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Study Abroad in Denmark: Education in Denmark

Interested in studying abroad in Denmark? Our Study in Denmark guide will outline information about the Danish higher education system.

Jun 17, 2025
Copenhagen, Denmark

As of 2003, the Danish education system follows the same two-cycle model as the rest of Europe, dividing study into undergraduate (Bachelorโ€™s) and postgraduate (Masterโ€™s and PhD/Doctorate). This system serves to facilitate and encourage international mobility within Europe, as the qualifications are equivalent throughout all countries involved in the Bologna agreement.

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Types of education institutions

  • University colleges: Offer 3-4 year professionally orientated programs (Professionshรธjskoler) at a level corresponding to a Bachelor's
  • Universities: Offer long-cycle programs and are either multi-faculty or specialize in fields such as engineering, technology, and business
  • Business Academies (Erhvervsakademier): These institutions offer short-cycle and first-cycle degree programs.
  • Maritime Education and Training Institutions: Provide short-cycle and first-cycle degree programs specific to maritime fields.
  • Artistic Higher Education Institutions: Offer programs in fields like architecture, design, music, and arts at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels.

Types of degrees

Academy Profession degree (erhvervsakademigrad)

This is a pre-Bachelor's qualification obtained after 1.5-2.5 years of study, depending on the amount of ECTS (European credits) required. Programs are geared towards employment in business, industry, and science and entail a minimum three-month work placement. Sometimes, the Academy Profession qualification can be 'topped up' to become a Bachelor's with a further 1.5 years of study.

Professional Bachelorโ€™s degree (professionsbachelorgrad)

Depending on the chosen program, this degree takes 3 to 4 years to complete. It caters to vocational professions, and all programs include a compulsory in-service training period (minimum 6 months). Taking a Professional Bachelor's provides a gateway to a Master's program in the same or a similar field. This degree is awarded after 'topping up' an Academy Profession degree with an extra 1.5 years of study.

Bachelor's programs

  • Bachelor's degree: This takes 3 years to complete and is awarded after 180 ECTS have been obtained. A Bachelor's degree can be awarded in all disciplines apart from the liberal arts, leading to a Master's qualification in a similar field.
  • Bachelor's degree in the arts: This program takes 3 years and is awarded after 180 ECTS. It's a qualification in fine arts, such as architecture, design, music, etc. A filmmaking or musical theatre degree is awarded after 4 years or 240 ECTS. Admission is usually conditional on passing an entrance exam.

Diploma degree (diplomuddannelse)

These are preparatory courses for students assuming highly qualified occupational functions. A Diploma degree must be undertaken before admission to a Master's in such a field. The qualification is awarded after 2 years of part-time study (60 ECTS). Admission to the course requires a relevant educational qualification and at least 2 years of work experience.

Denmark

Masterโ€™s programs

  • Masterโ€™s degree (kandidatgrad)ย : A Master's degree usually takes 2 years to complete and requires 120 ECTS. However, certain programs, such as medicine and veterinary medicine, are longer, taking between 2.5 and 3 years to complete
  • Master's degree within the arts: This qualification caters to the arts, is 2-3 years long, and requires 120-180 ECTS. Music academies also offer a specialist degree that lasts 2 to 4 yearsย following the Master's degree.
  • Master's degree (adult/continuing higher education): This is the postgraduate equivalent of the diploma degree. It prepares students for assuming highly qualified occupational functions. Entry requirements are a Bachelor's in the relevant subject matter and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.

PhD programs

Ph. D.s involve an independent research project. You need to have completed a relevant Master's degree. PhD degrees usually include 8 years of higher education and research. The PhD program itself usually takes 3 years (180 ECTS).

Learn more about studying in Denmark:

Study in Denmark - Overview

Over 25,000 international students choose Denmark as their study abroad destination every year. Click here to learn why.

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, itโ€™s important to create a budget in advance so that youโ€™re prepared. Therefore, weโ€™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!

Application Process

All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to gain acceptance into a university. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Denmark, and what you need to apply, depending on your citizenship.

Programs

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

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