How to Apply to Universities in Denmark | exploringdenmark

How to Apply to Universities in Denmark (2025)

Step-by-step guide for international students: find your dream degree, prepare your application, and get started with university life in Denmark!

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Did you know? Most Danish bachelor and master’s programs are taught in English, with a single digital portal for all university applications. Scholarships are available for non-EU students!

Overview

🌍 Open to All Nationalities Denmark welcomes international students for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies.
📝 Single Digital Portal Apply for all universities and programs via Optagelse.dk (bachelor) or direct university application (master’s).
📅 Deadlines & Start Dates Bachelor deadline: 15 March; Master’s deadlines: 1 Jan–15 Mar (varies). Autumn intake is most common.

Requirements

📚 Academic Qualifications Valid secondary education (for bachelor) or bachelor’s degree (for master’s), recognized in Denmark.
🌐 English Proficiency TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent for English programs. Some courses require Danish proficiency.
🗃️ Documents Transcripts, diploma, passport, motivation letter, CV, and sometimes references or portfolio.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

🔍 1. Find Your Program Explore bachelor/master’s options at Study in Denmark or directly on university websites.
📝 2. Prepare Your Documents Collect transcripts, language tests, references, motivation letter, and anything requested by the university.
🌐 3. Apply Online Use Optagelse.dk for bachelor or university’s online portal for master’s/PhD.
💳 4. Pay Fees (if non-EU/EEA) Non-EU/EEA students must pay an application fee (usually 750–1000 DKK) and, later, tuition.
⏳ 5. Await Results Decisions announced in July (bachelor) or May–June (master’s). Accept your offer via the portal.
🛂 6. Apply for Student Visa Admitted students apply for a Danish residence permit via SIRI.

After Applying

✈️ Arrival & Registration Arrive early to attend orientation, register for CPR number, and open a bank account.
🏠 Student Housing Apply early for university housing or search via findbolig.nu and other sites.
🤝 Student Life Join student unions, international groups, and enjoy Danish campus life!

Useful Resources & External Links

🌐 Study in Denmark Official info portal
📝 Apply (Optagelse.dk) Bachelor application portal
🏛️ SIRI – Student Visa Visa/residence permit guide
🏠Student Housing GuideFind student accommodation
🎓Scholarships & GrantsSee available scholarships
💳Cost of LivingLiving expenses for students
📄Student Visa RequirementsDocuments & process

Frequently Asked Questions

📅 When are application deadlines? Bachelor: 15 March. Master’s: typically 1 Jan–15 Mar, but check university sites for exact dates.
🌍 Do I need Danish language? No for most English-taught programs, but some degrees require Danish. Always check language requirements on university websites.
💶 Are there tuition fees? EU/EEA & exchange students: free. Non-EU: typically 45,000–120,000 DKK/year. Scholarships exist for top non-EU students.
🛂 Do I need a visa? Non-EU/EEA: Yes, you need a residence permit (student visa). EU/EEA: only registration on arrival.
🏠 How do I find student housing? Apply for university housing ASAP. You can also search on sites like findbolig.nu and kollegierneskontor.dk.
📞 Where can I get help? Check Study in Denmark and your university’s international office for support.