The Danish Spirit:
What is it like to live and study in Denmark?
Studying in Denmark means experiencing one of the most advanced social and educational models in the world. Known for the concept of Hygge—the art of creating a warm, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere—Denmark perfectly balances technological cutting edge with respect for the individual and the environment.
In Danish universities, traditional lectures give way to a culture of proximity: professors are addressed by their first names, teaching is focused on practical group problem-solving (Problem-Based Learning), and your voice and critical spirit are highly valued from day one.
What Are the Advantages of Studying in Denmark?
Free Tuition for EU Students:
If you have European citizenship, public higher education in Denmark is 100% free for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Access to the State Grant (SU Support):
European (EU) students who work part-time (around 10 to 12 hours per week) have the right to apply for the SU (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte), a monthly subsidy from the Danish government that helps cover almost all living expenses.
Leader in Innovation and Sustainability:
Denmark leads global indices in energy transition, cutting-edge design and digitalisation, offering laboratories and industry partnerships that are at the forefront of the future.
Most Sought-After Fields of Study and Courses
Sustainability, Renewable Energies and Engineering:
As a global pioneer in wind energy and eco-urbanism, Danish universities are absolute benchmarks for anyone looking to lead the global ecological transition.
Business, Innovation and Green Economy:
Programmes focused on international management, entrepreneurship and circular economies, with a strong connection to the dynamic Nordic corporate market.
Design, Architecture and Urbanism:
The prestigious “Danish Design” is reflected in highly competitive courses in architecture, product design and cutting-edge visual communication.
Life Sciences and Biotechnology:
As the birthplace of global pharmaceutical giants (such as Novo Nordisk), biomedicine courses offer world-class scientific research infrastructure.
The Programmes You Can Study in Denmark
Bachelor’s Degrees
Give wings to your future. Find a degree abroad tailored to you, adapted to your interests, budget and dreams. Your international experience starts here.
Master’s Degrees
Specialise without borders. Invest in a Master’s degree abroad and stand out in a global job market.
Where do you want to study? You decide.
At StudyWing, your academic path is not limited by closed catalogues or predefined lists. We work with all institutions and universities in Denmark so that you can find the perfect ecosystem for you.
Do you want to live at the epicentre of urban and cultural innovation?
Copenhagen offers a vibrant cosmopolitan environment, award-winning architecture and the largest job market for international profiles.
Do you prefer the largest and youngest purely university city?
Aarhus combines beaches, forests and a contagious student energy, welcoming some of the highest-rated faculties in Scandinavia.
Is your focus on practical engineering and a more moderate cost of living?
Cities like Odense (famous for its robotics hub) or Aalborg are excellent strategic choices.
Entry Routes and Academic Requirements
The higher education system in Denmark prizes transparency, and the application process is centralised through the national portal Optagelse.dk for Bachelor’s degrees.
The deadline for international students always ends on 15 March (Quota 2).
Academic Degree Options:
AP Degrees (Academy Profession): Practical 2-year courses (120 ECTS) focused on rapid market integration, which can be topped up with an additional 1.5 years to obtain a full Bachelor’s degree (Top-up degree).
Bachelor Degrees: Traditional 3 to 3.5-year undergraduate degrees (180 to 210 ECTS) with a university focus.
Main Application Requirements:
Secondary School Diploma: Certificate of grades translated into English. It is mandatory to meet specific subject requirements (for example, proving a minimum number of hours of Mathematics or Physics completed in secondary school).
English Proficiency Exam: Rigorous academic certification (IELTS Academic or TOEFL), given that the level of linguistic requirement in Danish classrooms is very high.
Letter of Motivation and Curriculum Vitae (CV): Fundamental elements in the evaluation by “Quota 2”, where your profile, hobbies, work experience and maturity are weighted by the admissions committee.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Denmark?
Denmark offers one of the most interesting contrasts in Europe: free tuition for Europeans, but a high cost of living and subsistence that requires planning.
Students with European Citizenship (EU):
€0 (Free) in the public higher education system.
Non-European Students (International):
They pay institutional tuition fees that vary between €6,000 and €16,000 / year, depending on the course and the university.
StudyWing Tip:
Although the cost of living is high, the minimum wage in Denmark is not fixed by law but rather by trade unions, making it proportionally very high.
A student part-time job perfectly allows for financial self-sufficiency, especially if combined with the SU subsidy (exclusive to working EU citizens).
Monthly Cost of Living
Average Global Budget:
Estimate between €700 and €1,400 / month to cover a room, food, transport and leisure. Copenhagen clearly sits at the very top, most expensive end of this estimate.
Do you want to know the exact price for your specific case? Don’t worry!
Since the figures vary depending on several factors, after our meeting you will have access to all of this information, tailored specifically to your choices.
Visa Information and Documentation
The rules apply strictly based on your nationality and passport.
Students with European Citizenship (EU):
Visas: You do not need a visa to enter or reside in Denmark.
Arrival Bureaucracy: Upon arrival, you must apply for your EU Residence Document and, subsequently, register with the municipality to obtain your CPR Number (the Danish identification number) and health insurance card.
Non-European Students:
Residence Permit: It is mandatory to obtain a residence permit for study purposes before travelling to Denmark (Process ST1). The process is initiated by the Danish university as soon as the first semester’s tuition fee is settled.
Requirements: Documented proof of financial funds for subsistence in your bank account (an amount stipulated annually by the Danish government).
Official Notice:
Immigration rules and financial requirements change regularly.
We recommend consulting the official portal New to Denmark (SIRI).
StudyWing accompanies you throughout this process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Students with European citizenship (EU) do not have any legal restriction on working hours.
Non-European (international) students holding a residence permit for study purposes can work part-time up to a maximum limit of 20 hours per week during term time (and full-time during the months of June, July and August).
Once the residence registration is complete and the CPR Number (the yellow health card) is obtained, all international students (EU and non-EU) gain free access to the Danish public healthcare system. This includes the right to an assigned family doctor, matching the exact same conditions as local citizens.
Yes, finding accommodation in large cities like Copenhagen or Aarhus is highly competitive, especially during the months of August and September.
StudyWing gives you access to official Danish student housing platforms (Kollegier), verified accommodation portals, and guides you through the precise registration deadlines that maximise your chances of securing a safe space before you travel.