Study in Denmark

Study in Denmark

ABOUT DENMARK

As one of the most beautiful Nordic countries situated in Northern Europe, the Kingdom of Denmark continues to shine as a pride to the Scandinavian region. While sharing its borders with Sweden, Norway and Germany, Denmark consists of a peninsula and 443 archipelago islands. Geographically, Denmark has a temperate climate with cool summers and moderately cold winters. As a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy, the country shares very international rankings in the standards of living, healthcare, education and civil liberties. It has been one of the founding members of many intergovernmental alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the Nordic Council, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations. Culturally, it was one of the first countries to allow gender neutral marriages in the Church of Denmark displaying its ever growing progressive reforms with changing times. Academically, Denmark has been the hub of Scandinavian discoveries. The contributions of Tycho Brahe, Ludwig A. Colding and the famous Neil Bohr have led scientific development in the subsequent decades. It has also been a centre for literary innovation with Hans Christian Anderson, Søren Kierkegaard, Karen Blixen, Ludvig Holberg, Piet Hein and Carl Nielsen guiding the country. Denmark is also home to seven of the UNESCO’s World Heritage sites of Northern Europe. The likes of Christiansfeld, Jelling Mounds, Kronborg Castle and the Roskilde Cathedral continue to attract tourists to experience the country’s beauty.

HIGHER EDUCATION IN DENMARK 

The Higher Study in Denmark consists of:

  • The University Sector
  • The college sector
  • The academic sector

However, the country offers four types of higher education:

  • Academies of professional higher education which are short cycle programs
  • University Colleges which are medium cycle programs
  • Universities which offer long cycle programs
  • University level institutions for education in arts

For the purpose of this blog, we intend to tell you a lot more about long cycle programs to help you plan a field of study that gives you the longest duration to stay and enjoy the country of Denmark

Long Cycle Program 

The long cycle program usually consists of two inner cycles which are a 3 year bachelor’s degree and a 2 year master’s degree.

Bachelor’s degree

Universities have a variety of different programs for the two in the branches of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, law, theology, health and technical studies. There also exists an option for a professional bachelor’s degree which usually prepares students for a specific profession such as teaching, social work, journalism, nursing and engineering. Such programs provide students with both the technical knowledge and the practical experience in fulfilling their role in society. What makes Denmark a unique place to study bachelor’s is the compulsory periods of practical training and the requirement to submit a theoretical paper of their choice. This not only help most undergraduates gain the specific skills to apply for a job but also to prepare them in their abilities to pursue a full fledged Master’s degree if they wish to achieve academic excellence.

Requirement to study Bachelor’s in Denmark

The requirement to study Bachelor’s in denmark are:

  • Completion of class 12 with more than 60%
  • An IELTS score of more than 6.0

Master’s degree 

A master degree in Denmark is a two-year programme after a student graduates from their bachelor’s degree. It is offered in a variety of fields which range from humanities to technical sciences. The Master’s degree not only gives students an opportunity to specialise in their field of interest but also the platform to pursue a PhD in their field of study in future.

Requirement to study Master’s in Denmark

In order to pursue a master’s degree in Denmark students need:

  • A relevant bachelor’s or professional degree with an academic score of more than 60%
  • An IELTS score of more than 6.0

Want to pursue a PhD?

Along with the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, the Kingdom of Denmark also gives you the opportunity to pursue a PhD in the country with the best research facilities. Such PhD are either a research PhD or an industrial PhD where the student is employed in a specific company where he/she continues research on any area of interest that the company wishes to. Such programs usually take up to 3 years to complete and upon the successful completion of it, the student is awarded with a Doctoral degree to symbolise his/her academic excellence and contribution

Requirement to pursue PhD in Denmark

To pursue a PhD in Denmark, a student must have:

  • A Bachelor’s degree of more than 60%
  • A Master’s degree of more than 60%
  • A study proposal or are a detailed area of research that they intend to pursue in their PhD
  • IELTS score of more than 6.0

Cost of pursuing higher education in Denmark 

While the cost differs with each university, the usual tuition fees for pursuing higher education in Denmark range from EUR 6000 – 16000 per academic year (around INR 500,000 to 13,50,000).

However, the cost of living in Denmark is quite high because of its high quality of living. Therefore, students are expected to pay an average of EUR 800 – 1200 monthly (around INR 67000 – 100,00).

 

WORK IN DENMARK 

In order to meet their cost of living in the country, most international students work part time in Denmark. This also adds to their professional experience during their academic years. International students are normally allowed to work upto 20 hours a day if they have been given a work permit along with their residence permit. A student can always apply for a work permit in Denmark in the Danish Immigration Service. However, it is important to note that students might not find a suitable position if they are not acquainted with the native Danish language. Therefore it is recommended for them to also pursue a course before travelling to the country.

But for students graduating fresh from their academic courses, Denmark is a wonderful place to make a career. Its relaxed and informal working culture is the reason why the World Happiness report of 2019 granted it the 2nd position in its list. Due to its geographical position, Denmark is a key exporter of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, iron and steel, food products, textiles and clothing and electronics to the finished markets of Europe. Therefore, most industries and service sector giants have their offices in Denmark. Although the Danish labour system features a ‘flexicurity’ which allows your employment to be hired or terminated at any given point of time, the system also gives assurances such as unemployment insurance fund to help you sustain until you find a suitable job.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS IN DENMARK 

While Universities have their own set of scholarships, the Danish government under various cultural agreements offer scholarships to international students that wish to pursue their studies in the country. Their also exists an Erasmus+ program by the European Union that encourage international students to pursue their studies in the region by covering a significant portion of their tuition fees in the country.

 

VISA REQUIREMENTS   

To obtain a residence permit in the country, students are required to apply for a visa at the New to Denmark website. Some of the basic criteria to successful obtain a residence permit in the country are:

  • The proof of English language proficiency
  • An acceptance letter from the university
  • Travel insurance
  • Detailed information regarding the study programme
  • A proof of accommodation arrangement during your studies