Comparison Between: Denmark and Sweden
When planning your study abroad, Denmark and Sweden are definitely great choices. Due to their ancient cultures, beautiful environment, and excellent educational system, these Scandinavian nations attract many international students every year. Moreover, these countries have a solid reputation for promoting the safety, wellbeing, and equality of their citizens. So, if you’re planning to study abroad, ensure to know all about Denmark and Sweden to make the right choice.
Higher Education Systems In Denmark & Sweden
Below is a detailed breakdown of Denmark and Sweden’s educational system for international students:
Denmark
- Business Academies: These institutions typically offer a two-year academy profession program. A few business academies also provide professional bachelor's programs, further adult education, and diplomas.
- Maritime Educational Institutions: Such educational institutions provide research and practice-focused courses.
- Institutions of Art and Architecture: They are specialist art schools for students wishing to study design, music, architecture, and textiles.
- University Colleges: These educational institutions offer a variety of vocational programs in areas like nursing, engineering, and social work.
- Universities: These institutions provide traditional Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. degrees across a variety of subject areas. A total of eight Danish universities are in operation.
Sweden
- University: Institutions like these award professional degrees and certificates in applied art, fine art, and performing arts.
- University College: These colleges grant professional, applied, fine, and performing arts degrees, as well as masters and doctoral degrees.
Top Universities In Denmark & Sweden
Here is a list of the top universities to study in Denmark and Sweden, according to the QS World Rankings 2022.
Top 5 Universities in Denmark
Here are the top five universities in the Denmark with their QS World Rankings in 2022:
| Institutions | QS World University Rankings 2022 |
|---|---|
| University of Copenhagen | 79 |
| Technical University of Denmark | 99 |
| Aarhus University | 155 |
| University of Southern Denmark | 309 |
| Aalborg University | 326 |
Top 5 Universities in Sweden
Here are the top five universities in the Sweden with their QS World Rankings in 2022:
| Institutions | QS World University Rankings 2022 |
|---|---|
| Lund University | 87 |
| KTH - Royal Institute of Technology | 89 |
| Chalmers University of Technology | 121 |
| Uppsala University | 124 |
| Stockholm University | 148 |
Popular Courses To Study In Denmark & Sweden
International students have access to a wide range of programs in Denmark and Sweden. These are some of the most popular courses available in these countries:
| Popular Courses in Denmark | Popular Courses in Sweden |
|---|---|
| Environmental Science | Engineering & Technology |
| Design and Visual Arts | Architecture |
| Business administration | Mathematics |
| Architecture | Humanities |
| Engineering | Environmental Studies |
| Social Sciences | Computer Science |
| Life Sciences | Law |
Admission Requirements In Denmark & Sweden
It is imperative to consider the eligibility criteria when assessing whether Denmark & Sweden have a better educational system.
Denmark
- Academy Profession Degree: Students must have relevant vocational training or upper secondary education, Mathematics minimum level C and English proficiency tests scores (IELTS - 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 83).
- Bachelor’s Degree: Students should have cleared their 12th standard with minimum 60%, have English proficiency tests (IELTS - 6.0, TOEFL IBT: 83) and SOP.
- Master’s Degree: Students must have an internationally recognised bachelor's degree, English proficiency tests scores (IELTS - 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 83), GRE/ GMAT Scores, SOP, References & CV.
- Doctorate Degree: Students should have a master's degree in a relevant subject, English proficiency tests scores (IELTS - 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 83), Research Proposal, SOP, References & CV and Entrance exam may be needed.
Sweden
- Bachelor’s Degree: Students need to have a 12th standard certificate, English language proficiency scores (IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL - 100) and SOP.
- Master’s Degree: Students must have a Bachelor’s degree recognised in Sweden, English language proficiency scores (IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL - 100), GRE/ GMAT, SOP, LOR & CV.
- Doctorate Degree: Students are required to have a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree in the subject intended for PhD degree, English language proficiency scores (IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL - 100) and research experience may be required.
Cost Of Studying In Denmark & Sweden
Check out the cost of studying in Denmark and Sweden to have a basic idea of the required budget:
| Study Programs | Tuition Fees In Denmark Yearly (DKK) | Tuition Fees In Sweden Yearly (SEK) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 111,614 DKK | 74,000 SEK - 1,29,000 SEK |
| Graduate Degree | 48,462 DKK - 63,248 DKK | 80,000 SEK - 2,20,000 SEK |
| Doctoral Degree | 74,409 DKK - 119,055 DKK | Free of cost |
Cost Of Living In Denmark & Sweden
Living expenses for international students in Denmark and Sweden vary according to their lifestyle choices.
| Expenses | Cost Of Living In Denmark Monthly (DKK) | Cost Of Living In Sweden Monthly (SEK) |
|---|---|---|
| Accomodation | 2,976 DKK - 4,985 DKK | 4,170 SEK |
| Food | 1,488 DKK - 2,009 DKK | 2,000 SEK |
| Local Transport | 297.64 DKK - 372.05 DKK | 550 SEK |
| Mobile & Internet | 148.82 DKK - 223.23 DKK | 300 SEK |
| Miscellaneous | 1,488 DKK | 1,548 SEK |
Scholarships Offered In Denmark & Sweden
A few of the most popular scholarships awarded every year to students in Denmark and Sweden are listed below:
| Denmark Scholarships | Sweden Scholarships |
|---|---|
| IT University of Copenhagen State Scholarships | Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships |
| Denmark Government Scholarships for Non-EU Students | Chalmers IPOET Scholarships |
| Erasmus Scholarship | Adlerbert Study Scholarships |
| Fulbright Commission | Swedish Institute Scholarships |
| The Danish State Educational Support (SU) | BTH Scholarships |
Student Visa Requirements In Denmark & Sweden
Check out the detailed information on student visa requirements in Denmark and Sweden:
Student Visa for Denmark
- International students are required to obtain a "Resident Permit" to study in Denmark rather than a "Student Visa" to do so.
- Getting a Danish student visa to study in Denmark (or a residence permit) is a relatively straightforward process for international students.
- Typically, the visa process takes 60 days to complete.
- So, it is advised that you begin the process at least three months before your arrival in the country.
Documents Required
- Acceptance letter from the university.
- An overview of your academic program.
- Valid passport and passport style photos
- Completed ST1 form
- Proof of English or Danish proficiency (based on your course language).
- Financial proof of sufficient funds to live in Denmark.
- Housing details (if applicable).
- Payment receipt for application fee.
- Evidence of travel insurance.
Student Visa for Sweden
- The process of obtaining a student visa for Sweden is quite straightforward.
- Students who wish to study in Sweden for a period longer than three months must apply for a resident permit.
- Students are also permitted to work part-time in Sweden with these long-stay visas.
- The visa process typically takes 90 days, and a fee of SEK 1,500 is required of students.
Documents Required
- At the time of application, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Letter of enrolment with the details of the course duration and that the first installment of fees has been paid (in full) to a Swedish university.
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- Past academic mark sheets specifying the year of completion of courses.
- An essay of approximately 1,000 characters (150 words) explaining why you wish to study in Sweden.
Job Opportunities In Denmark & Sweden
Check out the most popular job positions in both Denmark and Sweden with their average annual salary:
| Popular Jobs In Denmark | Average Monthly Salary (DKK) |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineers | 586,863 DKK |
| Managers | 609,722 DKK |
| Statistics/ Data Scientists | 1,068,335 DKK |
| Computer Science Engineers | 620,023 DKK |
| Fashion Designers | 564,601 DKK |
| Popular Jobs In Sweden | Average Annual Salary (SEK) |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Engineers | 936,000 SEK |
| Managers | 480,000 SEK |
| Chemical Engineers | 673,171 SEK |
| Statistics/ Data Scientists | 459,425 SEK |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineer | 407,121 SEK |
PR In Denmark & Sweden
Denmark
The following conditions must be satisfied in order for you to apply for permanent residency in Denmark after four years of residence in Denmark:
- Been employed full time during each of the last four consecutive years
- Have passed the Danish language exam, PD3
- Earned at least 290,000 Kroner over the past two years
- Pass an active citizenship (Medborgerskab) exam
Sweden
- The process of obtaining permanent residence in Sweden is not simple, but it is not impossible either.
- For Swedish citizenship, you must reside in the country continuously for five years.
- Non-EU students are required to provide proof that they have held a job during the past five years.
Therefore, this article has successfully covered all the vital details regarding both the popular study abroad destinations, Denmark and Sweden. Hopefully, it can help students make an informed decision.