Study abroad in Copenhagen

More about Denmark

The Kingdom of Denmark has a long and interesting history as a constitutional monarchy dating back to the year 1000. Situated in northern Europe, Denmark is surrounded by the Baltic and Northern Seas. The Danes are strongly interwoven with mainland Europe, and have been a member of the European Union since 1973 as well as a part of NATO.

The educational level of the population in Denmark is quite high. Tuition is free, and compulsory education lasts for nine years. Adult learning plays a considerable role in the educational system, and Denmark is known for its local associations at grassroots level.

Education in Denmark

Danish higher education has a long academic tradition combining excellence with a dynamic and innovative culture. High education standards, interdisciplinary studies and project-based activities are a few features students experience by studying in Denmark. The Danes invest around 8 percent of the Gross Domestic Product into their education system, which has proven to be successful – the number of Nobel Prizes per capita is the third highest in the world.

The quality of higher education in Denmark is regulated and financed by the state and evaluated regularly. Schools have a high degree of independence, but must also follow the national regulations on teacher qualifications, award structures and external evaluation of their study programs.

By studying In Denmark, students can choose between earning an internationally recognized degree or adding credits to their national degree. At the same time, they experience the Danish culture, society and way of living. Many higher education institutions cooperate with business and research institutions, bringing about an enriching and up-to-date schooling environment.

The Danish Higher Education Institutions

Several schools in Denmark offer summer education courses taught in English, providing students with a wonderful opportunity to experience Denmark at its best. Students who want to stay longer may choose from three types of higher education schools:

• Universities

• University-colleges

• Academies of Professional Higher Education

These education institutions cooperate in various areas making transferring credits between institutions easy. Most schools in Denmark use the European credit transfer system, ECTS, so international credit transfer is also possible.

Universities in Denmark

Universities in Denmark include Copenhagen University, Aarhus University, Denmarks Technical University, Syddansk University and Aalborg University, which cover a vast field of research areas. These education institutes offer three types of academic degrees:

• 3-year bachelor programs (BSc/BA).
• 2-year candidatus programs (MSc/MA).
• 3-year PhD programmes

In Denmark, university education programs are held at faculties in the larger cities, either built up with multi-faculty institutions or in specialized institutions such as technical science, agriculture and veterinary science, business and architecture.

International students in Denmark may choose to study a full degree program, either through an exchange student education program or a summer university program. Many of the education programs and courses offered in Denmark are taught in English.

University Colleges in Denmark

University Colleges are schools which have a professional focus and combine theoretical studies with applied research and practical application. Most of the University Colleges in Denmark have a strong regional commitment and offer 3- to 4 ½-year professional bachelors programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, IT, nursing and social work. These bachelors programs include a larger project and work placements.

Academies of Professional Higher Education

The Danish Academies of Professional Higher Education have a very strong linkage with the regional business life in Denmark. These education institutions cooperate with universities to combine theoretical studies with a practice-oriented education. The programs generally last around two years and are usually completed with a project of 3 months' duration.

Education in Denmark is an exciting opportunity for students from all over the world to study for a university or other schooling degree in a beautiful, historical country.

To learn more about studying abroad in Denmark, check out our informative Study in Denmark guide!