Denmark is one of the three Scandinavian countries and is known to be one of the happiest nations in the world. Having virtually no corruption, low crime rates, and efficient healthcare, it would make sense to expect a world-class education system in the country as well.
Prospective international students looking for an innovative learning environment and a balanced lifestyle, while living in idyllic cities, will quickly feel at home in the island country of Denmark. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Denmark for international students.
Is Denmark good for international students to study in?
Danish universities are popular study-abroad choices because of the large number of subjects available in English. International students can expect world-class education, where it’s all about bringing solutions to real-world problems. It is designed to promote critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, so you’ll experience an open and collaborative culture.
If you’re a citizen of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, you can study higher education in Denmark for free. Otherwise, tuition fees range between 7100 – 18900 USD per academic year in top-ranked universities. Nonetheless, the Danish government provides scholarships for highly qualified students from non-EU/EEA nations. You can also consider the Nordplus program, Fulbright Commission, and the Danish State Educational Support (SU).
Denmark ensures high living standards, so living costs may slightly be greater than in other countries. International students can prepare between 940 – 1400 USD per month for accommodation, transportation, food, and other expenses. However, you’ll find these costs more than fair when you experience a safe and welcoming community in Denmark.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Can international students work in Denmark while studying?
Most university students in Denmark – whether local or international – work part-time while pursuing their degrees. After all, having work experience boosts your CV and helps you gain extra cash. For international students specifically, it can be another way to experience the country.
EU/EEA, Swiss citizens, and nordic nationals have no restrictions on the number of hours they work. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, on the other hand, can work 10 – 20 hours a week, and full-time during vacation months in June, July, and August. Most students find jobs in restaurants, newspaper distributors, and telemarketing agencies. Some internships, however, can be unpaid.
Can international students stay in Denmark after graduation?
International students who come to Denmark hold a Student Permit, and this gives an additional six months after completion of your studies to look for a job. During this half-year, graduates can still engage in part-time work.
Those who wish to stay in Denmark for longer can find a career in many fast-growing sectors of the country, including famous Danish brands like Lego, Vestas, Maersk, Carlsberg, and more. Denmark is known for having the best life-work balance as well, so you’ll surely enjoy staying in the country.
Best Universities in Denmark
1. University of Copenhagen (UCPH)
The University of Copenhagen is the best university in Denmark for international students. Established in 1479, it is the second-oldest institution for higher education in the whole of Scandinavia. Through various reforms, the university grew to have six faculties: starting primarily with theology, then followed by humanities, law, social sciences, sciences, and health and medical sciences. These study areas are scattered in four campuses in the capital region.
As Denmark’s top university, the UCPH welcomes international students who wish to study in the same institution as Kierkegaard, Niels Bohr, and Tycho Brahe. The university continues this academic excellence by providing students with quality education at all levels, wide research opportunities, and only the best school facilities.
2. Aarhus University (AU)
Aarhus University is a time-honored research university located in a city of the same name. This top university in Denmark also has campuses in Emdrup and Herning. As one of Denmark’s oldest universities, it cultivates a strong presence in academic rankings, making it one of the most international universities in the world. Today, over 12% of the student body are international students, and there are several international researchers among the faculty as well.
With English as a second language in AU, its multinational community finds the best education from its five faculties. International students can expect a collaborative style of teaching at AU, whether it’s in the faculty of arts, business, health, and natural or technical sciences.
3. Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
The Technical University of Denmark, one of the best universities in Denmark for international students, was founded in 1829 as Denmark’s first polytechnic through the efforts of the founder of electromagnetism, H.C.Ørsted. It was inspired by École Polytechnique in Paris, imbued with the collaborative teaching environment natural to Scandinavia. Today, it is one of Europe’s leading engineering universities, the most innovative university in the Nordic countries, and has impressive contributions to Web of Science publications.
The university teaches almost all areas of engineering and its allied disciplines, while its research focuses on the physical sciences, as well as construction, transportation, agriculture, and management. International students whose interests lie in these fields will be satisfied with DTU’s quality education.
4. Aalborg University (AAU)
Internationally recognized for its progressive study method, Aalborg University is one of the leading institutions of higher education in Denmark. The Aalborg Model for Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a cross-disciplinary approach that brings a social dimension to students’ learning and teaches them more practical skills. Students can apply this core value in education and research across AAU’s five faculties, namely humanities, social sciences, technical science, engineering, and medicine.
AAU is located in Copenhagen, Esbjerg, and Aalborg, which is its main campus and is named one of the happiest cities in Europe. Besides being in a great city, students of AAU remain in touch with various industry sectors. This engagement helps make more fulfilling study and research work.
5. University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
The University of Southern Denmark is the third-largest Danish university with five faculties and over 32,000 students, 20% of which are from different countries abroad. Its main campus is in Odense, with regional campuses in Esbjerg, Sønderborg, Kolding, and Slagelse. This top university in Denmark belongs to the top 50 young universities in the world and has always participated in the international scientific community.
SDU’s core activities are student education and research work in the sciences, business, engineering, humanities, and health sciences. A number of degrees are taught in English as well, such as European and American Studies. They also maintain strong ties with industry sectors and offer programs for continuing education.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Denmark for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
