A GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS APPLYING TO STUDY IN DENMARK

Denmark is a popular study abroad destination due to its affordable and high quality education. As a student studying in Denmark, you can expect to study in one of the safest and happiest voted countries world-wide.  

This guide will provide you with everything that you need to know to study in Denmark. This includes, university entry requirements, your international student application procedure and university degree funding. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDYING IN DENMARK 

International student university entry requirements differ depending on your chosen university. To study as an undergraduate abroad, you will need to be able to provide a certificate and transcript of your prior educational qualifications (from your upper secondary education). This will include:  

  • Your high school qualifying exam certificates (for example, GCSE’s)  
  • Your upper secondary education certificates (for example, A-Levels). 

Different international qualifications are accepted, so you will need to check that your prior educational qualifications will qualify you for general entry to study abroad in Denmark. For more information about your international student qualifications, follow the government website https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency  

Your specific grade requirements will also vary amongst universities in Denmark. So, you will need to check your university website to see if you are eligible for the course.  

What if I Have not Achieved the Grades to get into Danish University? 

Depending on your university of choice, some universities will make exceptions for international students who have not achieved their secondary educational diploma at the required grade cut-off. If you did not obtain these grades, check your university’s website to see what exceptions they may make.  

If you meet your grade requirements at your Danish university, but have not taken a specific subject required, you can take courses in the Netherlands or online (such as associates degrees) to supplement your international student qualifications. Contact your Danish university for advice on their recommended courses for supplementation.  

QUOTAS FOR APPLICATION

To apply for university in Denmark, there are two types of application quota: Quota 1 and Quota 2.  

  • Quota 1 applicants are those who have grades to satisfy the general and specific grade requirements. If you have met the grade requirements you should apply as a Quota 1 applicant.  
  • If you have not met the entry requirements, Quota 2 application will be the most beneficial for you. This quota will require you to do aptitude tests, interviews and write motivational statements. This may seem like a lot more work than quota 1, but will provide you with the chance to apply without the required grades.  
  • For Quota 2 admission you may be required to produce a personal essay.  
  • Your personal essay is an important opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates so ensure that you spend time writing one tailored to your chosen university. 
  • In your essay you will be expected to explain your academic motivations and future aspirations. You will also be expected to discuss your experiences and how they make you the right candidate for the course.  
  • It is important that you check if your university requires a personal statement for your Quota 2 application as some universities do not.  

To study abroad in Denmark, you will be required to take university language exams to show that you can be taught in the language of your course. The most common language exams for English proficiency are TOEFL IBT and IELTS. The general average grade required across universities is:  

  • 85-100 for TOEFL IBT 
  • 6.5-7 for IELTS 

To study your degree abroad in Danish, the most commonly accepted Danish examinations are the ‘Danish as a Foreign Language Test’ or ‘Danish Examinations 2 or 3’.   

Universities may vary on language requirements for international students, so ensure that you check your university’s website for their specific requirements.  

Aptitude Tests for Studying Abroad in Denmark. 

Most universities will have a preferred aptitude test for your study abroad application. University application aptitude tests cover general cross-subject knowledge or knowledge relating to specific subjects. If you are applying via Quota 2, check your university website to arrange your test and find out information to prepare for it. It is uncommon for Quota 1 applicants to be required to perform an aptitude test. 

STUDY ABROAD ENTRANCE EXAMS IN DENMARK    

The following examples are not an exhaustive list of all of the language exams which can be used to apply to study abroad in Denmark. Follow your universities guidance to decide which language course is best for you.  

IELTS and TOEFL Exams both assess your English Listening, Reading and Writing skills. These tests can be taken at a local test centre or online from your home. 

IELTS Exams: 

  • Time Length – The test takes approximately 3hours to complete. 
  • Cost – The test price range is £105-£233. Fees will vary depending on the country in which you take the test.  
  • Score Required – The standard required score for university admission in Denmark is typically 70-110. 

TOEFL Exam: 

  • Time Length – The test takes approximately 4hours to complete. 
  • Cost – The test price range is £120-£169. Fees will vary depending on the country in which you take the test.  
  • Score Required – The standard required score for university admission in Denmark is typically 6.5-7. 

Preparation: 

  • The preparation time for these exams is approximately 2-3 months. 
  • To prepare adequately, ensure that you do plenty of revision and practice mock exams. 
  • Here are some revision tips: 
  • Practice listening by watching videos and translating them.  
  • Read articles and books in English. 
  • Read up on the rules of English grammar. 
  • Practice your writing. 
  • Take certified online courses to help you learn English. 
  • Take advantage of free apps which can help you practice your language skills (such as Duolingo & Rosetta Stone). 

For Quota 2 applications, aptitude tests will vary by university and will test your knowledge in various subjects. For Environmental Science courses this may include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Geoscience, and Chemistry.  

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION PROCEDURE  

To apply as an undergraduate student studying in Denmark you will need: 

  • Certificates and transcripts of your high school and upper secondary educational qualifications (such as, A-Level certificates).  
  • Proof of language proficiency (such as, IELTS / TOEFL qualifications). 
  • Proof of nationality (E.G., birth certificates / passport). 
  • Any University application forms specified by your chosen university. 
  • Optagelse signature page. 

To apply for your course in Denmark you should use the Optagelse website. https://www.optagelse.dk/admission/index.html. This site will allow you to apply for up to 8 universities. On the site, you will be required to upload your international student documents. Check your university website when applying via Optagelse to ensure that you have all the documents required specific to your university course. Before submitting your applications, you must not forget to provide a signature page to each of your chosen universities. Signature pages include your consent for your university to process your application. For more information about your signature page see the Danish Ministry of Education website Signature page | The Education Guide (ug.dk).  

To apply for your degree in Denmark, you will also need to apply for a visa. You must begin this early before you application as your information can take some time to process. 

If you are a Quota 2 applicant, your student aptitude tests and interviews will be conducted following the application deadline. Prepare well for your test and interview as they are an important opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates.  

Next, you may need to apply for international student funding. For instance, you may want to apply for Scholarships, Fellowships, Bursaries, Grants or Government Loans.   

The results. 

After all your hard work and waiting, the chances are, you have successfully been admitted to study abroad at your university! Congratulations! Your university will provide a letter of admission and you will need to confirm your place on the degree.  

Didn’t get Admitted to University? 

You may have been unfortunate enough to receive a letter of rejection from the degree. This is frustrating and can happen to anyone, especially those applying for highly in-demand courses. However, do not worry, there are still several options out there for you! 

  • One option is to apply for other undergraduate degree vacancies. The Danish Ministry of Education provides a list of the course vacancies each year which you can choose from http://ufm.dk/uddannelse-og-institutioner/videregaende-uddannelse/sogning-optag-og-vejledning/ledige-pladser.  
  • You could take a gap year and reapply next year for your international education.  
  • You can also boost your international student application, to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you come to reapply. Different universities will prioritise certain experiences and qualifications. Therefore, it is recommended that you check your university website to see which improvements can made within your international degree application. For example, you may need qualifications in specific subjects. This may be resolved by taking supplementation courses. For more information about how to bolster your Danish degree application check the Danish Ministry of Education’s website Busy or unoccupyed | The Education Guide (ug.dk).  
  • Moreover, some universities will prioritise your experiences when considering your application. Getting experience in the industry may be all you need to achieve your place at a Danish university.  

STUDY IN DENMARK APPLICATION DEADLINE  

The standard international student deadline for university applications in Denmark is 15th March for Quota 2 applicants, and 5th July for Quota 1 applicants. Your application deadline will vary depending on your chosen university so check your university website for more details.  

STUDY IN DENMARK APPLICATION TIMELINE  

Before you apply to study in Denmark, ensure that you have arranged a student visa or permit to study abroad. You must also ensure that you arrange funding for your studies.  

International Student Timeline for Studying in Denmark: 

  • Prepare for Quota 2 Admission Tests: 15th December. Admission tests will vary between universities, so you will need to schedule your exam preparation and register for the test based on your university’s advice. However, generally it is recommended that you spend at least 3 months preparing for your test. 
  • Begin application: February 1st. This is generally the earliest time that you will be able to submit your application.    
  • Quota 2 Deadline: 15th March. For Quota 2 applicants, this is the standard deadline for submitting your university application. 
  • Quota 2 Admission Tests Begin: 15th March – 31st July. Most admission tests and interviews for Quota 2 application will start here. Ensure that you register yourself and prepare for these tests early as this is an essential part of your application.  
  • Quota 1 Deadline: 5th July. If you are a Quota 1 applicant, this is the general deadline by which you need to submit your university application. 
  • Application Results Announced: 15-31st July. You will get your application results back from your university. The chances are that you have secured your university place! Congratulations! Do not forget to accept your offer!  
  • Apply for other courses: 28th July. If you have been rejected from your chosen course, you can begin your application for other universities now.   
  • Seek other options: 15-31st July. If you did not secure a place, now is the time to seek alternative options.  

FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN DENMARK 

The standard fee for international students studying in Denmark is 6,000 – 16,000 EUR per annum. However, some universities also have additional laboratory and miscellaneous fees ranging between 2,000 – 3,000 EUR.  

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  

There is an abundance of financial support for international students out there so you may be able to study your degree abroad affordably or even for free! There are several international student scholarships, bursaries, fellowships and grants for students studying abroad in Denmark. For more information about this support, visit the Danish Ministry of Education website Scholarships — Study in Denmark.  

Your eligibility for this funding will depend on your grades, potential, income, country, situation and gender. Check your university website to see what international student loans you may be eligible for. Additionally, you can apply for government student loans specific to your country, so check what your home country has to offer.  

After reading our article, we sincerely hope that you feel reassured and confident in your study abroad plans. If Denmark is not the right place for you, you can rest assured. There are several other options available for you to consider. Explore our other guides for more information on your study abroad options.   


If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?


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