Study in Denmark

Free tuition for EU students, 600+ English-taught programs, problem-based learning, and one of the highest student satisfaction rates in Europe. Here is why Denmark is worth it.

• Tuition is free for EU/EEA/Swiss students; non-EU students pay DKK 45,000-120,000/year (~EUR 6,000-16,000).
• Over 600 English-taught programs, concentrated at master's level but growing at bachelor's.
• Problem-based, flat-hierarchy teaching — you debate professors by their first name.
• Strong post-study options: a job-seeking establishment card lets you stay and look for work after graduation.

A clear roadmap for international students — from choosing your program to enrolment in Copenhagen, Aarhus or Aalborg. Every step, in order, with realistic timelines.

• Start 12 months before your intended September enrolment.
• Non-EU/EEA deadline is usually January 15; EU/EEA often March 15.
• Non-EU students need a SIRI residence permit before arrival; everyone needs a CPR number after.
• Budget up to two months between admission and arrival for the residence permit.

A guide to Denmark's eight universities — Copenhagen, Aarhus, DTU, CBS, SDU, Aalborg and more — plus the 600+ English-taught programs and how to pick the right one.

• Eight public universities; six dominate international applications.
• 600+ English-taught programs, strongest at master's level.
• DTU leads engineering; Copenhagen leads medicine and life sciences; CBS leads business.
• Aalborg University built its degrees around problem-based learning (PBL).

How to apply to Danish universities — optagelse.dk, the January 15 international deadline, IELTS 6.5, prerequisite courses, documents, and the residence permit timeline.

• Most applications run through the national portal optagelse.dk; some master's use university portals.
• Non-EU/EEA deadline is usually January 15 for September; EU/EEA often March 15.
• English-taught programs require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88 (Danish 'English B').
• Missing a prerequisite course (e.g. maths for engineering) is the top rejection reason.

Budget your studies in Denmark — free tuition for EU students, non-EU fees of DKK 45,000-120,000, living costs of DKK 6,000-10,000/month, scholarships and proof of funds.

• Tuition: free for EU/EEA/Swiss; DKK 45,000-120,000/year for non-EU/EEA (~EUR 6,000-16,000).
• Living costs: DKK 6,000-10,000/month; Copenhagen is the priciest city.
• Proof of funds for the residence permit: about DKK 6,694/month (~DKK 80,328/year).
• Danish government and Erasmus+ scholarships exist for non-EU master's students, but they are limited.

The residence permit for studies via SIRI, proof of funds, the all-important CPR number and yellow health card, plus your first-month arrival checklist for Denmark.

• Non-EU/EEA students need a residence permit for studies via SIRI (nyidanmark.dk), not a 'student visa'.
• Proof of funds: about DKK 6,694/month; processing can take up to two months.
• Your CPR number unlocks healthcare, banking, and a digital ID (MitID) — get it first.
• The yellow health card means free doctor and hospital care once you are registered.

Housing, transport, food, hygge and making friends in a reserved culture — the practical guide to daily student life in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.

• Housing is the hard part: start early, use kollegium dorms and verified platforms, avoid deposit scams.
• Cycling is the default; a second-hand bike beats a transport pass in most cities.
• Free healthcare once you have your CPR number and yellow health card.
• Danes are reserved — join clubs and study groups early to build a social life.

Work rights while studying (20 hours/week), the post-study establishment card, the Positive List, SU eligibility for EU students, and how to land a job in Denmark.

• Non-EU students can work 20 hours/week (90 hours/month) in term, full-time in summer (June-August).
• After graduating, non-EU students can apply for an establishment card to job-hunt for up to 2 years.
• EU/EEA students work without restriction and may qualify for the SU grant by working.
• The Positive List speeds work permits in shortage fields like engineering, IT, and health.