The Rising Study Destinations for Indian Students, ETEducation
By Sanjay Laul
As Indian student demand diversifies beyond the “big four” destinations, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are drawing fresh attention for 2026 and 2027 intakes. The popularity of the Nordic nations as a study destination is influenced by a combination of factors. These include clearly defined work rules while a student, the availability of structured postgraduate job searching options, and transparent tuition fees for courses taught in English. The trend is further supported by the high standard of living and social cohesion in the area, Nordic nations regularly being ranked among the top in global well-being and happiness surveys. Why Nordics, Why Now
Recruitment partners say the Nordics are increasingly being evaluated as “high-trust” study environments with straightforward policy guidance and strong institutional systems. While they remain premium destinations in terms of cost of living, potential students and their representatives are weighing the value against employment prospects, part-time work rights, and a predictable pathway following graduation.
Universities in this area have begun standardising the details that international students see on university websites, including the costs and requirements for work visas. This has resulted in agents and education providers finding out about these requirements earlier.
Finland: Tuition Clarity, Part-Time Work, and a Two-Year Job-Search Permit
Finland’s national “Study in Finland” portal outlines that non-EU/EEA students in English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs typically face tuition fees ranging from €8,000 to €20,000 per year, varying by institution and program.
For students planning financial viability during study, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) states that residence permit holders studying in Finland may work in paid employment an average of 30 hours per week, with flexibility to exceed that in some weeks if the annual average is maintained.
On post-study pathways, Migri’s guidance for graduates and researchers indicates that a residence permit to look for work or start a business can be granted for up to two years (subject to conditions and timelines).
Sweden: Defined Post-Study Rules and Higher Proof-of-Funds Thresholds
Sweden remains attractive for applicants targeting research-aligned programs and innovation ecosystems, but cost and proof-of-funds requirements can be decisive. The “Study in Sweden” portal notes that tuition varies widely, with one year of tuition potentially as low as SEK 80,000 and as high as SEK 295,000, depending on discipline and institution.
For post-study planning, Sweden’s Migration Agency states that graduates may apply for a residence permit to look for work or explore starting a business. The permit can be granted for a maximum of one year and cannot be extended, and applicants must show sufficient means of support for the period.
Sweden’s maintenance requirement is also explicit: for study-permit applications filed in 2026, the Migration Agency lists at least SEK 10,656 per month (with possible reductions in certain scenarios, such as institution-provided housing/food).
Denmark: Work Hours, Three-Year Job-Seeking Track, and a Key Caveat
Denmark’s student work permissions are specific. New to Denmark (the official portal) states that students in state-approved higher education programs are allowed to work 90 hours per month from September to May, and full-time in June, July, and August.
For post-study stay, the Study in Denmark portal notes that graduates from Danish higher education institutions may be granted a residence permit for up to three years for job seeking, subject to eligibility and completion requirements.
However, Denmark also illustrates why program-level due diligence matters. New to Denmark clarifies that students in non-state-approved higher education programs with an advisory statement may have work rights only if they were granted or applied for a residence permit before May 2, 2025; applications on or after that date may not receive a limited work permit.
What Agents and Institutions are Watching
Across all three countries, recruiters point to the same practical decision drivers: transparent tuition bands, a documented pathway from study to job search, and clearly stated work limits during term time. For institutions, the Nordics also represent an opportunity to engage India’s large applicant pool with programs that align to technology, sustainability, and applied research, without relying on vague post-study assumptions.
How Students and Recruiters are navigating the Nordic Shift
As student decision-making becomes more policy-sensitive, platforms and partner networks that consolidate program information and route applicants to official government guidance are increasingly part of the operating model. These ecosystems, such as MSM Unify, help universities and recruitment partners compare programs across markets, track updates to visa and work-rights requirements, and set clearer expectations on tuition, proof-of-funds, and post-study timelines as new intakes approach.
The author Sanjay Laul is the Founder of MSM Unify.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETEDUCATION does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETEDUCATION will not be responsible for any damage caused to any person or organisation directly or indirectly.
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