Best universities in Denmark 2024

Denmark is a well developed European country in the south of Scandinavia. Foreign students choose an education in Denmark for a high standard of living, secure environment and high quality of education level.

Unlike other Scandinavian countries, Danish universities have a large number of educational programs in English already at the bachelor's level. International students use English in everyday life, as many people in Denmark know foreign languages. However, those who want to find a job here after graduation will need to know Danish.

High quality of education in Denmark is competitive to top European countries, and a diploma obtained at Danish universities guarantees employment abroad.

Higher education in Denmark took 5th place in the ranking of the best countries according to Universitas 21 and 2nd place among the Scandinavian countries in 2022. Educational staff at the best universities in Denmark try to keep up with the times and use innovative educational methods.

Top universities in Denmark first of all pay attention to the structure of the educational process. Large amount of educational time is allocated for group assignments:

• International students make presentations;
• Students work in a team in the laboratory;
• Participation in discussions on popular educational and other topics.

But in addition to group classes, the student must prove himself individually, in particular, working on projects.

Universities in Denmark work closely with local and international programs, so they often recommend their students as interns. Practice is a mandatory part of education and obtaining future qualification and it takes a whole semester.

For international students aspiring to study at the best universities in Denmark, preparing a comprehensive application package is crucial.

Admission Documents for Denmark's Premier Universities

To apply to Denmark’s top universities, foreign students should gather the following documents:

• Proof of proficiency in English or Danish.

• Notarized educational certificates or diplomas, translated into English or Danish.

• A motivation letter detailing the applicant's academic goals.

• An interview, either general or in specialized subjects.

• Work experience confirmation for master’s or PhD programs.

• Recommendations from teachers or the head of the applicant’s current school.

• A personal interview, which may be conducted via Skype.

• Research proposal for graduate school admissions.

Students can also start with preparatory courses at Danish universities or high school final exam preparation courses.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university? Subjects, employer value, percentage of employment in the first year after graduation?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Denmark offers three types of bachelor’s degrees for international students:

• Basic (Academic) Bachelor’s Degree: A 3-year program, often leading to master's studies.

• Professional Bachelor’s Degree: Lasting 4 to 4.5 years, with a focus on practical skills in fields like IT and healthcare.

• Bachelor of Arts: A 3-year program in arts-related disciplines.

Challenges in Bachelor’s Program Admission

Foreign students may find it challenging to enroll directly after high school due to Denmark’s 12-year secondary education system. Options include completing one or two years at a local university, passing specialized Danish exams, or applying with a high-scoring foreign educational certificate.

Costs of Studying at Danish Universities

The average tuition fee for international students ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 € per year, relatively affordable by European standards. This fee typically covers the educational program, study materials, and final exams, with accommodation sometimes included. Additional expenses, like flights, meals, and personal expenses, are usually extra.

Master’s and Postgraduate Studies

Master’s degrees typically take 2-3 years, depending on the field of study. Many postgraduate programs in Denmark offer free tuition for both Danish and foreign citizens.

Cost of study for EU Citizens

EU citizens and Danes enjoy free education at Danish institutions. However, non-EU students are required to pay tuition fees, which are competitively priced compared to other top educational destinations like the UK, USA, and Switzerland.

University ranking in Denmark:

• International Business Academy (IBA) ;
• Technical University of Denmark (DTU);
• University of Southern Denmark (SDU);
• Københavns Universitet;
• IT University of Copenhagen.

While most programs are in Danish, there are English-language programs for international students. Danish language proficiency is often tested through exams like Danish as a Foreign Language or Danskprøve 2. Learning Danish to a proficient level typically takes about three years.

For English-language programs, Danish universities accept IELTS and TOEFL exam results. Foreign students are also encouraged to take free Danish language courses alongside their studies.

In summary, studying at universities in Denmark offers a blend of high-quality education at competitive fees. With diverse degree options and a welcoming environment for international students, Denmark remains a top choice for those seeking higher education abroad.

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