MASTER YOUR FUTURE HIGHER EDUCATION IN DENMARK

By Edward Owen

It’s no secret that higher education is neither cheap nor free in many parts of the world. And within the European Union, it’s a mixed bag of free and paid-for education.

Denmark offers not only free education to EU citizens, but also has an excellent range of choice with programs taught in English – especially at master’s level.

Non-EU citizens are required to pay tuition, and the amount varies greatly depending on the institution and the program of study. However, there is still a good chance to make significant savings in comparison to studying somewhere like the UK, where prices start at 80,000 kroner per year. In comparison, programs can be found in Denmark for approximately half the amount.

With more than 22,000 international students in Denmark, you certainly won’t be alone.

Our step-by-step guide to higher education in Denmark is an introduction to all of the things you need to consider to really know your options.

Choosing a school

Key point: Some universities specialise in specific fields whilst others offer a variety of programs.

First things first, you need to find a course and a university that is right for you. Nationally there are eight universities.

Within the Copenhagen area alone you will find six of these institutions within a reasonable commuting distance, although it is also not unheard of for Copenhagen-based students to travel to SDU in Odense.

Whilst all of the major universities offer postgraduate programs taught in English, the same option for undergraduate programs could sometimes be described as limited. If you are starting with an undergraduate program, see the factbox for a brief description of each school.

Think ahead

Key point: Check the program’s content against the job market

If you plan to stay in Denmark or not, you should investigate how you will be able to apply your studies once you have graduated. Do this before enrolling. The most important thing at this point is not only to think about what you would ‘like’ to do, but also to understand the potential job market.

The Danish job market is competitive and rather keen on overt compatibility between your studies, experience and the role you may be applying for.

Furthermore, even programs taught in English can be tailored to the Danish job market. As such, you need to be aware of your trajectory before you embark on a program.

In Denmark, if you have gone to university, it is the norm to study through to master’s level. This is often referred to as a ‘long education’

.

The application process

Key point: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply.

Most universities will direct your application to the same online portal: ‘STADS’. This is operated by the Ministry of Education, not the universities.

You should register and obtain a log-in as soon as possible.

Via STADS you will select the university and study program from a list to create a new application. You can make more than one application during each intake.

The specific documents required for an application will vary depending on the school and program requirements.

STADS is not the most user friendly platform – allow yourself plenty of time when setting up a new application. Furthermore, do not leave it until the last minute to send an application – deadline days are notorious for online queuing and portal failure.

In fact, for September admissions, try to apply by March. For schools that operate a second February, intake will often expect applications by mid-October.

Once you are enrolled and are studying, you will continue to use STADS to view grades, apply for exams and carry out any other administration.

Financial support

Key point: International EU students should look for part-time work in order to receive financial support.

Some foreign citizens may be entitled to State Education Support (SU) when studying.

There are a number of different ways that you may qualify, and these generally fall under two categories: Equal status according to Danish rules and Equal status according to EU law.

The typical stipulation to be aware of as an EU student is the ongoing requirement that you must be working part-time, 10-12 hours per week, and at least 43 hours per month, for which you will need a CPR number.

Universities usually have an SU office that can help you. Visit su.dk to find out more.

Staying in Denmark

Key point: If you plan on staying in Denmark you need to join an a-kasse and a union.

Join an a-kasse while you are still a student. If you do not have a job immediately after graduation, you can receive financial support whilst you apply for positions.

Also, join a professional union while you are still a student. These are very common in Denmark and your background will dictate which one you should join. Your union can help negotiate terms of employment and advise you on matters such as salary.

As a student, you will receive a discounted rate of membership for both of these things. They can offer many services to help during your career.

The Universities

COPENHAGEN UNIVERSITY (KU)

• Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different subject areas

• Undergraduate: All bachelors are taught in Danish

• Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s programs are available in English

COPENHAGEN BUSINESS SCHOOL (CBS)

• Specialty/focus: Takes an international perspective on a broad range of subjects with a business focus

• Undergraduate: Many taught in English

• Postgraduate: Mostly taught in English

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK (DTU)

• Specialty/focus: Technical and natural sciences.

• Undergraduate: Offers a small number of bachelor programs with only one taught in English.

• Postgraduate: Master’s level programs are taught exclusively in English.

AALBORG UNIVERSITY – COPENHAGEN (AAU – CPH)

• Speciality/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different subject areas

• Undergraduate: Over 70 bachelors but just a handful taught in English

• Postgraduate: Approximately 200 variants are available with more than half taught in English.

IT UNIVERSITY (ITU)

• Specialty/focus: Information technology and the digital world

• Undergraduate: Offers four programs. Two of these are taught in Danish, while the other two require ‘academic’ Danish language skills (see university webpage for definition)

• Postgraduate: Five programs available – all but one are taught exclusively in English.

ROSKILDE (RUC)

• Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs within humani ties, humanistic technologies, social science and science

• Undergraduate: A good number available taught in English

• Postgraduate: A good number available taught in English

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN DENMARK (SDU)

• Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different subject areas

• Undergraduate: A good number available taught in English (mostly engineering, business, social sciences)

• Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s programs are avail able in English

AARHUS UNIVERSITY (AU)

• Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different subject areas

• Undergraduate: Just a handful of bachelors taught in English

• Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s programs are available in English

AALBORG UNIVERSITY (AAU)

• As above – primary Aalborg campus