Constantly ranked among the world’s happiest countries, Denmark has eight public universities and numerous schools that welcome international students every year. Thanks to its high English proficiency, wide range of English language programs, and good quality of life, more and more students are wondering how to study abroad in Denmark. Are you one of them?
There are many ways you can study abroad in Denmark. If you’re already enrolled at a college in your country of residence, you can check if your institution has a study-abroad partnership with a Danish university. This way, you can take part in an exchange program while doing your degree.
If your university doesn’t offer exchange programs in Denmark, you can consider researching independent providers. These are usually shorter-term programs that will allow you to take courses in Denmark and get a taste of the country’s culture.
Are there student visa requirements in Denmark?
If you’re coming from a country outside of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland and you want to study in Denmark for over three months, you need a student visa. Keep in mind that the visa process usually takes two months and costs DKK 1,890 (around 270 USD).
For international students who need to apply, the Denmark student visa requirements include:
- Valid passport.
- Admission or approval to a study program in Denmark.
- Bank statement showing that you’re able to support yourself during your studies (as of 2023, this amount is DKK 6,589 per month, which is around 950 USD).
- Language proficiency (you’ll need to understand either English, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, or German).
3 other requirements for studying abroad in Denmark
Besides the student visa requirements in Denmark, you might have more requirements depending on your home university and host university. For the most accurate information, check with your study abroad advisor and refer to the study abroad page of your university.
Here are some of the most common requirements for studying abroad:
- Language proficiency: If your program’s language is English, speaking English will be sufficient. You won’t need to show proof of speaking Danish.
- GPA: It is worth asking your university if you need a GPA above a certain number. Many programs require that you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, but there are programs that make it possible to study abroad with a lower GPA.
- Transcript: Even if you’ll be studying the same subject in Denmark, the curriculum there might be different. To make sure that your courses match what they are offering, you might need to provide a copy of your academic transcript.
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 study abroad programs in Denmark—it’s free!
How to study abroad in Denmark
You’ll find an ideal location to study abroad when you check out Denmark’s range of programs.
Known for its investments in sustainability, innovation, and work-life balance, Denmark has many high-quality universities. The country offers a wide range of programs for international students, whether they are visiting for a year or a semester.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to study abroad in Denmark through your home university:
1. Decide where to go.
First, inquire at your university and ask if they have study abroad partnerships with Danish universities. If they have multiple destinations in Denmark, decide where to go. While Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, is the most popular student hub, Aalborg, Aarhus, and Odense are also popular cities among international students.
If your home university doesn’t offer programs in Denmark (many don’t!), don’t forget that you can study abroad in Denmark with a third-party provider. Most of these organizations make it easy to transfer credit to your home university, but be sure to meet with your study abroad advisor and/or academic advisor to work out the fine details prior to applying.
2. Decide how long you want to study abroad in Denmark.
If you study abroad for a year, you will get to adapt to the new environment and immerse yourself more in the culture. That said, you will definitely need to apply for a student visa since you will be in Denmark for more than a year. Alternatively, you can opt to study abroad for a semester.
While deciding how long you should study abroad, make sure to check the availability of your desired courses, your budget, and what you want to get from the experience overall. Keep in mind that Denmark is an expensive country, and organize your budget according to that. If you’re eligible, you can consider applying for some scholarships.
3. Make sure you meet the requirements.
Academic programs vary from country to country. Depending on what you plan to study, the universities in Denmark may have prerequisite modules. Research your chosen program well, check if you have the necessary GPA, and see if you’ve taken the right type of courses. Again, your study abroad advisor or academic advisor can be a lot of help here!
4. Apply for a visa if necessary.
You found your ideal program, chose a Danish city, made sure you met the application requirements, and got an acceptance letter. Congratulations! Now it’s time to apply for a visa if you need one.
For visas, our best advice is to get it done as soon as possible. Visas can take a long time to process and might require you to submit a lot of documents. Requirements often vary between nationalities so (you guessed it!) consult with your advisors or program coordinator to figure out your next steps.
5. Book your flight and start researching the destination.
Ready to add another stamp to your passport?
Visa, check. Passport, check. Packing list, check. You’re ready to book your flight to Denmark! Don’t skip tips for finding affordable student flights.
While you’re waiting for the big day, you can take the time to learn more about studying in Denmark. Start by searching for student apartments, noting the university’s admission deadlines, and making a study abroad checklist. Learning some basic phrases in Danish also helps you prepare.
3 study abroad programs in Denmark to consider
Even if your university doesn’t offer student exchange programs, there are still ways to go to Denmark as an international student. Thanks to these providers, you can study abroad in Denmark at different times of the year:
1. CIEE Open Campus Block in Copenhagen
- Why? In this program, you will learn all about Copenhagen. How did it become one of the foodie hot spots? How does it attract thousands of travelers with different interests throughout the year? And of course, what makes Denmark one of the happiest countries in the world?
- Topped up with a homestay experience, you will get to experience Danish culture first-hand. Stroll in the bike-friendly streets of the capital, immerse yourself in its colorful architecture, and experience the hygge like a local. (“Hygge” means “quality of coziness that comes from doing simple things.” Yes, Danish has a word for that!)
- Where: Copenhagen
- Read CIEE reviews
2. DIS – Summer Courses
- Why? From sustainability to business, communication to design, DIS offers a wide range of study abroad programs depending on your area of interest. You will get to participate in a study abroad program in Copenhagen, attend study tours related to your field, and get to know Danish culture while living in its beautiful capital city.
- One of the best things about this course is its flexibility—you get to choose your own courses, the cultural activities you want to participate in, and where you want to live.
- Where: Copenhagen
- Read DIS - Study Abroad reviews
3. AIFS Study Abroad: Sustainable Cities: Summer
- Why? If you’re interested in sustainability and want to see different cities in Europe, this program is perfect for you. With classes taking place in London, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, you will get to learn about smart cities, sustainability, and innovation.
- The program takes place in the summer, starts in London, and ends in Copenhagen. It also includes social and cultural activities, excursions, and field trips in all three European destinations
- Where: Copenhagen, London, Stockholm
- Read American Institute for Foreign Study reviews
Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE
You’re on your way to study abroad in Denmark!
Count yourself in for study abroad in a vibrant, inspiring country!
Time to try the delicious Danish pastries, experience its coffee culture, and get lost in its rich history, ranging from the Vikings to the sustainable country we know today. Whether you’re doing a university exchange or going with an independent provider, we wish you a great time in Denmark!
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