Bachelor’s Degree in Denmark for International Students
European Diary ◆ 23 August 2024
A basic guide to studying for a bachelor’s degree in Denmark. Information on public and private universities, application process, costs such as tuition fees, and on bringing of dependents. Ideal for the international students in need of an introduction to the field.
The article you are reading is directed towards non-EU citizens who wish to pursue their studies in any of the European countries like Denmark. If you are thinking of studying for a bachelor’s degree in Denmark, then this article is a must!
This is an elemental insight into everything you’re looking for about bachelor’s programs, for instance, information about public and private universities, admission requirements, tuition fees, and how to manage costs if you have dependents.
Additionally, we will navigate you with the official websites by which you can know each and everything on your query.
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Copenhagen
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Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Esbjerg
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42,952 km²
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136.40 per km²
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8
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5 (QS world university rankings)
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Denmark offers bachelor’s programs in both public and private universities for international students.
Public Universities: First, let’s discuss about the public universities. Among all the Danish public universities attracting international students, some of the most popular are Aalborg University (AAU), Roskilde University (RUG), Copenhagen Business School (CBS), University of Aarhus (AU), IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), and University of Southern Denmark (SDU).
Let’s start our discussions on bachelor’s degree in Denmark.
1. General Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Denmark
You must have the level of education equivalent to the Danish upper secondary school leaving certificate. In most countries, this usually refers to twelve years of education, but it may differ depending on your country of origin.
Language proficiency, typically an IELTS score of 6.5. If someone has taken the TOEFL, the requirement is a score of 550-583 for paper-based tests, 213-237 for computer-based tests, or 79-93 for internet-based tests. I want to let you know that these language requirements may differ depending on the subject and university. In some cases, for example, an applicant may be expected to have an IELTS score of not less than seven or a TOEFL equivalent score.
Besides these, there may be specific and more general demands depending on the subject and the university. Almost every university offers country-specific information on its website.
2. Tuition Fees
The cost of tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree depends on the course of study. Yet, on average, they can vary from €4,500 to €7,500.
Our upcoming article: How much can a student earn in Denmark with a part-time job?
3. Application Process
Now, let me turn to the issue of how to apply to public universities. If one wishes to join a public university and pursue an undergraduate course, then one has to apply online through a central application portal at www.optagelse.dk.
A rule of this portal is that it cannot be executed after the time limit.
4. Common Queries
Bachelor's degree in Denmark
Some of the commonly asked questions are: Is it possible to have a study gap while pursuing a bachelor’s degree? For how many years is it possible to have a study gap? Can one get a scholarship? Do they accept PTE? What are the deadlines for the programs that I am interested in? You can find all these questions and answers on the website of the university under the required particular program.
Our upcoming article: Impact of a study gap on higher education in Denmark.
5. Subject Availability
Bachelor's degree in Denmark
Some also ask about specific available subjects in humanities or subjects offered to students with engineering or social science backgrounds in bachelor’s degree programs.
For this information, you can follow their official website studyindenmark.dk
Through this website, you can search for the subjects that interest you, get information on whether you qualify for the subjects, and then develop your profile to apply via the central portal.
6. Application Timeline and Pre-assessment
Bachelor's degree in Denmark
In general, for those who are not citizens of Denmark, the application portal opens on February 1st, and the deadline is March 15th. International students may, if they want, have their qualifications pre-assessed.
This means you can forward all the documents that show your current academic qualifications to the university, and they will confirm whether you are suitable for the program you want to apply for. And this service is really free.
For this process you need to go through the university’s website. You can follow these links:
Private Universities
Now, let’s turn to private universities. Among private universities in Denmark, the most preferred ones are Copenhagen Business College, Niels Brock Business College, and International Business Academy (IBA). Interestingly, most students tend to think of IBA as a private university while, in actual sense, it is a public University.
However, most of the international academic degrees offered here are issued by Coventry University. As this is a UK-based university, the worth of this certificate is different from any other public university, for instance, in Denmark.
By the way, graduates who have completed their bachelor’s or master’s degree from IBA will be granted a post-graduation work permit of six months upon their successful completion of the degree program. Somewhat differently, graduates from other public universities in Denmark are granted a 3-year permit upon completion of a bachelor’s degree.
1. General Requirements and Tuition Fees
Bachelor's degree in Denmark
The basic requirement for applying to private universities is equivalent to the Danish Upper Secondary Education and English Language Proficiency with an IELTS score of 6, where one band score can be 5.5 or equivalent in other tests. Secondly, the intensity of language requirements can be different depending on the chosen discipline.
Private universities have very few requirements, but then again, there could be specific ones based on the discipline in practice.
Private universities’ tuition fees can go up to €8,500 or €20,000 depending on the university and course offering.
Key Distinctions between Public and Private Universities
While most public universities offer one intake per year, some private universities offer two, depending on the university.
Public universities usually recognize IELTS or TOEFL qualifications, while Niels Brock or other private institutions demand PTE in addition to these two.
Suppose one finishes a bachelor’s degree from a public university. In that case, the period of job searching is three years, and if one finishes the bachelor’s degree from a private university, then the period of job searching is six months.
Spouses and Dependents
It is possible to come with a spouse or dependent in a bachelor’s program. In Denmark, students do not need to show a bank statement. However, if someone comes with dependents, they will need to provide a bank statement.
No matter which university you attend, if you come with dependents and both work, it is possible to cover living expenses along with tuition fees. However, covering the cost of a private university alone can be much more difficult for a single student.
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Our upcoming articles:
- Is it possible to settle in Denmark with a spouse?
- How much does it cost in Denmark to live with a spouse and baby per month?
- How much can your dependent earn in Denmark?
Bachelor's degree in Denmark
Important things to remember
Indeed, you may apply for up to 8 programs at the same time. You will only get one offer letter according to the rank of your preferences. Here’s how it works:
First Choice: In this case, if you get admission to the program that you have listed as your first choice, then none of the other programs that you have applied for will be taken into consideration, and you will just receive an offer for the first program that you choose.
Second Choice and Beyond: If you are not accepted to the program of your first choice, then the second choice will be considered. If you are admitted to your second choice, you will receive an offer for that program, and the remaining programs will not be considered.
This process goes on to the remaining programs ranked on your list. For detailed information, please visit: How to apply for a bachelor’s program in Denmark?
Essential Links:
Apply for a Danish University: https://www.optagelse.dk/