Study abroad: courses in Nordic nations

Updated on: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The five countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are often referred to as the Nordic countries. There is a lot in common among them. Some people refer to these as the Scandinavian countries, which in a strict sense cover only Norway and Sweden.

A significant aspect in the matter of education for our students in the Nordic countries is that the fees are usually very low. Tuition may sometimes be completely free. The living costs are however high. Several scholarships are available for international students. There are several programmes conducted in the medium of English language.

Be prepared for long winter with little light and summer with long sunny days. The countries are most modern in transport systems, life style, fashion, tastes and trends. You can work for 20 hours per week during the academic year and fulltime during vacation, subject to regulations.

The quality of education is fine. It enjoys global reputation. Though the countries are small and the number of universities few, some of them are ranked high in international comparisons. There are effective mechanisms for quality assurance. The institutions are mostly in the public sector.

For entry at the undergraduate level, sometimes the certificate obtained after 12 years of schooling may not be accepted. You may therefore have to undergo a one-year preparatory programme.
Denmark

The knowledge intensive sector in Denmark covering areas from biotechnology to food and environmental protection has a prominent position at the global level ( http://www.studyindenmark.dk/). The Danish institutions of higher education have substantial collaboration with industries and research houses. The higher education system welcomes talented students from all over the world.

There is a great variety in programs taught in English at the Master’s and Bachelor’s levels. In addition, there are programs leading to professional qualifications.

Let us look at the variety of the Master’s degree programmes. The areas covered include applied Chemistry, agricultural development, agro-environmental management, American studies, applied ICT, applied mechanics, aquatic science and technology, architectural design, Asian studies, bioinformatics, biotechnology, building and construction, business administration, business, language and culture, chemical and biochemical engineering, chemistry, cognitive semiotics, communication, computer science, computer science and engineering, corporate communication, development and international relations, economics, electrical engineering, English language and literature, environmental engineering, European studies (Humanities), film studies, food science and technology, geology-geoscience, horticulture, international business and politics, international studies, international tourism and leisure management, IT product design, library and information science, disaster management, materials science and engineering, mathematical modelling and computation, mechatronics (engineering), media studies, molecular biology, parasitology, philosophy, physics and nanotechnology, process analytical technology, product development and innovation, public administration, public health, robotics, service management, software development and technology, sustainable energy, systems biology, telecommunication, The religious roots of Europe, tourism, transport and logistics, wind energy, and many more.

This fairly long list of subjects of study offers an insight into the possibilities of academic disciplines beyond our normal level of awareness. In fact, there are many more Master’s programmes conducted in Denmark. Facilities for Bachelor degree programs in diverse branches of humanities, natural sciences, technology, social science and economics are also available in the country.

Ph.D. programmes that may run for three years are available at

•University of Copenhagen- www.ku.dk

•Technical University of Denmark - www.dtu.dk

•University of Aarhus- www.au.dk

•University of Southern Denmark - www.sdu.dk

•University of Aalborg- www.aau.dk

•IT University of Copenhagen - www.itu.dk

•Roskilde University- www.ruc.dk

•Copenhagen Business School - www.cbs.dk

•The Danish style of education

There are three types of institutions.

Academies of professional higher education: Two-year Academy Profession (AP) programmes in a wide range of disciplines. Focus on adult and continuing education.

University Colleges: Three to four-and-a-half year professional Bachelor’s programmes, and various postgraduate diploma and executive Master’s programmes for entering specific professions such as business, education, engineering, IT, nursing, and social work.

Universities: 3-year Bachelor’s, 2-year Master’s, and 3-year Ph.D. programmes. Covers traditional as well as innovative inter-disciplinary programmes. You have to check and confirm your eligibility for admission to specific programmes. You can contact the institution in which you desire admission for getting confirmation. A general assessment of your qualification can be obtained from CIRIUS-the national agency for internationalisation of education and training under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. Contact: CIRIUS, Fiolstræde 44, DK- 1171 Copenhagen K, Ph:: +45 3395 7000; E-mail: [email protected]. The application form can be downloaded from the site http://en.ciriusonline.dk.

For Master’s programmes, you should have an internationally recognised good Bachelor’s degree of good standard or equivalent and proof of proficiency in English. If the programme is taught in Danish, you should have proof of proficiency in Danish. The admissions requirements for Ph.D. studies include a Master’s degree or equivalent. In some areas, a four-year Ph.D. programme is offered to students who have completed a Bachelor’s qualification and one year of study at postgraduate level.

If you wish to study in Denmark as an exchange student, you have to be enrolled at a higher education institution. Higher education in Denmark is normally provided free of charge for EU / EEA students and those participating in an exchange programme. All other students have to pay a tuition fee. Basic information on all aspects of higher education in Denmark is available in the web site www.studyindenmark.dk.

Contact: 1. Embassy of Denmark, 11 - Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi – 110011; Ph: 011-42090700; Email: [email protected]; Web site: www.ambnewdelhi.um.dk/en 2. Consulate of Denmark, 9 - Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086: Ph: 044-28128140

Study abroad: courses in Nordic nations

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