Project-based teaching
Danish programmes emphasise group work, real-world projects, and problem-based learning.
Study in Denmark
Project-based Nordic education with a global outlook
Denmark is known for collaborative, project-based teaching, a wide range of English-taught programmes, and a structured SIRI-administered residence permit for study.
Match me with programmes- Main intakes
- Autumn (some Feb)Main intakes
- Status
- EU member stateStatus
- Teaching language
- English-taught optionsTeaching language
- Programme status
- State-approval mattersProgramme status
Country overview
Studying in Denmark
Denmark is a Nordic EU member state with research universities, university colleges, business academies, and artistic institutions offering academic and professional higher education. Whether a programme is state-approved is critical, since it directly affects a non-EU student's residence, work, and post-study rights.
English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes are common, especially in engineering, business, design, and IT. Bachelor's admission can run through Optagelse.dk, while graduate applications are usually institution-specific; residence then follows through SIRI/New to Denmark as a separate step.
Danish education emphasises collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world projects. Non-EU/EEA students are generally charged tuition, while EU/EEA students often are not. Requirements vary by institution, so always confirm details directly.
- Capital
- Copenhagen
- Currency
- Danish krone (DKK)
- Popular cities
- Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg
- Main intakes
- Autumn (Sep), some Spring (Feb)
- Teaching languages
- Danish and English (programme-dependent)
- Immigration category
- SIRI residence permit for a higher educational programme
Why study here
Reasons students choose Denmark
English-taught programmes
A wide range of programmes are taught in English, especially at master's level.
Innovation and design
Denmark is recognised for design, sustainability, engineering, and life sciences.
Structured work rights
Qualifying state-approved higher-education permits allow 90 hours/month September–May and full-time work June–August.
Post-study job-seeking route
Job-seeking permits can run from 6 months up to 3 years depending on the completed qualifying programme or scheme.
Education system
How the system is structured
Danish higher education includes research universities, university colleges, and academies of professional higher education, all following the Bologna three-cycle structure with the ECTS credit system. Whether the government has state-approved a given programme matters directly to a non-EU student's rights, especially since a change on 2 May 2025.
Research universities
Academic institutions offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes.
University colleges & academies
Deliver profession-oriented bachelor's programmes with practical placements.
State-approval status
State-approved versus non-state-approved programme status affects residence and work rights — verify this for your specific programme.
National application route
Bachelor's programmes are often applied to through the shared national portal Optagelse.dk; graduate admission is usually institution-specific.
Application routes
Pathways by study level
Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor's
Bachelor's programmes include English-taught options, particularly professional bachelor's degrees at university colleges, alongside Danish-taught programmes. Academy profession and professional bachelor routes are distinct from university bachelor's.
Typical duration: 3–4 years
Typical entry requirements
- Completed secondary education comparable to the Danish requirement
- English language proof for English-taught programmes
- Programme-specific prerequisites; some programmes are selective
Graduate degree
Master's
Master's programmes offer a wide range of English-taught options at research universities across many fields; admission is commonly institution-specific and subject-relevant.
Typical duration: 2 years
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades
- English language proof
- Programme-specific prerequisites; some require a motivation letter
Research degree
PhD
PhD study builds on a relevant master's degree and is research-focused, typically structured through the university.
Typical duration: 3 years
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant master's degree with strong results
- A supervisor or place in a structured PhD programme
- A research proposal
Detailed guidance
Key pathways explained
These sections go deeper on pathways that need extra care. Always confirm the specifics with the university and the relevant authority.
SIRI residence permit and arrival overview
This is a general overview of the SIRI-administered study residence route. Amounts, programme state-approval status, and procedures change — always confirm with SIRI/New to Denmark.
Before you travel
- Secure admission to a higher educational programme and confirm whether it is state-approved — this affects your later work and post-study rights.
- Prove self-support at the current SIRI monthly rate, multiplied by months of study, up to the 12-month maximum.
- Arrange health insurance for the entry period, distinct from CPR-based public-system access after registration.
- Apply for the SIRI residence permit for a higher educational programme.
After you arrive
- Complete CPR/address/health registration where eligible.
- Receive your residence documentation and finalise institution enrolment.
- Arrange bank and tax steps as applicable.
- Maintain continued active study and self-support — SIRI can receive institution reports if a student is no longer active.
Qualification requirements
What qualifications you typically need
| Study level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Secondary education assessed as comparable to the Danish standard, plus English proof; some programmes are selective. |
| Master's | A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades and English proof. |
| PhD | A relevant master's degree with strong results and a supervisor or structured programme place. |
Language requirements
Proving your language ability
International programmes are typically taught in English and require English-language proof; there is no single nationwide accepted score, since institutions set their own requirements. Danish proof is needed only for Danish-taught programmes. Confirm accepted tests and scores with the institution.
English-taught programmes
IELTS Academic
Widely accepted; typical bands vary by programme and level.
TOEFL iBT
Commonly accepted as an alternative to IELTS.
Local-language programmes
Danish language proof
Required only for Danish-taught programmes; most international students study in English.
- Minimum scores and accepted tests differ by programme — always verify directly.
Application process
A typical application, step by step
Shortlist programmes
Use Study in Denmark and institution pages; identify university or university-college programmes matching your background.
Apply via Optagelse.dk or the institution
Bachelor's programmes can use Optagelse.dk; graduate applications usually go through the institution's own portal.
Prepare and submit documents
Gather transcripts, English results, and identification; authentication/translation requirements depend on country, institution, and SIRI.
Receive an offer
Await admission results and accept your place within the given deadline.
Arrange residence steps
Non-EU applicants should begin the SIRI residence-permit process promptly once admitted — this is a separate step from academic admission.
Register after arrival
Complete CPR/address/health registration where eligible after entering Denmark.
Visa process
Student visa overview
Check your citizenship status
EU/EEA/Nordic citizens generally do not need a residence permit for study in the same way as non-EU applicants, though registration formalities may still apply.
Non-EU: apply for a SIRI study residence permit
Non-EU/international students typically apply for a residence permit for a higher educational programme through SIRI; state-approved vs non-state-approved programme status affects rights.
Prove self-support
SIRI requires DKK 7,426/month, multiplied by months of study, up to a maximum of 12 months (DKK 89,112) — evidence can include applicant-owned funds or a qualifying scholarship; verify the current figure.
Prepare supporting documents
Commonly includes the admission letter, passport, financial proof, and health insurance, though exact lists vary.
Register after arrival
Complete CPR/address/health registration where eligible, receive residence documentation, and finalise institution enrolment and bank/tax steps.
Verify current rules officially
Residence requirements and amounts change — always confirm the current process with SIRI/New to Denmark.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Denmark can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.
Required documents
Documents you are likely to need
Academic transcripts
Certified copies of secondary or prior higher-education records.
English test results
IELTS/TOEFL as required by the programme.
Passport
Valid for the duration of study and travel.
Admission letter
Official confirmation of admission from the institution, needed for the SIRI application.
Proof of self-support
SIRI's current monthly figure multiplied by months of study, up to a 12-month maximum — applicant-owned funds or a qualifying scholarship.
Health insurance
Required for the residence-permit process; entry-period coverage and CPR-based access are separate.
Study categories
Popular fields of study
Engineering & technology
- Sustainable Energy
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- IT
Business & economics
- International Business
- Economics
- Management
- Marketing
Design & architecture
- Industrial Design
- Architecture
- Digital Design
- Sustainable Design
Life & health sciences
- Biotechnology
- Public Health
- Nursing
- Biology
Costs and funding
Budgeting your studies
Study in Denmark gives an indicative €6,000–€16,000/year (DKK 45,000–120,000) for fee-paying full-degree students, with the exact institution fee controlling. Denmark is a high-cost destination overall. The figures below are for planning only — verify current amounts with the institution and SIRI.
Tuition
- EU/EEA students
- Often no tuition
- Non-EU students
- €6,000–€16,000/year (indicative)
EU/EEA students are typically exempt from tuition fees.
DKK 45,000–120,000; exact institution fee controls.
Living costs
- SIRI self-support minimum
- DKK 7,426/month (max DKK 89,112 for 12 months)
- Accommodation
- Largest monthly cost
- Health insurance
- Required
The legal minimum for the residence permit — keep separate from a realistic city budget.
Student housing is competitive in major cities; not guaranteed by admission.
CPR-based public-system access follows registration; entry-period coverage is separate.
Funding & scholarships
Government/university scholarships
Some scholarships exist for talented non-EU students, administered via institutions; availability varies and should be checked directly.
Family accompanying-support rule
Accompanying family under the study-family route has its own 2026 support figure (DKK 7,426/month per family member, max 12 months) — a distinct figure, not the student's own.
Part-time work
Qualifying state-approved higher-education permits allow 90 hours/month September–May and full-time work June–August; verify programme state-approval status first.
Application timeline
Planning your year
12–18 months before
Eligibility & research
- Shortlist programmes via Study in Denmark
- Check whether your target programme is state-approved
- Plan a realistic budget
9–12 months before
Prepare
- Sit English tests
- Gather transcripts and documents
- Research scholarships
6–9 months before
Apply
- Apply via Optagelse.dk or the institution
- Track offers and conditions
3–6 months before
Residence filing
- Accept an offer
- Apply for the SIRI residence permit if non-EU
- Arrange self-support proof and health insurance
1–3 months before
Arrival prep
- Arrange accommodation early
- Prepare CPR/address-registration documents
- Plan enrolment and bank/tax steps
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the fixed national application rounds on Optagelse.dk.
- Not checking whether your specific programme is state-approved — this changes your work and job-seeking rights.
- Assuming tuition rules are the same for EU and non-EU students.
- Reusing the student's own DKK 7,426/month figure for accompanying family instead of the separate per-family-member amount.
- Underestimating the high cost of living in Copenhagen.
- Leaving student housing arrangements too late.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay tuition in Denmark?
EU/EEA students are typically exempt from tuition, while non-EU students generally pay fees — indicatively €6,000–€16,000/year. Confirm the exact situation and any scholarships with each programme.
What is Danish teaching like?
Danish programmes emphasise collaboration, group projects, and problem-based learning, with a relatively informal relationship between students and lecturers.
How much money do I need to show for the residence permit?
SIRI requires DKK 7,426/month, multiplied by your months of study, up to a maximum of 12 months (DKK 89,112) — verify the current figure, since it is reviewed periodically.
Can I work while studying?
Qualifying state-approved higher-education permits allow 90 hours/month from September to May and full-time work June–August — but some non-state-approved programme applicants (after 2 May 2025) do not get the same right, so check your programme's status.
How long can I stay to look for work after graduating?
Job-seeking permits can run from 6 months up to 3 years depending on the completed qualifying programme or scheme — evaluate your specific programme's eligibility rather than assuming one duration.
See which Danish programmes fit your profile
Upload your transcript and MeetMentora will interpret your academic background and surface programmes that match your level and interests.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Denmark can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.