Study in Denmark
Planning on studying abroad in a place where everyone feels happy all the time? Well, Denmark should be your primary choice. Everyone knows that Denmark is the happiest country in the world and no doubt, the feeling of happiness is contagious.
In addition to being happy, you also have the chance to pursue quality education in a friendly, safe, and innovation-driven environment in Denmark. If you're looking to study at a university in Denmark, you will find a wide range of study options, innovative teaching methods, and supportive learning environments.
Why study in Denmark?
1. It's free for students from the EU/EEA
Yup, you've read that right. Public universities in Denmark are free if you come from the European Union or the European Economic Area.
For non-EU/EEA internationals, tuition ranges between 6,000 and 16,000 EUR per year, which is still much more affordable than studying in the US, Canada, or Australia.
You can also apply for various scholarships to support the costs of studying and living.
2. Danish universities are among Europe's best
Danish universities are often ranked among the best higher education institutions both in Europe and the entire world.
The University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) are only a few examples, but feel free to go through at all the top-ranked institutions.
3. The Danish education system places huge attention to the students
Depending on where you come from, you might have a small (positive) shock while studying at a Danish university. You won't find entire halls filled with students; classes are held in small groups, where everybody can focus better and the professors can pay attention to each student individually.
The whole purpose is to encourage you to push boundaries, ask questions, develop critical thinking, and learn how to properly work with other people.
4. English is widely spoken
Although it is not an official language, English is incredibly popular in Denmark. Approximately 90% of citizens speak English, so there's no reason to worry about language barriers or being misunderstood.
Still, you will need to know at least basic Danish if you want to work during your studies.
5. You'll fall in love with the Danish Hygge
Hygge is a word used to describe a situation or a moment when you feel cosy, calm, or special. It can happen when you're by yourself, enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee, or it can happen while playing a board game with your friends.
Hygge is simply the ability to be fully present and enjoy this moment as much as you can. You don't need to buy something, learn something, or do something specific in order to feel Hygge.
It's a popular concept and way of life in Denmark, which you'll probably adopt very soon after moving there.
Which universities and colleges to attend in Denmark?
The higher education system in Denmark is divided into several types of universities, depending on your specialisation and focus on research or practical skills.
- Traditional universities – you can apply to Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in almost any field you can imagine, from Psychology to Computer Science.
- University colleges – these schools offer professional Bachelor's programmes in areas such as Teacher Training, Engineering, Business, Nursing, or Social Work. The study programmes include various workshops and work placements, including abroad.
- Artistic higher education institutions – specialised schools where you can pursue a degree in Arts, Music, Architecture or Design
Schools of maritime education and training – schools highly focusing on research and practical skills, dedicated to students who are interested in Maritime and Technical Engineering.
Examples of universities in Denmark we recommend:
- Aarhus University
- Roskilde University
- VIA University College
- Business Academy Aarhus
- University of Southern Denmark
What is it like to study in Denmark?
Danish higher education combines traditional academic excellence with innovative teaching that will empower you to think, experiment and collaborate your way to new ideas and greater knowledge.
Combining traditional lectures and tutorials with project-based teaching methods, your studies in Denmark will help you develop a creative and collaborative approach to applying new knowledge and solving complex real-life challenges.
Universities, colleges and academies in Denmark are state-of-the-art. The learning environment is friendly and relaxed with students and teachers debating openly during class and lectures.
What to study in Denmark?
Whichever subject you choose to study in Denmark, you can expect outstanding quality and academic standards recognised worldwide. You can choose from a wide range of programmes taught in English, from Natural Sciences and Engineering to Architecture and Design.
Here are some of the most popular study options in Denmark:
- Masters in Business Administration in Denmark
- Masters in Economics in Denmark
- Masters in Environmental Sciences in Denmark
- Masters in Design in Denmark
- Masters in Civil Engineering in Denmark
Where to study in Denmark?
Denmark has only a few student cities, but they all offer a vibrant and lively environment. Outside classes, you can enjoy great leisure time, whether you’ll be biking in the city and the surroundings or attending a concert or other social event.
Check out some of these cities and learn more about what it is like to study there:
How to apply
Regardless of your chosen university, Denmark provides international students a special website for applications, where you can apply for up to eight programmes. Carefully check all the required application documents, like your academic transcript or visa, and make sure they are all translated into English.
For instance, an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree or equivalent is the main requirement when enrolling for a Master’s degree at a university in Denmark.
Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you need to prove skills in English before enrolling in a degree programme. Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies.
To help your chances of going to Denmark, be sure to apply to more than one university!
Make sure you qualify for a Danish university
Take Preparation Courses
These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in Denmark, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
There are over 350 English-taught programmes in Denmark.
Universities in Denmark will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Almost all Danish universities accept these official English exams:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- C1 Advanced
Living in Denmark
Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Denmark:
Tuition fees in Denmark
EU and EEA students enjoy the tuition-free status for all Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees available at public Danish universities. You also do not pay for tuition if:
- you already have either a permanent or a temporary residence permit
- one of your parents is from a non-EU/EEA country and is already working in Denmark
Non-EU/EEA students will have to pay tuition fees between 6,000 and 16,000 EUR per year at public universities.
Private universities have higher tuition fees, which usually apply to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students.
Find affordable universities in Denmark.
Accommodation costs
The average price for student housing in Denmark ranges between 450 and 670 EUR/month, and it usually gets higher in Copenhagen (800–900 EUR/month). However, if you start looking for an accommodation option early on, you can find places for 250 EUR/month outside the city centre.
The number of places available in student halls of residence (kollegier) is usually limited, but if you manage to arrange a room, the rent would be around 250 EUR/month.
Health care
Except for dental care and physiotherapy, all foreign students in Denmark have equal and free access to health care services in case of accidents, acute illness or serious evolution of a chronic disease. For other health care services, you will have to pay depending on on your type of health care insurance.
If you come from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland and plan to stay in Denmark less than 3 months, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for any healthcare service.
Food costs
Your average food bills in Denmark will reach around 200–270 EUR/month, depending on your spending habits. If you choose to do your weekly shopping at discount supermarkets, you can save some money.
Having lunch or dinner out in a restaurant will cost you around 16 EUR/person, while a beer or a soft drink at a bar is around 6 EUR.
Overall, you should prepare a minimum of 800–1,200 EUR/month for living costs.
About Denmark
When you arrive in Denmark you will probably notice the relaxed atmosphere and the fact that things generally run pretty smoothly. A blend of stately old buildings and modern sustainable architecture speaks of cities that treasure the old but love experimenting with the new.
In terms of the weather, let’s face it! The cool Danish climate doesn’t offer ideal T-shirt weather. The short Danish summers are mild with near-midnight sunsets. But winters in Denmark also have their share of warmth – with candle-lit homes, warm, cosy gatherings and plenty of hot chocolate. Danes often refer to this snug and convivial wintery feeling as 'hygge'.
Denmark is a society driven by world-leading research and innovation within knowledge industries such as Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Science, Telecommunications and IT. Danish is the official language but you won’t have to worry about that, because everyone speaks very good English.
Therefore, if you have the talent, and you study and work hard, Denmark is a place with excellent opportunities to fulfil your potential.
Iconic places to visitMost popular and famous place to visit in Denmark are inside Copenhagen. Some of the most popular and entertaining attractions are:
- Tivoli Gardens – Denmark’s Disney theme parks
- Christiansborg – home to the Parliament
- The Blue Planet – Northern Europe's largest aquarium
- Rosenborg Castle – Danish royal art treasures
- The Round Tower - the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.
- Outside Copenhagen, you can check out:
- Legoland Bilund Resort
- Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Odense
- Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
- Anholt Island
- Denmark is home to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør – the fictitious location of the famous Shakespeare play “Hamlet”.
- The name Lego is an abbreviation of two Danish words, leg godt, meaning “play well.”
- The Danish monarchy is the oldest continuing monarchy in the world and has existed for over 1,000 years.
- Danes drink an average of four cups of coffee a day.
- Denmark has 14 Nobel laureates, most of them awarded for great accomplishments in literature and medicine.
Universities, colleges and schools in Denmark
Aarhus
- Aarhus University (12 Short courses)
Copenhagen
- University of Copenhagen (5 Short courses)
Struer
- Aarhus University (12 Short courses)
How to Apply to a Master's in Denmark
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Denmark, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Denmark?
To apply to a university in Denmark you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Denmark so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Denmark
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Denmark are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.