Study Abroad
Study in Denmark
The Kingdom of Denmark has, despite its relatively small size, often punched above its weight internationally. Vikings raiding from Denmark and the other Nordic nations changed the course of 9th- and 10th-century European history; in the Middle Ages, the Union of Kalmar united all of Scandinavia under Danish leadership.
In recent times, Denmark has been known for its modern economy and extensive welfare system, while enjoying an often difficult relationship with the European Union.
Denmark has a mild climate with no extremes of heat or cold. In the light summer months of June to August, the average daytime temperature is 66ºF (19ºC) and in the coldest month of February the average is 34ºF (1ºC). Being a coastal country Denmark can be rather wet and windy.
The weather in Copenhagen is mild through all the four seasons. Summers bring temperatures averaging around 68°F (20°C), while in mid-winter temperatures hover just above or below zero. Rainfall is moderate too, but spread throughout the year, so showers are possible in any season. Grey skies are the norm rather than the exception in Copenhagen.
The total population of Denmark is 5.3 million and the population density is 120 people per square kilometre. The capital is Copenhagen, which has approximately 1.2 million inhabitants. Copenhagen – often called the Paris of the North – has an old, historical centre and a large network of pedestrian streets, bicycle paths and parks.
Denmark's official language is Danish, and most people understand and speak English. The number of immigrants has doubled over the past 20 years and now account for about 5 per cent of the population.
Education in Denmark is provided free of charge at all levels and there are nine years of compulsory education. Public expenditure on education and training corresponds to 7 per cent of the country's GDP and around 13 per cent of total public expenditure. Adult learning plays a considerable role in the educational system, and many Danes participate in some kind of formal or informal learning. Denmark is also known for its many local associations and organisations at grassroot level.
International students in Denmark can choose between a range of different programmes:
- Degree Programmes
- Exchange/Visiting Student Programmes
- Individually Designed Programmes
- Summer Schools
Academies of professional higher education ( Erhvervsakademier )
The programmes offered at the academies of professional higher edu-cation combine theory with practice. They are available in a range of disciplines, including business, technology, IT, multimedia, food indus-try, tourism, etc.
The academies are located in both large and small cities and have strong links with local businesses and industry.
The academies are located in both large and small cities and have strong links with local businesses and industry.
The university colleges combine theoretical study with practical application in a range of subject areas. Work placements are always included in the programmes, which prepare you to enter specific professions. Courses are offered in areas such as business, education, engineering, IT, nursing, social work, etc.
Some university colleges are located in large cities and others in more tranquil surroundings in small towns. Most of the institutions have a regional engagement and strong links with local businesses and industry.
Some university colleges are located in large cities and others in more tranquil surroundings in small towns. Most of the institutions have a regional engagement and strong links with local businesses and industry.
The general admissions requirements for PhD studies include a Candidatus/Master's degree or equivalent (comparable to the Danish two-year Candidatus/Master's degree) In some areas, a four-year PhD programme is offered to students who have completed a Bachelor's qualification and one year of study at postgraduate level.
There are three types of institutions – each with a different profile but all offering high quality education. This gives you a great variety of study options – not least because the different institutions co-operate in various areas and there are different credit transfer opportunities. So there are plenty of opportunities regardless of whether you are interested in a research-oriented programme or one which is more professionally oriented and applied.
International students wishing to study a full Danish degree programme should be aware that admission requirements vary from programme to programme.
You are eligible to apply for admission to an undergraduate programme if you hold a qualification comparable to a Danish qualifying examination. Please check whether your qualifications are recognised in Denmark. We would advise you to contact the institution you are interested in for more information about the specific admission requirements.
All programmes require a high proficiency in English. For admission to programmes in Danish, you are also required to prove that you have a sufficiently high level of Danish by taking the Studytest of Danish as a Foreign Language ( Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog ) or The Danish Test 2 ( Danskprøve 2 ). Some programmes may require that you have passed The Danish Test 3 ( Danskprøve 3 ). In addition, some of the study programmes have additional admission requirements, such as prior studies of a specific subject area or areas, practical work experience etc.
All programmes require a high proficiency in English. For admission to programmes in Danish, you are also required to prove that you have a sufficiently high level of Danish by taking the Studytest of Danish as a Foreign Language ( Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog ) or The Danish Test 2 ( Danskprøve 2 ). Some programmes may require that you have passed The Danish Test 3 ( Danskprøve 3 ). In addition, some of the study programmes have additional admission requirements, such as prior studies of a specific subject area or areas, practical work experience etc.
Admission requirements for Master's programmes (candidatus programmes) are:
- An internationally recognised good Bachelor's degree of good standard or equivalent.
- Proof of proficiency in English
- Proof of proficiency in Danish if the programme is taught in Danish
Each institution is responsible for their own admission, and further information about entrance qualifications, additional tests and potential credit transfer can be obtained at the institutions' admissions offices. However, CIRIUS also provides general information on assessment of foreign qualifications for admission to the Danish higher education programmes.
Higher education in Denmark is usually provided free of charge for all EU/EEA students and for students who are participating in an exhange programme. All other students have to pay a tuition fee. Annual tuition fees for full-time degree students range from 6,000 to 16,000 Euro.
For full degrees or part of a degree
The Danish Ministry of Education has launched a new scholarship programme for students from non-EU/EEA countries studying specified subjects at Academies of Professional Higher Education and University Colleges. Scholarships and tuition fee waivers are available for highly talented students who have been admitted to a range of programmes.
The universities have their own scholarships. Please enquire about this at the institution when you apply for admission.
Through the Erasmus Mundus scheme, it is possible to apply for a scholarship to undertake specific Master's degree programmes offered jointly by a Danish institution and other European institutions.
Through the Erasmus Mundus scheme, it is possible to apply for a scholarship to undertake specific Master's degree programmes offered jointly by a Danish institution and other European institutions.