Study in Denmark for international students is an attractive destination featuring 8 public universities, over 15 university colleges, and approximately 7 private institutions that collectively offer more than 700 programs taught in English. Students can choose from various fields, including engineering, IT, business, design, life sciences, and environmental studies. Typically, bachelor’s programs span 3 years, master’s programs last 2 years, and PhD programs take about 3 years to complete. Admission requirements generally include a minimum academic score of 50–60%.
Tuition fees at public universities range from €6,000 to €16,000 per year, while private institutions charge between €10,000 and €20,000 annually. Monthly living expenses are estimated to be between €800 and €1,100. Scholarships such as the Danish Government Scholarship, Erasmus+, and Nordplus are available to help alleviate costs. For student visa applications, a bank statement demonstrating around DKK 81,240 (about €10,881), is required, with a remarkable 95% visa approval rate, making Denmark a prime choice for studying abroad.
Quick Facts About Studying in Denmark for International Students
This table provides key details about studying in Denmark, covering academics, costs, scholarships, visa process, and student life for international applicants.
Feature | Details |
Teaching Language | English / Danish |
Country | Europe |
Top Public Universities |
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Course Duration |
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Application Fee | Approximately €100 per university |
Minimum Education Required |
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Is IELTS Required? | Not mandatory (MOI accepted by many universities) |
Scholarships Available |
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CGPA Requirement | 2.5+ (varies by program) |
Part-time Work Hours | Up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time in summer |
Average Monthly Expense | €800–€1,100 |
Total Annual Expense | €15,000–€20,000 (including tuition) |
Admission Processing Time | 4–8 weeks |
Visa Processing Time | 2–4 weeks |
Visa Success Rate | 95% |
Leading Universities in Denmark for International Students
Denmark boasts several world-class institutions that provide high-quality education, innovative teaching methods, and globally recognized degrees across various disciplines. Below are some of the top universities that attract numerous international students each year.
University | Popular Programs | Tuition (€/year) |
University of Copenhagen | Life Sciences, Law, Humanities | €8,000 – €15,000 |
Aarhus University | Engineering, Business, Arts | €8,000 – €15,300 |
Technical University of Denmark (DTU) | Engineering, Technology, IT | €13,500 – €15,000 |
Copenhagen Business School | Business, Finance, Management | €10,000 – €16,000 |
University of Southern Denmark (SDU) | Engineering, Social Sciences | €6,000 – €13,000 |
Roskilde University | Communication, Social Sciences | €6,000 – €9,000 |
Scholarships Available in Denmark for International Students
Denmark provides a variety of government-funded, university-specific, and EU-supported scholarships that assist international students in reducing tuition fees and living expenses, making high-quality education more accessible.
Scholarship Name | Provider | Benefits | Eligibility |
Danish Government Scholarship | Ministry of Higher Education | Full or partial tuition waiver + monthly stipend | Non-EU students with strong academics |
Erasmus+ Program | European Union | Fully funded semester/year in Europe | Enrolled in participating institutions |
Nordplus Scholarship | Nordic Council of Ministers | Study mobility grants within Nordic countries | Students in Nordic institutions |
University Excellence Scholarships | Individual universities | €1,000–€10,000 tuition reduction | High-achieving students |
Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers | Select Danish universities | Tuition fee coverage | Merit-based selection |
Tuition Fees & Living Costs in Denmark
Studying in Denmark offers a blend of high-quality education and reasonable expenses, as both public and private universities provide competitive tuition rates and manageable living costs compared to other Western European nations.
Expense | Annual Cost (€) |
Bachelor’s Tuition (Public) | €6,000 – €13,000 |
Master’s Tuition (Public) | €8,000 – €16,000 |
Private Universities | €10,000 – €20,000 |
Accommodation | €3,600 – €6,600 |
Food & Utilities | €3,000 – €4,500 |
Health Insurance | €200 – €500 |
Total Annual Budget | €15,000 – €20,000 |
Tip: Cities like Odense and Aalborg generally have lower living costs compared to Copenhagen.
Admission Process (Step-by-Step)
The process of applying to study in Denmark is straightforward, especially with the assistance of experienced educational consultants who can help in selecting universities, preparing documents, applying on time, and tracking visa approvals.
Choose a Program & University
Educational consultants provide free counseling to help students select the right university and program based on their academic background, budget, and career aspirations. Denmark offers over 700 English-taught programs across various fields.
Check Requirements
Most programs require:
- High school completion (for Bachelor’s) or a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)
- Minimum 50–60% academic score
- IELTS 6.0 or MOI (Medium of Instruction) accepted by many universities
- Valid passport (with at least 1-year validity)
Prepare Documents
Required documents include:
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- IELTS/MOI proof
- Recommendation letters (if required)
Fill the Application Form
Educational consultants apply on behalf of the student, ensuring all documents are accurately prepared and submitted to avoid delays. Once the university reviews the application, students receive either a conditional offer letter (requiring additional documents, language proof, or tuition deposit) or an unconditional offer letter confirming direct admission.
Pay Initial Tuition Deposit
The next step involves paying the initial tuition deposit to secure the seat. After the fee payment, the university issues the official admission confirmation, and students can proceed with the visa process.
Denmark Student Visa Requirements
To apply for a Danish long-term student visa, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Valid passport
- University admission letter
- Proof of tuition payment
- Proof of accommodation in Denmark
- Bank statement showing DKK 6,767/month (~€906) for 12 months
- Health insurance coverage
- Completed visa application form & passport photos
FAQs
Can international students stay in Denmark after graduation?
Yes, students can stay up to 2 years after graduation to seek employment under the post-study work visa scheme.
Is healthcare free for international students in Denmark?
Students with residence permits and who register with CPR enjoy free access to Denmark’s public healthcare system.
Are programs in Denmark taught fully in English?
Yes, Denmark offers over 700 full-degree programs in English, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels.
Can international students bring dependents to Denmark?
Yes, students can bring spouses or children, but they must show additional financial proof for living expenses.
Is Denmark safe for international students?
Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a welcoming environment for students.
Do students get travel discounts in Denmark?
Yes, students with valid ID cards receive discounts on public transport, museums, and cultural activities.
What is the grading system in Denmark?
Danish universities use a 7-point grading scale, with 12 being the highest grade.
Do Danish universities require interviews for admission?
Some universities may conduct online interviews, particularly for competitive programs, but it’s not always mandatory.
Can international students open a bank account in Denmark?
Yes, students can open a Danish bank account after obtaining a CPR number and residence permit.
How multicultural is student life in Denmark?
Very multicultural—universities host students from over 100 countries, fostering global networking and cultural exchange.