Studying at a University in Denmark: A Comprehensive Guide

By Marwa Alaliwi Last updated Nov 15, 2024 49

Denmark, located in the heart of Northern Europe, is known for its modern education system, high quality of life, and happy citizens. This peaceful Scandinavian country has become a highly attractive study destination for international students. With Copenhagen, a multicultural and innovative capital, Denmark combines rich history and cutting-edge educational values. High living standards and strong social rights make it an appealing destination for students seeking both personal growth and academic success.

In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about studying at a university in Denmark. We’ll discuss the characteristics of Danish universities, tuition fees, scholarships, student life, and other essential details. Let’s explore how Denmark has gained such international popularity and the unique advantages of pursuing higher education there.

Why Study in Denmark? Overview of Denmark’s Key Features

Denmark, one of Scandinavia’s key countries, is renowned for its modern and progressive culture, with Copenhagen serving as the beating heart of the nation. The Kingdom of Denmark also includes Greenland and the Faroe Islands, adding to the country’s cultural and historical richness. The official language is Danish, and the currency is the Danish krone (DKK). According to the 2021 World Happiness Report, Denmark ranks third globally in happiness, an indicator of its high social welfare, excellent healthcare system, and superior quality of life.

Denmark’s focus on education is noteworthy. Danish universities are globally recognized, providing a diverse range of high-quality academic programs. In the QS Top Universities 2022 rankings, five Danish universities are listed among the best globally. We’ll cover these universities in more detail later in the article.

Danish Universities: A Hub for Innovation and Excellence

Denmark has over 30 higher education institutions offering degrees in a wide range of fields. Among them are some of the world’s most prestigious universities. According to the QS Top Universities 2022 rankings, the top Danish universities are:

University of Copenhagen: Ranked 79th globally
Technical University of Denmark (DTU): Ranked 99th globally
Aarhus University: Ranked 155th globally
University of Southern Denmark (SDU): Ranked 309th globally
Aalborg University: Ranked 326th globally

These institutions provide more than 500 programs taught in English, making them an attractive option for international students. Danish universities are generally divided into two main categories: research universities and university colleges, which focus on applied sciences. Additionally, there are business academies specializing in economics and business-related disciplines.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships for Studying in Denmark

Tuition fees in Denmark vary depending on the student’s nationality. For students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, education at public universities is free. Students with a permanent residence permit or whose parents work in Denmark can also study without paying tuition fees.

For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees start from around €6,000 per semester and can reach up to €35,000 annually for specialized and master’s programs. Here are some examples of average tuition fees for popular study programs in Denmark:

Business: €10,000 per year
Economics: Bachelor’s programs cost between €6,000 and €8,500 per year, while master’s programs range from €10,000 to €17,400 per year
Biotechnology: €12,000 to €20,000 per year
Tourism and Hospitality: Bachelor’s programs start at around €4,000 per year, and master’s programs cost around €7,000
Political Science: €9,000 per year

Many Danish universities offer full or partial scholarships, particularly to non-EU students. Scholarships are usually merit-based, and each university has its own application process. Prospective students should thoroughly research the specific scholarship requirements at each institution.

Danish Education System and Admission Requirements

Denmark follows the Bologna Process, a system that aims to ensure compatibility in higher education across Europe. Under this system, a bachelor’s degree takes three years, a master’s degree takes two years, and a doctoral program takes three years.

To apply to Danish universities, you may need to provide the following:

High school diploma or proof of one year of university education
Motivation letter explaining your reasons for applying
Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic and professional experiences
English proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
Passport and student visa
Health insurance

Your academic record, particularly your grade point average (GPA), is a critical criterion for admission. If you plan to study in English, high scores on language proficiency tests can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.

Most Danish universities conduct their courses in Danish, but there are over 500 English-taught programs available. Given that 86% of Danes speak English, studying in Denmark in English and communicating in social settings is generally very comfortable.

Top Danish Universities for International Students

University of Copenhagen

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is one of the world’s leading research universities. Although the primary language of instruction is Danish, many graduate programs are offered in English. The university comprises several faculties, including:

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences: Offers programs in Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Pharmacy, and more.
Faculty of Humanities: Includes fields such as Art and Cultural Studies, Communication, and Scandinavian Studies.
Faculty of Science: Offers programs in Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, and more.
Faculty of Social Sciences: Provides courses in Economics, Psychology, Political Science, etc.

The University of Copenhagen offers a diverse education across various fields, and its research-driven programs attract international students, especially at the doctoral level, with appealing scholarship opportunities.

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

DTU is ranked among the best technical universities globally. It specializes in engineering and technology, offering a variety of English-taught master’s programs that cater to international students looking for an innovative and practical learning environment.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is Denmark’s second-largest university and offers a range of programs in arts, sciences, business, and engineering. It is well-regarded for its research and international environment, hosting students from over 120 countries.

Student Life and Living Costs in Denmark

Denmark is known for its high quality of life and strong social welfare system. Living in Denmark can be costly, but the benefits it offers compensate for the expenses. Here are some estimated monthly expenses for a student in Denmark:

Living expenses (excluding rent): Around DKK 6,924
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city: Average DKK 6,837
Rent outside the city center: Average DKK 4,890

Most students in Denmark rely heavily on bicycles for transportation. Purchasing a used bike or renting one is an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around the city. Students can also opt for university dormitories or private student housing, with prices for private dorms starting at DKK 2,000 per month.

For daily needs, food and transportation costs are relatively affordable. A monthly city transportation pass costs about DKK 500, and a meal at an average restaurant costs around DKK 130.

Career Opportunities and Post-Graduation Benefits

One of the main advantages of studying in Denmark is the strong focus on employability. Many universities have partnerships with leading companies and industries, allowing students to gain practical experience through internships and project collaborations. Graduates from Danish institutions are highly valued in the job market due to their strong theoretical background combined with hands-on skills.

For non-EU students, Denmark offers a stay-back option. After completing their degree, graduates can extend their residence permit by up to six months to search for a job. This period allows students to gain valuable work experience, which can be crucial for their future careers.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Denmark is an exceptional place for higher education due to its innovative teaching methods, high quality of life, and numerous scholarship opportunities. Studying in Denmark means not just acquiring academic knowledge, but also gaining exposure to a multicultural and dynamic environment.

If you are considering studying in Denmark, we recommend researching the admission requirements and scholarship opportunities offered by each university carefully. Moreover, take the time to explore Denmark’s unique social environment, its eco-friendly culture, and overall high standard of living. Whether you’re aiming for academic success or personal growth, Denmark provides an excellent platform for your journey.

Ready to start your journey? Begin researching Danish universities today and take the first step toward an enriching academic experience in the heart of Scandinavia!