Top Reasons to Study in Denmark – Universities, Cost of Living & more

Why study in Denmark? The country is a great place to study abroad, considering its livability, educational prowess, and beautiful landscapes. Here’s taking a closer look at some of the top reasons for studying in Denmark for international students. From highly-ranked universities to plentiful scholarships, the reasons are ample. 

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Reasons to Study 

Want a reason for choosing Denmark to study? There are multiple benefits to studying in Denmark, and these are outlined below: 

• Top-ranked universities- One of the biggest reasons to study in Denmark is its highly-ranked and reputed universities, including the University of Copenhagen and the University of Southern Denmark. Students can also choose institutions like Aarhus University and Roskilde University. 
• Numerous grants and scholarships- Along with studying at top universities in Denmark, students can also access multiple scholarships and grants. The University of Copenhagen, for instance, offers several government scholarships based on varying criteria. Many universities have grants and financial aid programs for deserving students. 
• Wonderful Atmosphere- Denmark is a melting point of wonderful traditions, welcoming communities, and unique lifestyles. There are several attractions for students in Denmark from various events and festivals. 
• Reasonable living costs- The cost of living in Denmark is reasonable, especially if you consider housing rentals. Living costs are manageable at 700-900 Euros monthly in smaller cities/towns. Bigger cities may require around 1200 Euros per month. 
• Happiness Index- Denmark has already been voted the world’s happiest country. This stemmed from a love for biking and shared activities, emphasis on health and wellness, more freedom in making decisions, a generous culture, social support, and higher life expectancy rates. 
• Great Food- Denmark is a place to savor flavors, including the junket crumble for breakfast or classic Danish pastries with custard. Middag is a tradition where families get together for dinner. Traditional items like gruel, sweet fruit soup, and meat broth are must-try items here. There are several global foods available in the country as well. 

Best Universities to Study 

Here are the leading universities in Denmark, based on the QS World University Rankings for 2022: 

Cost of Study

Average tuition costs hover between 6,000-16,000 Euros per year. Some courses may also require higher tuition fees. 

Scholarships 

Some of the top scholarship options include the following: 

• Erasmus Program
• Nordplus
• Fulbright Commission
• Erasmus Mundus
• Danish Government Scholarships for Highly Qualified Non-EU/EEA Students 
• The Danish State Educational Support 

Requirements to Study  

• Signature/verification of ID for every program. 
• Upper-secondary diploma and personal essay. 
• Qualifications should be equivalent to the upper-secondary school-leaving certificate in Denmark. 
• Admission tests/interviews for some courses and GPA requirements for others. 
• English or Danish language proficiency. 

Right Cities to Live and Study 

Some of the best cities for students include: 

• Aalborg- Aalborg is a cultural and research hub and home to the famous Aalborg University and many other institutions. The city is also known for its museums, annual Aalborg Carnival, and vibrant nightlife. 
• Aarhus- Aarhus University is the key educational landmark here, along with several other educational institutions. The city is popular for its green zones, parks, open-air museum, and great food. 
• Copenhagen- Denmark’s capital is home to the University of Copenhagen and many other leading institutions while offering a plethora of historical and cultural landmarks and great nightlife. 
• Odense- Odense is a sparsely-populated city and a major country commercial and shopping center. The University of Southern Denmark is located here. It is the birthplace of the iconic Hans Christian Andersen and is home to several museums, galleries, and a zoo. 

Cost of Living 

Here’s summing up the approximate cost of living in the country:  

• Accommodation- 400-670 Euros in most Danish cities and around 800-900 Euros for Copenhagen. 
• Food- 200-270 Euros each month, while dining out usually costs around 30 Euros for each individual. 
• Transportation- 40-50 Euros per month is the approximate cost of a monthly transportation pass. 

Stay Back Options 

International students will have to get residence permits to work in the country after graduation. The residence permit stays valid for six months after graduation, helping them find employment here. There are temporary residence and work permits available along with the Establishment Card (completing bachelor’s/master’s/PhD degree), which allows students to remain in Denmark and find employment. Employers can also apply for work and residence permits on behalf of their employees, while there is also the Fast-Track scheme for foreign employee recruitment.