Overview
Are you considering studying abroad in Denmark? Find out why you should, and what steps to take next, with our guide...Situated at the gateway between northern and western Europe, Denmark may be a relatively small country, but it's a heavyweight study destination. Five of the country’s eight universities proper make the top 400 of the 2012/13 World University Rankings, with the University of Copenhagen leading the way at 51.
Tuition is free for students from the EU and certainly not extravagantly high for those from further afield, and many courses are taught in English (as in other Nordic countries, civilian Danes generally speak quite good English too). This proved to be a combination that 15,807 full degree and 8,678 exchange students could not turn down in the 2009-10 academic year. And you could be joining them – just remember to wrap up warm!
Danish culture
Vikings, Hamlet, existential angst (courtesy of Søren Kierkegaard) – many of the things that we associate with the nation are quite gloomy. But a far more fitting cultural ambassador for the modern nation is the world’s most famous brand of brightly colored building block. (Yes, we’re talking about Lego.)Why? Well, Denmark is actually one of the world’s happiest countries. And there is a lot to be happy about. It is an affluent nation with high wealth equality, it enjoys some of the world’s highest levels of press freedom and gender equality, and it is rich in terms of arts and culture. No wonder Danes have an untranslatable word for a sense of cosiness and contentment (hygge).
In recent years, Denmarks best-known cultural establishments include the world-famous Roskilde music festival, Noma (crowned the best restaurant in the world for the past three years running) and smash-hit television series The Killing.
Search universities in Denmark
Fast Fact
- Constitutional monarchy; current head of state is Queen Margrethe II
- Democracy with unicameral legislature (the Folketing)
- Head of government is prime minister, currently Helle Thorning-Schmidt
- As well as Denmark proper, which consists of the main peninsula Jutland and 406 islands (the biggest of which by far is Zealand), the Kingdom of Denmark also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland
- Came into being as an unified country towards the end of the 10th century CE
- Capital city is Copenhagen
- Member of the European Union, and joins Sweden and Norway as part of Scandinavia (which along with Iceland and Finland constitute the Nordic countries)
- The Danish flag (the Dannebrog – red with a white cross) is the oldest flag currently in use
- It rains, on average, every second day in Denmark
- Denmark is the world’s fifth largest exporter of food (Danish bacon probably has a lot to do with it)
- Official language is Danish or Dansk, but German, Greenlandic and Faroese are also recognized and a large proportion of Danes speak English as a second language
- Currency is Danish Krone, symbol: DKK, DKK1 = US$0.18
- International dialling code is +45
- Uses Central European Time (UTC+1), switching to Central European Summer Time in summer (UCT+2)
Lifestyle
Find out what it's like to be a student in some of Denmark's major cities...
Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital city is one of the most celebrated cities in Europe – if not the world. The heady combination of romantic spires and edgy new architecture, the vibrant and colourful cultural scene, the innumerable cafés and bars, and the consistently high quality of life enjoyed by its residents probably all have something to do with this.But, like all great cities it’s all really down to a certain je ne sais quoi - you’ll just have to visit to find out! It’s not the cheapest place in the world to study, but neither is London or Paris.
As well as the University of Copenhagen, the country’s oldest and most prestigious university (ranked 51 in the World University Rankings), Copenhagen is also home to the Technical University of Denmark, ranked 132, the Copenhagen Business School and the IT University of Copenhagen.
More about Copenhagen >
Aarhus
Aarhus, a port town located on the country’s main peninsula, is Denmark’s second city and is home to the country’s second highest ranked university, Aarhus University; 89 in the 2012/13 World University Rankings.Like Copenhagen, it has a rich history and a stunning historical quarter – including not one but two 13th century cathedrals – as well as a rich cultural scene and plenty of nightlife, courtesy of its large student population. Aarhus can lay claim to the status of happiest city in the world - the conclusion of lifelong research by National Geographic’s Dan Buettner.
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 Hans Christian Andersen. It is also rich with Viking era history; you can see the skeleton of Saint Canute – the country’s patron saint – on display in the city’s historic cathedral.University-wise, Odense is the location of the main campus of the University of Southern Denmark – ranked 318 in the 2012/13 World University Rankings, and resultantly this relatively small city is given an injection of life by the large student population.
Aalborg
An industrial city towards the north of Jutland, Aalborg is home to Aalborg University, which is ranked 352= in the 2012/13 World University Rankings. As you would expect from a large Danish city, it has a lot of well preserved historical architecture, but one of Aalborg’s main draws is Jomfru Ane Gade – a long street which is the center of the city’s café culture and nightlife.It is also home to the largest carnival in Scandinavia, which traditionally occurs towards the end of May. The city’s waterfront is currently enjoying a long term regeneration and rejuvenation project.
Top ten things to do while studying in Denmark
Practical Information
Admissions, entry and visa requirements
- Denmark is part of the European Union. Therefore, as is standard, if you are from anywhere else in the EU/EEA (or Switzerland) you will be treated almost exactly the same as a local student. This means that university is free at all levels. If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you will be required to pay fees. In 2010, these were set at an average of US$18,305.
- Universities are in charge of their own admissions, so apply directly. Various online resources (see below) are available, so you can find out what your secondary qualifications equate to in the Danish system; depending on your country of origin and grades a supplementary year may be required.
- You’ll obviously need to prove you are fluent in the language of tuition, with the level depending on the course and university to which you are applying – as ever, check before you commit to anything.
- Visa requirements also vary according to whether of not you are from an EU/EEA country. Citizens of Nordic countries are treated as exactly as if they were Danish citizens.
Applicants from the EU/EEA or Switzerland:
- You do not need a visa.
- You will need to get a registration certificate – which is simply a confirmation of your rights as an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. In order to get this you will simply need to prove your citizenship and that you have been accepted onto a course of higher education. You will also be required to show that you have sufficient financial means.
- You are allowed to work without restriction, but must have a permit to do so, which you can apply for at the same time as your registration certificate.
Non EU/EEA students:
- Must get a residence permit in order to study in Denmark. In order to get this you must prove you’ve been accepted onto a course; that you can support yourself for your entire degree; that you’ve paid for at least the first semester of your course in advance; and that you can speak Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German. You must apply and obtain this from your the Danish embassy in your home country.
- Your university must also complete part of the form. This should happen before you fill in your part of the application.
- The fee you will have to pay on applying will depend on your country of origin.
- You will need a permit to work, which you can get at the same time as your residence permit. You may only work for 15 hours a week, except for in June, July and August, when you can work full-time.
- Search universities in Denmark
Featured University
Universities Denmark
Universities Denmark is the organization of the eight Danish universities to enhance their cooperation, visibility and impact.
Universities Denmark works to ensure that its members have the best possible conditions for shouldering their responsibility towards research, research-based education and dissemination of knowledge. University management and staff convene at Universities Denmark to discuss issues of common interest, to take joint initiatives, and to communicate with politicians, ministries and partners.
Rector Jens Oddershede, Chairman of the Danish Rectors’ Conference, is also the spokesman of the organization.
For further information please contact the secretariat:
Address
Universities Denmark
Fiolstræde 44, 1. th.
DK-1171 Copenhagen K
Denmark
Phone: (+45) 33 36 98 05
Telefax: (+45) 33 36 98 26
E-mail: dkuni@dkuni.dk
Office hours
Mondays to Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Universities in Denmark
- Aalborg University
- Aarhus School of Architecture
- Aarhus University
- Copenhagen Business School
- Copenhagen University College of Engineering
- Dania Danish Academy of Business and Technology
- Danish National School of Theatre and Contemporary Dance
- IT University of Copenhagen
- Kolding School of Design
- Roskilde University
- Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus
- Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
- Technical University of Denmark
- The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts - The School of Design
- The Royal Danish Academy of Music
- University of Copenhagen
- University of Southern Denmark
Academic Ranking of World Universities
Denmark 
Country Rank Institution World Rank
1
44
2
86
3
151-200
4
201-300
Study Options
Danish higher education institutions offer a range of opportunities for international students. More than 500 programmes are taught in English - all internationally recognised and of high quality
Whether you are interested in a research-oriented programme or more hands-on vocational training you will have plenty of options in Denmark. You can choose between several programmes taught entirely in English:
You can choose between three types of Danish educational institutions:
Admission Requirements
In Denmark, each institution is responsible for its own admissions. Requirements vary from programme to programme. Here is what you need to know about how and when to apply
Assessment of your qualifications
Non-Danish citizens who do not have a Danish entrance examination are eligible for admission if they have qualifications recognised as being comparable to Danish entrance qualifications.
For an official pre-assessment of your qualifications visit http://en.iu.dk/recognition. The assessment briefly states what your qualifications correspond to in Denmark and will improve your application. The assessment serves only as a guideline since the individual institution in Denmark is responsible for its own admissions.
The institution in Denmark will require certified copies of your educational qualifications. That is, you must provide copies with original stamps and signatures, or have two people who are not related to you sign the back of the copy with their name, address and birth date. Some institutions require that they receive the documents directly from the issuing institution. This can often take several months, so be sure to arrange in time.
Further information about entrance qualifications, additional tests and potential credit transfers can be obtained from the institutions' admissions offices. See a list of higher education institutions in Denmark.
General admission requirements
English language requirements
All higher education programmes in Denmark require a high standard of English. Applicants to English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes must, as a minimum, prove English proficiency comparable to 'English B' in the Danish upper secondary school (gymnasium). Some programmes require 'English A', which is one level higher than 'English B'.
To prove a satisfactory proficiency in English, the language tests TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge ESOL examinations (CAE) are often used. The score equivalents are determined by the individual institution, so to be certain check out their language requirements. Based upon a rough average of previous reqirements, here is an estimate of the ranges you can expect:
IELTS TOEFL Cambridge Advanced English
* English B - test score of at least 6.5 points * English B - test scores in the ranges of 550-583 (paper-based), or 213-237 (computer-based test), or 79-93 (internet-based test) * English B - Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
English A - test score of at least 7.0 points English A - test scores in the ranges of 587-610 (paper-based), or 240-253 (computer-based test), or 94-101 (internet-based test) English A – Certificate of Proficiency (CPE)
Note: * Some programmes require 'English A', which is one level higher than 'English B'.
Applicants who are native English speakers are exempted from these test requirements. Also, applicants who can document English proficiency at an equivalent level may contact the institution's International Admission Office to determine if their English level is sufficient.
Requirements for admission into Danish-taught study programmes
If you are able to study in Danish you can find courses and degree programmes taught in Danish at www.ug.dk. For admission into these programmes you must prove a satisfactory level of proficiency in Danish by taking the test called ‘Danish as a Foreign Language’ (‘Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog’) or ‘Danish Test 2’ (‘Danskprøve 2’). Some programmes may require that you have passed ‘Danish Test 3’ (‘Danskprøve 3’). Read more at www.iu.dk.
Note that as an international student you can take Danish lessons for free. In this way you may enroll first in an English-taught undergraduate programme and then continue your education in Danish at the graduate level once you have achieved the required Danish language skills.
Requirements for undergraduate studies
Admission requirements for Bachelor programmes are:
An entrance examination comparable to a Danish upper secondary school leaving certificate
Proof of proficiency in English (see above)
Certain study programmes have additional admission requirements, such as previous study of a specific subject area or practical work experience. For more information on foreign qualifications and entry to Danish higher education, visit www.iu.dk.
Requirements for postgraduate studies
Admission requirements for Candidatus/Master programmes are:
- an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree of good standard or equivalent
- proof of proficiency in English (see above)
- proof of proficiency in Danish, if the programme is taught in Danish (se above)
Requirements for PhD studies
To embark on a PhD, you generally need to have a Master's/Candidatus degree or equivalent. 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. See also current PhD positions
How and when to apply
Undergraduates
For undergraduate studies, the admission deadline is 15 March for courses starting in August or September. A few institutions have additional intakes in January or February. For those courses, the deadline is 1 September. The application forms are available from the institutions approximately two months prior to the deadline. Online application forms can also be found at www.optagelse.dk (read the guide carefully).
Postgraduates
For postgraduate studies, deadlines vary. We recommend that you contact the institution directly for details.
Useful links
Recognition of foreign qualifications
Online application forms - undergraduate studies only (read the guide carefully)
No comments:
Post a Comment