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Study in Denmark: Application Process

Interested in studying abroad in Denmark? Our Study in Denmark guide will outline the application and admission process for universities in Denmark, as well as information about the Danish higher education system.

Mar 29, 2017
Copenhagen, Denmark

The entry requirements and application process vary depending on institution and program. However, there are a few commonalities which will be covered here:

Entrance qualifications

Undergraduate programs

For admission to a Bachelor’s degree program, you will need certificates of prior educational qualifications, complete with original stamps and signatures.

Qualifications from other countries are usually eligible. To improve your application, you might want to assess how your educational qualifications correspond to Danish ones at https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency.

You can obtain detailed information about entrance qualifications, potential credit transfers and additional tests from the individual institution's admissions office.

Find a program

Want to study in Denmark? Find & compare programs

Postgraduate programs

To embark on a Master’s program in Denmark, a Bachelor’s that is relevant to your chosen subject matter and worth the same number of credits as a Danish degree (180 ECTS) is required.

For admission to a PhD, you usually need to have a recognized Master’s or the equivalent in ECTS. In some cases, a longer four-year PhD program is offered to students who have a Bachelor’s degree plus one year of postgraduate study.

Proof of language proficiency

Many programs in Danish universities are taught in English and require a high standard of English.

Applicants to undergraduate and postgraduate programs taught in English must prove their English proficiency comparable to ‘English B’ in the Danish upper secondary school system as a minimum. 'English A' - one level higher than 'English B' - is required for some programs.

International language tests TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge ESOL (CAE) are often used to prove English proficiency.

If you wish to undertake your degree in Danish, you will need to prove your proficiency in Danish by taking the ‘Danish as a Foreign Language’ test (Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog) or ‘Danish Test 2’ (Danskprøve 2). You may need to pass ‘Danish Test 3’ (Danskprøve 3) for some programs.

How to apply

Undergraduate programs

For those applying to study a Bachelor’s degree starting at the beginning of the academic year (August/September), the deadline for admissions is 15 March.

A few institutions have the option for students to commence their studies halfway through the year at the start of the spring semester (January/February), in which case the deadline for applications is 1 September.

Applications are submitted to the national admission website rather than to individual institutions. Application forms can be found online here, and can be submitted from 1 February for the 15 March deadline. Responses to applications are received by 28 July.

Postgraduate programs

Deadlines for applications to postgraduate study vary because programs are run by individual institutions. It is recommended that you contact your chosen institution directly for details.

Study in Denmark - Overview

Over 30,000 international students choose Denmark as their study abroad destination every year. Click here to learn why.

Education System

Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Denmark?Denmark is a popular destination for a variety of students, given its diverse programs and high quality education. Take a minute to find out more about the structure of the education system in Denmark!

Student Visas

Do you need a visa to enter Denmark to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizen status. You will also be required to bring certain documents with you to passport control at the airport, which we cover as well.

Housing & Living Costs

No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Denmark.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition fees for degree programs in Denmark vary depending on the university and program. We've put together information on tuition fees and scholarships in this section.

Language & Culture

Denmark is a country rich in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more!

Programs

Ready to look at education in Denmark? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Denmark today!

Keystone Team

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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.