currently, students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland (including Vietnam) must pay tuition in all three countries: Sweden since 2011, Denmark since 2006, and Norway from the fall 2023 semester at public schools. Therefore, scholarship becomes the deciding factor.

Scholarship to study in Sweden

SI Scholarship for Global Professionals

Swedish Institute scholarships for 1–2 year master's degrees taught in English. According to recent announcements, Vietnam is on the list of eligible countries (the list is reviewed each year). The scholarship includes full tuition fees, monthly living allowance (approximately 12,000 SEK according to the latest installment), one-time travel allowance and participation in the SI network for alumni.

Difference: SI prioritizes candidates with proven work and leadership experience, and a plan to contribute to sustainable development in their home country. Applicants must apply to the school through the University Admissions system first, then apply for the SI scholarship. Scholarship application deadline is usually around February, results in April.

Scholarships from Swedish schools

Many schools such as Lund, Uppsala, KTH, Chalmers, Stockholm University have scholarships that reduce tuition by 25–100% for non-EU students, usually based on admission documents and submitted within January–February. Each school has its own regulations, you should check the school's website.

Scholarship to study abroad in Denmark

Danish Government Scholarship is funded by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, distributed across schools. For example, according to Southern Denmark University (SDU), scholarships include full tuition exemption and monthly living allowance for master's students from outside the EU/EEA; Candidates do not need to submit a separate application, but will be automatically considered when receiving an admission letter. Places are limited and reserved for the best candidates. Other schools such as the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus, DTU, Aalborg also have similar scholarships with their own regulations.

Note: scholarships are mainly for master's level. The deadline for submitting a master's degree in Denmark is usually quite early (around January–March for the September semester).

Study abroad in Norway: tuition changes and remaining opportunities

From the fall 2023 semester, Norwegian public schools will start charging tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Exchange students from partner schools are not affected. Currently, the opportunity to travel to Norway for free is mainly through:

• Exchange program between Vietnamese schools and Norwegian schools (see Short-term student exchange scholarships).
• Postgraduate position (PhD): in Norway, PhD students are often recruited as paid employees, without having to pay tuition.
• European Affiliate Program like Erasmus Mundus have a semester in Norway.

Nordic scholarship hunting strategy

1. Choose the right level of study: Northern Europe has more master's scholarships and paid PhD positions than bachelor's degrees. See Master's scholarship strategy and PhD scholarships.
2. Apply early: admission deadline is usually from January, earlier than many other countries.
3. Combine multiple countries: consider adding Finland; see Study abroad in Finland.
4. Calculate living costs: Northern Europe has high living costs, you need to prove your finances when applying for a residence permit even with a partial scholarship.

Journeys to Stockholm, Copenhagen or Oslo often transit once in the Middle East or Europe. VeDuHoc has more than 30 Bookers to hunt for multi-carrier tickets, check transit conditions, optimize 40–46kg checked baggage for winter items, and continue to monitor prices: if a better price is found after you have paid, HVSC will refund the difference. Reference air tickets to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Is studying abroad in Sweden free?

Not for students from outside the EU/EEA. You need an SI scholarship or school scholarship to reduce or waive tuition.

Can new graduates apply for SI scholarships?

It's difficult, because SI requires specific work and leadership experience. New graduates should aim for school scholarships.

Is Norway still free of tuition?

From fall 2023, Norwegian public schools charge tuition fees to students from outside the EU/EEA. Exchange students and paid research students remain popular routes.

Do I need to apply separately for the Danish Government Scholarship?

Depends on the school. At some schools like SDU, candidates are automatically considered when they receive an admission letter.

Scholarships to study in Sweden, Denmark and opportunities in Norway require early preparation and choosing the right program. Once you have the results, please contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 for advice on flights and luggage suitable for the Northern European winter.

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