Denmark, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, is a Nordic country and the southernmost of the Scandinavian nations. Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe bordering the Baltic and the North Sea. Neighboring countries include Germany, Norway, and Sweden. The government system is a constitutional monarchy; the chief of state is the queen, and the head of government is the prime minister. Denmark boasts a modern market economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. Denmark is a member of the European Union (EU).
Denmark's location makes it a gateway to other Scandinavian countries and the rest of Europe. Berlin is just an hour’s flight away. London and Paris can be reached in less than two hours. And Barcelona, Rome, Vienna and Prague are all just a few hours flight away.
Denmark tops happiest country in the world 2017. Denmark ranks highly on all the main factors found to support happiness: caring, freedom, generosity, honesty, health, income and good governance, and comes in second to Norway in this year's World Happiness Report.
Why Study in Denmark
Danish Qualifications are recognized throughout the world. As an international student in Denmark you can expect world-class education in areas such as Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, Social Sciences and IT. You will also be studying in a safe, friendly and innovation-driven environment.
In Denmark, higher education is focused on bringing about solutions for the real-world. Thus, traditional lectures are combined with industrial collaborations and teaching methods that promote students’ ability to use what they have learned and to turn new knowledge into innovative solutions.
The Danish educational system is designed to promote creativity, innovation, analytical and critical thinking. As a student in Denmark, you will be met by an up-to-date learning environment where you can learn from industry experts and undertake internships in internationally recognized organizations.
Furthermore, global partnerships between higher education institutions, businesses, science parks and public research institutes ensure that study and research in Denmark reflect the latest knowledge and meet the needs of a global labor market.
Following could be the top reasons for choosing Denmark as your study destination:
- More than 700 programs and 1300 courses taught in English
- An innovative education system of high international quality
- Close collaboration between students and teachers
- Well organized, friendly and safe study destination
- Country with the happiest people in the world
- The least sullied country
- The highest level of income equality in the world
The education system of Denmark has got several parts. In Denmark, basic education is must or compulsory. From grade one to ten is called Folkeskole. After achieving graduation from Folkeskolen, students qualify to study various courses. Some of them are Gymnasium, Higher Preparatory Examination, Higher Technical Examination Program, Higher Commercial Examination Program and Vocational Education. All of the above mentioned courses’ main priority is to prepare students for their higher education in colleges and universities.
Denmark teaching system comprises superiority in both research and teaching with mixture of innovative culture. Teacher and students interact and discuss to generate ideas which increase the effectiveness of teaching. The teaching system includes international approach of teaching which is being liked all around the globe. Denmark is full of unprejudiced people with worldwide knowledge and outlook. Colleges and universities are in franchise with various commercial and financial institutions which make students get job in easier manner. With all above mentioned features, it really expands the teaching and learning environment. Studying in Denmark is truly global class knowledge.
As an international student you can chose between four types of Danish Educational Institutions:
- University College
- Artistic Higher Education Institutions
- Schools of Maritime Education and Training
And you can choose following Study Levels:
- AP Degree: The Academy Profession programmes, generally of 2 to 2.5 years duration, combine theory with practice and are suited for employment in business and industry. The programmes are available in a range of disciplines, including business, technology, IT, multimedia, food industry, tourism, etc.
- Bachelors Degree: The university Bachelor’s programme is research-based and provides students with a broad academic foundation as well as specialised knowledge. The programmes qualify students to enter the labour market and to pursue post-graduate studies. The duration of Bachelors Degree program is generally 3 years.
- Professional Bachelors Degree: The Professional Bachelor’s programmes combine theoretical study with practical application in a range of subject areas such as business, education, engineering, IT, nursing, social work, etc. Work placements are always included in the programmes, which prepare students to enter specific professions. The duration of Professional Bachelors Degree program is 3.5 to 4.5 years.
- Top Up Degrees: Top up degree programs are designed to students who do not meet Academic requirements for direct entry into Masters degree program. This program is generally 1 to 1.5 years in duration.
- Masters Degree: Master’s programme is research-based and gives students a theoretical knowledge combined with the ability to apply this practically. Upon completion of the pro¬gramme, students can enter the labour market or undertake further studies (PhD). Masters degree is generally a 2 years program.
- PHD Programs: The PhD programme is research-based and contains independent research, teaching, par¬ticipation in research networks and often placements at other, primarily foreign, research institutions. The PhD programme holds various opportunities for financial support.
Please note the possibility for more flexible PhD programmes at individual Universities.
- There are generally 2 intakes for studies in Denmark. The summer intake (August/September) and the winter intake (January/February). Jan/Feb is however considered as minor intake and only limited courses are available for this intake.
- September 1 for Jan/ Feb intake. Some programs however have deadline extended till October 1.
- March 15 for August/September intake.
Bachelors Degree: 13 Year of education (10+2 & 1 year completion in University Level) with IELTS overall 6.5 (No band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Masters Degree: 4 Years Bachelors Degree from relevant bachelors background with IELTS overall 6.5 (No band less than 5.5) or equivalent
- Updated CV if Applicable
- Motivation Letter if Applicable
- Work Experience certificates if any
- Recommendation Letters from previous college/ employers if applicable
Education Costs & Scholarships
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees in Danish education institutions vary upon choice of institutions/programs. Annual tuition fees will cost something between DKK 43000 to DKK 120, 000. Students are required to pay initial 6 months tuition fees in minimum as 1st installment tuition fee. Students will have to transfer this fee into University’s account directly once they are offered a place of study.
Living Cost: With no doubt Denmark is one of the expensive destinations to live in. Importantly, Denmark is also one of the highest paying destinations. As per government defined living standards an international student will require DKK 5941 per month to cover his/her living expenses.
Erasmus Mundus/Joint Master Degree
The Erasmus Mundus programme is open to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EAA students. Through the Erasmus Mundus scheme you can apply for a scholarship to undertake specific Master's degree programmes. The courses are offered jointly by a Danish institution and another European university or college. Students and scholars must contact the individual Erasmus Mundus Master courses to learn more about scholarships and application procedures.
Danish government scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students
Danish higher education institutions receive a limited number of government scholarships each year to fund highly qualified full-degree students from non-EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
In order to be eligible for a scholarship you must be:
- Enrolled in a full degree higher education programme
- Granted a time-limited residence permit in Denmark due to education
The scholarships are administered by the Danish institutions of higher education, each of which decides which students will receive a scholarship. For further information about the government scholarship, you can consult the admission details of the higher education institution of your choice.
Please note: The government scholarship consists of two parts and can be given as full or partial tuition fee waivers and/or grants towards covering your living costs. However, since the
PR (Permanent Resident)
- Generally, you can get your permanent residence permit in 7 years of continuous residence in Denmark. (there are some other instances, but those you can read about at www.nyidanmark.dk ,
- You should have no criminal record.
- Same or similar visa. As explained well in the aforementioned episode, you need to have the same or similar type of visa during your entire stay. E.g. if you have 4 years of student visa majoring in mechanical engineer and right after graduation you get a full-time job as an engineer at Danfoss and have worked for 3 years. Those years will be counted as 7 under your belt. However, if you studied on a marketing manager and then got a job as a journalist (because you have some previous work experience), the chances that they count that as 7 years all together are much slimmer.
- Dansk Prøve 3 or Dansk Prøve 2. Danish language exam is another requirement. You need to pass that exam, ideally within the first 3 years of your stay. The reason being, the Danish education is free only for the first 3 years. If not, then you will have to pay around 500 DKK per half semester (as far as I remember).
- If you are employed you need to submit along with your application a job contract and the letter of employment, where ideally it should say what you do, your duties/responsibilities as well as your strength. It would be perfect if your employer could emphasize the fact why it is you who got hired for the position.
The Five biggest cities in Denmark
The most popular areas to live in Denmark are in its largest cities: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg or Odense. The north of Copenhagen is more expensive than the south.
Copenhagen is the biggest and capital city of Denmark situated on the Zealand Island’s eastern coast. A small section of the city is also located on the Amager Island. The city is home to several major universities of the country like the University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark, and more. It is one of the world's greenest cities and is also famous for being bicycle-friendly. The Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup is the largest airport in the Nordic countries. The city houses major attractions like Rosenborg Castle Gardens, Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid Statue, several restaurants, nightclubs, and museums.
Ranking second among the biggest cities in Denmark, Aarhus is located on the Jutland Peninsula’s east coast, 187 km northwest of Copenhagen. The industrial revolution led to the rapid development of the city, and today it is the economic and cultural core of the region. The city ranks among the top 100 conference cities in the world. Aarhus is the country’s important industrial port and trade hub with major Danish companies having their headquarters in the city.
The third largest Danish city of Odense is located on the island of Funen, 167 km southwest of Copenhagen. The area in and around the city has a long history of settlement of over 4,000 years. Odense houses some of the major industries of the region like the GASA and the Albani Brewery. The tourist attractions here include the Odense Palace, Odense Theatre, Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the Odense Symphony Orchestra, etc.
Aalborg ranks fourth among the biggest cities in Denmark. The industrial and university city is located in the North of Jutland, 118 km north of Aarhus. Aarhus has served as an important harbor since the middle Ages and later became a major industrial center in the country. The city’s architecture displays half-timbered mansions that were built by wealthy merchants of the past. Aalborg is an important cultural hub in the country and houses several museums, palaces, orchestras, theaters, and more. The end of May Aalborg Festival is one of the biggest festivals held in the Scandinavian region.
The city of Frederiksberg is an affluent Danish town that is part of the Capital Region of the country. There are vast tracts of green spaces in the town and some attractions considered to be part of Copenhagen like the Copenhagen Zoo are actually part of Frederiksberg.