Study in Denmark

Denmark is located in northern Europe and is part of Scandinavia. The country consists of the Jutland peninsula, the larger islands of Zealand, Funen, and Lolland-Falster and 429 other named islands between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, 72 of which are inhabited. Danish higher education has a long tradition of combining academic excellence with innovative research and teaching. High academic standards, interdisciplinary studies and project based activities ensure active and motivating learning environments. Most Danish higher education institutions benefit from their co-operation with business, industry and research institutes, creating an enriching and vibrant learning environment for their students. Danish higher education institutions offer a range of opportunities for international students. The institutions are highly international and offer a large number of programs taught in English.

QUICK FACTS

Capital : Copenhagen
Currency : Danish krone (DKK)
Language : Danish (English and German widely spoken)
Time zone : GMT +1
Major cities : Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg.
Area  : 43,075 km2
Calling code : +45

Student Cities

Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is one of Europe’s oldest cities. It houses the top university in Denmark, the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark that is located on the suburbs of Copenhagen, in the province of Lyngby. It is one of the best student cities in the world that consists of major attractions, student activities and multicultural mixture of students from different parts of the world.

Aarhus
Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city located on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula. Rated as one of the happiest cities in the world, it has loads of park and is a hub for foodies serving traditional Danish food, new Nordic cuisine as well as Mediterranean and Asian food. Aarhus is home Aarhus University which is one of the best 200 Universities in the world.

Odense
Located on the island of Funen, which sits between main peninsula Jutland and largest island Zealand, Odense is Denmark’s third most populous city. It is noteworthy for being the birthplace of famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, known for his innovative fairy tales, and is also rich in Viking-era history. University-wise, Odense is the location of the main  campus of the University of Southern Denmark that has vibrant life of the large student population. Odense is the up and coming location of choice for many large industries, particularly robotics, making it a good choice for students looking to benefit from its excellent employment prospects.

Aalborg
An industrial city towards the north of Jutland, Aalborg is Denmark’s fourth largest city. The city is a buzzing hub for culture, knowledge and research suitable for students. It houses Aalborg University which ranks 305th World wide in the QS World University Rankings 2019.

Why Denmark

Top-Ranked Universities

The Universities of Denmark are ranked high among the universities of the world. They boasts a high international student enrollment rate with a myriad of courses from which the students can choose. The Universities enjoy welcoming international students and offers a number of courses in English. Denmark hits the list of “Happiest countries of the world” every year. A large per capita Income, healthy life expectancy, Gender equality, lack of corruption in leadership, a sense of social support, freedom to make life choices, and a culture of generosity, etc. are a few things that keeps Denmark ahead of other countries.

Grants and Scholarships

The Universities of Denmark offer many scholarships to international students. Many universities offer scholarships, grants, or financial aid to help fund the education and there are scholarships which are unique to the student’s goals.

Unique Social Life & Traditions

In Denmark the social life and traditions are unique. International students can also enjoy the uniqueness as they are involved in more social interactions surrounding their studies. The Universities make arrangements for the involvement of the students in their social life and traditions with various activities. Danish students flourish in their studies and attend many festivals and social events to celebrate their way of life.

Diverse Geography

Denmark contains many islands around the mainland. Norway, Sweden and Germany are its neighboring countries and international students can make an easy trip on a weekend. The outdoor activities which can be found in Denmark are unique and fascinating to international students.

Education System in Denmark

The Higher Education sector of Denmark includes:

Universities: Research-based undergraduate and postgraduate programs

University Colleges: Academy Profession and Professional Bachelor’s programs

Artistic Higher Education Institutions: Research and/ or artistically based UG & PG programs

Business Academics: Academy Profession and joint Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The programs offered in Denmark are:

Undergraduate Degree

  • Academy Profession Degree: 2 years (120 ECTS) offered by Professional Higher Education or a University College
  • Professional Bachelor’s Degree: 3-4 years (180-240 ECTS) awarded by University College
  • Business Academy Bachelor’s Degree: 3.5 year (220 ECTS) awarded by Business Academy
  • University Bachelor’s Degree: 3 years (180 ECTS) awarded by University
  • Top Up Degree: 1½ year (90 ECTS) awarded by University College or a Business Academy

Postgraduate Degree

  • Masters Degree: 2 years (120 ECTS) awarded by University Institution
  • PHD Degree: 3 years (180 ECTS) awarded by University or Research Institution or an Artistic Higher Education Institution

Providers in Denmark:

INTAKES
The major intakes in Denmark are:

  • September
  • January

The admission deadline is March for September intake and September for January intake.

Cost Of Education In Denmark

Tuition fees in Danish Universities and colleges vary according to the courses. Tuition fees basically start from 45,000 DKK to 120,000 DKK per year. Students will have to pay 50% of the tuition fees in advance.

COST OF LIVING
Denmark has the highest living standards in the world. The living expenses depend on the lifestyle and habits. A rough estimation of the cost includes:

Type Approx. cost of living per month
Rent 3000-5000 DKK (included utilities)
Insurance 200 DKK
Books and Supplies 250-500 DKK
Mobile Phone 150 DKK
Transport 300 DKK
Other Personal expenses 1000 DKK

Required Test

All higher education programs in Denmark require a high standard of English Proficiency. For the purpose, the language tests TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge ESOL examinations (CAE) are often used. The score equivalents are determined by the individual institution. Usually, the entry requirement is IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate and IELTS 6.5 for postgraduate studies.

Many Danish universities offer English programs so English Proficiency scores are mandatory.

Bachelor degree: Year 12 with 60% and IELTS 6.0

Masters Degree: Bachelor from a recognized provider and IELTS 6.5

An equivalent score of Toefl or Cambridge ESOL (CAE) is acceptable

Admission Procedure

The fulfillment of academic and English requirements ensures the offer of a place in an institution. The required documents for the procedure include:

  • Academic documents
  • Copy of passport
  • Motivation Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • IELTS/TOEFL documents
  • Two recommendation letters from college
  • Work Experience (If any)
  • Marriage Certificate (For married applicants)

RESIDENCE PERMIT (LONG TERM STAY)
Those studying in Denmark for more than three months will need to apply for a residence permit. This permit allows non-EU/EEA citizens to work part-time in Denmark for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Once granted, the residence permit will be valid for the duration of your program, so there is no need to worry about renewing it. It is advisable to begin the application process about three months before the arrival date.

The required documents include:

  • An Admission Letter ST1 from university
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Proof of Financial support (36 Lakhs for a single applicant; 45 lakhs with a dependent)
  • A valid passport and a passport photo
  • Visa Application form & visa fees
  • Academic documents legalized from MOFA
  • Police Report

The document checklist for Denmark: Document checklist of Denmark (link within website)

Read about Denmark Residence Permit:

Scholarships

Most Danish institutions have agreements with foreign institutions of higher education. These agreements are usually designed for mutual exchange of students, researchers and teachers. National and European programs offer scholarships for international students wishing to study in Denmark through an institutional agreement, as guest students or as a part of an international double or joint degree. Some of the scholarships in Denmark include:

  • Erasmus Mundus/Joint Master Degree: The Erasmus Mundus program is open to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EAA students. Through the Erasmus Mundus scheme you can apply for a scholarship to undertake specific Master’s degree programs that are offered jointly by a Danish institution and another European university or college. Students and scholars must contact the individual Erasmus Mundus Master courses to learn more about scholarships and application procedures.
  • Danish government scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students: Danish higher education institutions (universities only) receive a limited number of government scholarships each year to fund highly qualified full-degree students from non-EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. In order to be eligible for a scholarship you must be: A citizen of a country outside the EU, the European Economic Area or Switzerland; enrolled in a full degree higher education program and granted a time-limited residence permit in Denmark due to education

Accommodation

Most Danish Universities do not have a tradition of on campus housing so international students live in student halls of residences. Below are some details about the different housing options available to international students in Denmark:

  • Student halls of residence (kollogier): It is one of the cheapest option of accommodation in Denmark with an estimate cost of about 240-460 EUR per month. You can apply for a room through either the ‘Student and Youth Accommodation Office Copenhagen’ (KKIK) or the ‘Central Nomination Committee’ (CIU) however you need to be staying in Denmark for a minimum of two semesters to qualify for this accommodation.
  • University-owned student accommodation: Many universities also own housing that they rent to their students. You can only apply for this accommodation if you are an admitted student.
  • Privately rented room in a house/apartment: The prices for privately rented accommodation fluctuate greatly depending on location, size and quality. The average cost is around 270-600 EUR per month.

Find Student Accommodation in Denmark:

 

Work Prospects

WORKING WHILE STUDYING
International students can work in Denmark for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during June, July and August. However, this requires a work permit sticker in the passport. If the students did not apply for a work permit when applying for a residence permit to study in Denmark, they can apply for one at the Danish Immigration Service.

WORKING AFTER GRADUATION
On graduation from a Danish higher education institution, as a Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen the residence permit will remain valid for an additional six months, allowing students to seek employment in Denmark. In these 6 months, they can work only 20 hours per week and full time during June, July and August.

Learn about work in Denmark:

Permanent Residency

International students can apply for a Green card scheme in Denmark upon completion of their studies. The Danish Green Card scheme is points based work permit scheme that allows them to live and work in Denmark.

Permanent Residency in Denmark:


UseFul Links

  • Study in Denmark:
  • About Denmark:

How do I apply?

The foremost step is to fulfill the academic and English requirement to get admission in the desired course and university. It is advisable to apply before the deadlines with complete documents.

What does ECTS mean?

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is a method of measuring your study program as academic currency. ECTS is used all over Europe and enables you to easily compare study program and transfer your academic qualifications from one educational institution to another.

What types of courses, degrees and study program are there in Denmark?

There are Bachelor, Master and Top up degree available for international students in Business, Computer science and other related fields.

What types of Scholarship can I obtain as a student in Denmark?

There are limited scholarship opportunities offered by Danish Government and Universities. It can depend on your merits or the schemes.

What are the benefits of studying in Denmark?

There are many benefits for choosing Denmark:

Happiest Country in the World

Business hub of Europe

Advanced education system and globally recognized degree

Can I study in Denmark in English?

Many university offer programs in English where you can gain your academic degree easily.

Is IELTS a necessary requirement to study in Denmark?

Yes, IELTS is required to study in Denmark.

How much does it cost to study in Denmark?

For Non EU students, the tuition fees ranges from 45,000 DKK to 120,000 DKK per year per annum.

What are the work rights in Denmark for international students?

During study period, any international student can work up to 20 Hours per week.

What is VFS?

VFS is basically Visa Facilitation Services, it is an outsourcing and technology services company that serves governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages visa and passport issuance-related administrative and non-discretionary tasks for its client government.

Are there any Job Opportunities in Denmark after graduation?

Yes, there are ample job opportunities for working after graduation in Denmark based on your skills set.

What is the cost of living in Denmark?

Living in Denmark can cost around 800-1200 Euros/ Month.