There's some of that, but I've also met quite a few self-taught programmers in the Nordic region. They mostly do have some very "solid" alternative credentials.

There's some of that, but I've also met quite a few self-taught programmers in the Nordic region. They mostly do have some very "solid" alternative credentials. One of the more common alternative credentials, which I think is a bit unique to the region, is the heavy role of people from the demoscene. If you look at programmers in many tech companies, there are a lot of demoscene people lacking university degrees who fill senior roles. This is more true outside the very traditional sectors, though; IO Interactive has more demoscene alumni than Danske Bank does.