Denmark is renowned globally for its vibrant cycling culture, iconic colourful architecture, the cozy philosophy of ‘hygge,’ and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. However, for prospective international students, two primary questions often take precedence:
Is it possible to study comfortably in English, and which are the top-ranked Danish universities that offer English-language degree programmes?
Let’s explore your study options in Denmark!
How many English-taught universities are there in Denmark?
While the total number of institutions varies, official data from the ‘Study in Denmark’ initiative indicates that Danish universities offer over 600 degree programmes taught entirely in English. Many of these top-tier programmes are easily accessible through our search portals:
Here are some of the most highly-regarded universities in Denmark for international students:
How do I know if a Danish university teaches in English?
Our portals (such as Bachelorsportal, Online Result, and PhDportal) feature only English-taught study programmes, making them the perfect starting point for your search. Each listing also includes essential details regarding language proficiency requirements for admission.
Individual Danish universities or official resources like the Study in Denmark website may host additional listings for English-taught courses.
If you come across a programme that sparks your interest, verify its language of instruction and international eligibility requirements. Should you require further clarification, reaching out to the university admissions office directly is always a recommended step.
To gain admission to English-taught degree programmes in Denmark, you will typically need to demonstrate your proficiency by passing a globally recognized English language test:
- TOEFL iBT
Learn more about IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic.
Is English enough to live and study in Denmark?
Rest assured, English proficiency is sufficient for living, studying, and even pursuing a professional career in Denmark, effectively removing language barriers for international students.
Approximately 85% of Danes speak English fluently, largely due to its status as a mandatory subject in the national school curriculum and the country's welcoming environment for international visitors.
If you plan to work part-time during your studies or pursue a full-time career in Denmark post-graduation, acquiring basic Danish language skills is highly recommended, as it may be required depending on the sector. Here are some resources to help you get started:
Bonus: Once you arrive, you can enroll in free Danish language courses specifically designed for international students.
The best English-taught universities in Denmark
According to prestigious academic rankings, including TopUniversities, Times Higher Education, and ShanghaiRanking, the following institutions are recognized as the premier Danish universities for English-taught education:
Affordable English-taught universities in Denmark
Public universities in Denmark provide tuition-free education for students from the EU/EEA, offering an exceptionally affordable pathway to a world-class degree.
For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees typically range from 6,000 to 16,000 EUR per academic year. While this represents a significant investment, it remains highly competitive compared to tuition costs in countries like the US, Canada, or Australia, which can easily exceed 30,000 to 50,000 EUR annually.
To help manage your expenses, explore the various scholarships available in Denmark for international students.
Application requirements at English-taught universities in Denmark
Securing a place at a Danish university requires meeting specific application criteria. Below are some of the most standard requirements for applicants:
- Previous diplomas: high-school, Bachelor’s, or Master’s
- Academic transcript of records or grades
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of ID or passport
- Up to 4 passport-size photos
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
For further assistance, check out our comprehensive guide on how to accurately complete your university application form.