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Complete guide to studying in Denmark

Everything you need to know about becoming an international student in Denmark

Top reasons to study in Denmark:

  • World renowned universities with strong research culture
  • Safe, friendly cities and an excellent quality of life
  • English widely spoken and many English taught degrees
  • Innovative teaching style that values independence and collaboration
  • Ideal base for European travel with great transport links

A quick introduction to Denmark

Situated in Northern Europe and connected to Germany by land, Denmark is a gateway to the Nordic region and part of the European Union. The country is known for its high living standards, modern design, historic Viking heritage, and a strong focus on sustainability. For international students, Denmark offers a blend of academic excellence and a relaxed, balanced lifestyle.

Higher education in Denmark is part of the European Higher Education Area and follows the Bologna process. This ensures that credits earned at Danish universities are recognised across Europe. Teaching is often interactive and project based, encouraging critical thinking rather than memorisation.

Denmark has a long standing reputation for academic quality. Danish universities perform strongly in global rankings, particularly in fields such as engineering, life sciences, sustainability, architecture and social sciences. International students make up a growing percentage of the student population, drawn by the country’s safe environment, modern campuses and wide range of English taught programmes.

Denmark’s regions

Denmark is divided into five administrative regions: Northern Jutland, Central Jutland, Southern Denmark, Zealand and the Capital Region. These regions include diverse landscapes ranging from sandy coastlines and forests to bustling urban centres.

Most major universities are located in the Capital Region or in larger Jutland cities. Each area has its own character. Copenhagen offers a vibrant metropolitan lifestyle, Aarhus has a strong student culture, while Odense, Aalborg and Roskilde provide friendly mid sized communities with plenty of green space.

All universities in Denmark

Denmark’s higher education system

Higher education institutions in Denmark fall into three main categories.

Universities

Danish universities offer academically focused bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Education emphasises research, analytical thinking and group work. Notable universities include the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Aalborg University and the Technical University of Denmark. Many programmes are available entirely in English, particularly at postgraduate level.

University Colleges

University colleges provide professionally oriented programmes that are closely linked to industry. Courses are practical and career focused, with strong placement opportunities. Popular subjects include teaching, nursing, business and applied sciences.

Academies of Professional Higher Education

These institutions deliver shorter, vocationally oriented programmes that combine theoretical study with hands on training. They are well suited to students seeking industry relevant skills in areas such as design, technology, hospitality and business.

Climate

Denmark has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters. Weather can be changeable, so flexible clothing is useful. Rainfall is common throughout the year, and windy conditions are normal due to Denmark’s coastal location.

Summer temperatures usually range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, with long daylight hours that make outdoor activities very popular. Winter temperatures hover around 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, with occasional frost and snowfall, especially further inland. Autumn and spring are mild and pleasant but can be breezy.

Lifestyle and welfare

Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. Life here is safe, calm and structured. International students typically settle in quickly thanks to supportive student services, efficient public systems and widespread English fluency.

Healthcare

Denmark has a highly respected public healthcare system. International students staying for more than three months must register for a CPR number upon arrival, which gives access to free public healthcare.

If you are a non EU citizen
You will need private health insurance to cover you until you receive your CPR number. Once registered, you are entitled to the same medical services as Danish residents.

If you are an EU citizen
Your European Health Insurance Card allows you to access medical treatment until you register for a CPR number and join the Danish healthcare system.

Food

Danish food is simple, fresh and seasonal. Traditional meals often include fish, rye bread, potatoes and dairy products. Student friendly foods such as open sandwiches, pastries, budget friendly lunch menus and international cuisine are widely available.

Breakfast is typically light, lunch is often eaten early and dinner is usually served from around 18:00. University canteens offer affordable meals and there are plenty of supermarkets and bakeries with student friendly prices.

Leisure

Denmark offers a wide range of cultural, social and outdoor activities.

  • Parks, beaches and forests are easily accessible and ideal for cycling, running or picnics
  • Student organisations arrange events, sports and social activities
  • Danish cities have strong arts scenes with museums, theatres, galleries and music venues
  • Hygge, the Danish idea of cosy togetherness, is a big part of everyday life

Cycling is extremely popular and most cities have excellent bike lanes, making it an easy and inexpensive way to get around.

Transport

Public transport in Denmark is clean, efficient and well connected. Trains, buses and metro systems link major cities and rural areas. Student discounts are available on many routes. Cycling is often the quickest way to travel in cities and towns.

International travel is straightforward due to Denmark’s central location and good transport links to Sweden, Germany and the rest of Europe.

Safety

Denmark is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are low and cities are generally peaceful. Standard precautions apply in busy areas, especially around transport hubs, but students usually feel secure and comfortable.

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Languages

The official language is Danish, but most Danes speak fluent English and many university programmes are offered in English. Learning some Danish is helpful for daily life and can improve employment opportunities, especially if you plan to stay after graduating.

University cities

Copenhagen

Denmark’s capital is a lively, international city with world class universities, modern design, historic neighbourhoods and a thriving cultural scene. English is widely spoken and student life is busy and diverse. Living costs are higher here than in other Danish cities, but the quality of life is excellent.

Aarhus

Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city and one of the country’s main student hubs. It is home to Aarhus University and has a strong academic community, a friendly atmosphere and plenty of cultural and social activities. It is slightly more affordable than Copenhagen and easy to navigate by bike.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a northern city with a growing student population and a reputation for innovation. Aalborg University is known for its problem based learning model. The city is compact, affordable and offers a relaxed pace of life.

Odense

Located on the island of Funen, Odense is the home of the University of Southern Denmark. It is a charming, comfortable city with a strong cultural identity and good student facilities.

Roskilde

Roskilde is known for Roskilde University and its famous summer music festival. The town has a creative feel and offers a good balance between academic life, culture and nature. It is only a short train ride from Copenhagen.

Student visa

If you are from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to study in Denmark, although you must register your residence after arrival.

If you are a non EU citizen, you will need a long stay study residence permit. You must apply before travelling to Denmark. The permit allows you to live and study in the country for the duration of your programme and may permit limited part time employment.

Costs of studying

Course fees

Tuition is free for EU and EEA students at public universities. Non EU students pay tuition, which typically ranges from 6,000 to 16,000 euros per year depending on the programme. Fees for technical or specialist subjects may be higher.

Many universities offer scholarships for talented applicants, particularly at master’s level.

Living costs

Denmark is known for its high living standards and living costs reflect this. Student expenses are generally higher than in many other European countries.

Typical monthly student budget:

  • 900 to 1,200 euros in most cities
  • 1,200 to 1,500 euros in Copenhagen

Accommodation is the largest expense. Student housing is competitive, so it is wise to apply early. Food, transport and personal expenses vary by lifestyle, but student discounts help keep costs manageable.

How to apply to university in Denmark

Applications for most programmes are submitted through the national online platform, optagelse.dk, although some postgraduate programmes require direct application to the university.

Common application documents include:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of language proficiency in Danish or English
  • A personal statement
  • Identification documents

Language requirements

Programmes taught in English usually require IELTS or TOEFL scores. Danish taught programmes require proof of Danish language ability.

Competitive programmes

Some subjects, such as medicine, psychology and certain design courses, have restricted entry or additional requirements such as portfolios or interviews.

Application deadlines

Non EU students usually apply by January or February for programmes beginning in September. EU students often have later deadlines, though early application is always recommended.

Job prospects for international students

Employment opportunities in Denmark are strong, especially in fields such as engineering, IT, business, sustainability and healthcare. Speaking Danish is a significant advantage, particularly for long term careers.

EU and EEA students may work freely during their studies. Non EU students may work part time with restrictions and can apply for a job seeking residence permit after graduation.

Internships, networking and university career services all support students seeking employment.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to study in Denmark?

Tuition is free for EU and EEA citizens at public universities. Non EU students pay tuition fees that vary by programme and university.

Am I allowed to work while I study?

Yes. EU students can work without restrictions. Non EU students may work a limited number of hours during term time and full time during holidays, provided their residence permit allows this.