Studying engineering in Scandinavia could be one of the best ways to launch an exciting, lucrative, and fulfilling new career. Whether you’re interested in pursuing your education in Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, or even Iceland, there are plenty of opportunities for international students.
Scandinavia is home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, as well as a host of specialist facilities for people from virtually every background.
What’s more, while you’re taking your engineering course in one of Scandinavia’s beautiful regions, you’ll have access to a host of other benefits. After all, Scandinavian countries are known for their high living standards, fantastic salaries, and incredible communities.
Here’s everything you need to know about pursuing an engineering degree in Scandinavia.
The future of engineering education in Scandinavia hinges on technological advancements. For example, engineering students in the region can obtain expert assistance through state-of-the-art platforms. Paper writing services specifically cater to students across all academic tiers, ensuring they receive the necessary support.
Why Study Engineering in Scandinavia?
Let’s start with the basics, why would you consider traveling to Scandinavia for your engineering degree in the first place? All over the world, demand for engineering graduates is growing, with job prospects expected to increase by 18% in 2026.
The transformation of technology and rapid innovation in the engineering landscape means the number of courses and programs available to students is increasing everywhere. However, Scandinavian schools offer some benefits you might not find anywhere else.
First, earning your degree in Scandinavia means you have a higher chance of earning a high-paying role in your chosen country. Since Scandinavians have some of the best work-life balance in the world, you can expect a fulfilling career in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
Secondly, Scandinavian schools are widely regarded as some of the best in the world. Universities in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland all boast amazing faculty, practical hands-on learning experiences, fantastic apprenticeship opportunities and more. Swedish universities even appear on the top 100 list of the best universities in the world.
Choosing to study engineering in Scandinavia means you can benefit from:
- Incredible technical innovation: Scandinavian countries like Sweden are well known for technical innovation, research, and development. Reports suggest Sweden produces some of the best engineers in the world for the technology landscape. It’s also home to a range of innovative companies, like Spotify.
- Meaningful work: If you manage to get a job in Scandinavia after you finish your course, you can expect to have a positive impact on the world and people around you. Scandinavian countries prioritize sustainability, ethics, and economic growth. You might even be responsible for producing tools that protect and enhance the environment.
- Welcoming schools: Scandinavian countries are extremely welcoming to people from all backgrounds. Many engineering courses are taught in English, so you don’t necessarily need to learn a new language to get started. Plus, there are plenty of community forums dedicated to supporting people from different locations.
Top Schools for Studying Engineering in Scandinavia
As mentioned above, one of the main reasons to consider studying engineering in Scandinavia is access to an incredible range of prestigious schools.
Regardless of whether you choose to head to Denmark, Norway, or another part of the Scandinavian peninsula, there are plenty of facilities to choose from. However, Sweden does appear to have a larger number of colleges dedicated specifically to engineering students.
Here are some of the best universities and colleges to consider:
- Aalto University (Finland): Ranked in the top 300 best universities worldwide, Aalto offers a host of engineering courses to choose from. Topics cover everything from chemical engineering and civil engineering, to economics, electrical engineering, energy, and fuels, and even polymer science, or nanotechnology.
- Norwegian University of Science & Technology: The NTNU is a Norwegian university that specializes in technology and scientific topics. It has specialist courses for exchange students, PHD courses, and a range of different study tracks to choose from. The university is even ranked number 68 in the world for its engineering course.
- Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden): Considered one of the best engineering schools in the world, the Royal Institute of Technology offers courses related to mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering and more. It’s also home to courses for various education levels, including bachelors and PHD degrees.
- Technical University of Denmark: located in Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark is one of the top engineering universities in the world. It provides a range of courses in engineering, from bachelor’s level through to master’s and PHD levels. Plus, the professors at the school are also active researchers in engineering study.
What to Expect as an International Student
The good news for students considering studying engineering in Scandinavia is accessing a course might not be as complicated as you’d think. Many of the top schools and universities accept international students, and even provide unique support for those from different countries.
However, it’s worth noting that every school throughout Scandinavia does have its own distinct admission process, as well as its own pricing structure for courses. It’s a good idea to visit the website of the university you want to attend, and contact the admission team for more insights.
Make sure you find out about application deadlines, fees, and any processes you’ll need to go through before you can be accepted. While some universities do teach courses in English, you may be required to complete a language course before you’ll be accepted for a student visa.
Applying for your student visa in advance is crucial, as it can take weeks, or even months for a residence permit to be processed through the government of each Scandinavian country. Visit the official immigration website of your chosen country for step by step guidance.
You can usually apply online for a student visa provided you have an acceptance letter from your chosen university, as well as:
- Personal identification materials (such as a passport)
- A completed application form for your chosen country
- Health insurance and proof of financial stability
- Evidence of a paid application fee
- Previous study transcripts and information about your education
The Price of Studying Engineering in Scandinavia
Notably, earning a degree in Scandinavia can be a lot less expensive than pursuing higher education in other countries. In Sweden, for instance, international students will pay anywhere between 7,500 and 25,500 euros per year for their education. In the US, student fees can range from $26,000 to over $100,000 per year. However, the exact price of your tuition can vary.
While education is free from most public schools in Scandinavia, there are costs to pay for international students. Aside from your tuition fees, you’ll also need to consider living costs. This means accommodating for the price of food, transportation, medical care, and more.
You’ll also be responsible for purchasing books, resources, and technology for your course yourself. Your admission officer might be able to help you to budget for these fees when you reach out for application information. However, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to access any financial support from the government when living and studying in Scandinavia.
Table tennis is a popular sport in Scandinavia and a great way to stay active and relieve stress while studying engineering. There are many opportunities to play table tennis in Scandinavia, including at universities and community centers. Playing table tennis can help improve hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and concentration, all of which are important skills for engineering students.
The Job Market for Engineers in Scandinavia
One of the main reasons to consider studying engineering in Scandinavia, is that it could lead to a high-paying job in a Scandinavian country. Many schools offer access to employment, internship, and apprenticeship programs for all students. If you’re offered a role straight after graduating, you might even find it’s easier to get a full permanent residence visa.
The exact earnings you can expect as an engineer in Scandinavia will vary depending on a number of factors. The type of engineering you specialize in, your location, and your job role will all contribute to calculating your potential earnings. Here’s a quick insight into the average earnings for engineers in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway to get you started:
- Sweden: The average engineer in Stockholm earns around $6,411.55 per month.
- Denmark: In Denmark, engineers earn around $12,474 per month.
- Norway: On average, engineers in Norway earn around $64,950 per year.
Notably, the more experience you gain in your industry, and the more you expand on your education, the more you’ll be able to earn. PHD level graduates are likely to earn a lot more than the average student with a bachelor’s degree.
Studying Engineering in Scandinavia
Students with an interest in the vast and dynamic world of engineering can definitely benefit from a Scandinavian education. Studying engineering in Scandinavia means you can access not just amazing living standards and high wages, but exceptional educational programs too.
Wherever you choose to pursue your degree, an engineering course in Scandinavia can give you a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, while exploring new cultures and communities. What’s more, you could find that you end up with more job opportunities at the end of your course.
If you’re looking for a way to expand your horizons, increase your earnings, and develop lucrative skills that can benefit you throughout your life, studying in Scandinavia could be a great idea.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
