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Study in Denmark

Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.

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About studying in Denmark

Thinking about studying in Denmark? The country is in Northern Europe, with higher education centred on cities such as Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.

Students interested in conservation, energy and pharmaceuticals may find the local context especially relevant. The main language is Danish; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.

Why study in Denmark?

Students choose Denmark for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Northern Europe. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.

  • Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Energy, Oil & Gas and Pharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, with options differing between universities.
  • Industry context: Conservation, energy and pharmaceuticals matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
  • Cities and campus life: Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
  • Culture and language: living in Denmark means everyday contact with Danish and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
  • European mobility: as part of the European Union, Denmark takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.

Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.

Top subjects to study in Denmark

If you are not sure where to start, these areas connect well with Denmark’s economy and higher-education offer. The list is a starting point rather than a ranking.

Courses connected to conservation, energy and pharmaceuticals can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Denmark on this site, with its specializations.

When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.

Subjects to study in Denmark

Explore subject areas available for students planning to study in Denmark.

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Universities in Denmark

Explore universities in Denmark and discover study options for international students.

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Scholarships to Study in Denmark

If you need financial support to study in Denmark, it helps to know where funding usually comes from.

  • government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Denmark
  • universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
  • foundations, charities and international organisations
  • research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
  • European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part

Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.

Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.

Intakes to study in Denmark

In Denmark, the main intake for many programmes is usually around August or September. Some institutions also admit students around February, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.

Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.

Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.

A simple planning checklist:

  • shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
  • prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
  • apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
  • allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation

Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.

Cost of studying in Denmark

The cost of studying in Denmark depends on the institution, the programme, the level of study and, sometimes, your nationality. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.

When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:

  • application and registration fees
  • course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
  • health insurance and any visa or permit costs
  • accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme

Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.

It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.

Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.

Student visa requirements to study in Denmark

Your offer letter is usually only the first step: most students from abroad also need the right permission to enter and stay in Denmark for their studies. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.

Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:

  • an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
  • a valid passport and passport photos
  • evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
  • health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
  • proof of language ability or previous qualifications

Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: New to Denmark, the Danish authorities' official portal (official government website).

Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.

Cost of living in Denmark

Day-to-day costs in Denmark are shaped by where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and how you get around. Costs in Copenhagen can differ noticeably from those in Aarhus or Odense and smaller towns.

The main costs to plan for are:

  • Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
  • Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
  • Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
  • Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
  • Insurance and health: any required health cover
  • Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life

Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.

Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.

FAQs about studying in Denmark

What are the advantages of studying in Denmark?

It depends on your goals. Denmark offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Northern Europe and study in Danish (with some English-taught options). Students interested in conservation, energy and pharmaceuticals may find the local context especially relevant.

What subjects can I study in Denmark?

Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Energy, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Sciences and Creative Arts, Design & Communication. The subjects page for Denmark lists every subject available here with its specializations.

When should I apply to universities in Denmark?

Many programmes start around August or September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.

How much does it cost to study in Denmark?

Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.

Do international students need a visa to study in Denmark?

EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as New to Denmark, the Danish authorities' official portal.

Are scholarships available for international students in Denmark?

Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.

Where do international students live in Denmark?

Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.

Can I study in English in Denmark?

Many courses are taught in Danish. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.

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