Nursing is a highly fulfilling career. It involves working in a medical setting, serving the community, and supporting patients and their relatives. If that sounds appealing, nursing could be the right fit for you.
With that said, what better way to achieve your career goals than by studying in a country renowned as one of the best to study nursing? In Denmark, universities focus on technical higher education through learning, research-based projects, and practical experience. In this article, we will explore some of the best nursing schools in Denmark for international students.
Why is Denmark Regarded as One of the Best Countries to Study Nursing?
Denmark is known for its diverse nursing programs and high-quality education. As an international student, you can benefit from the robust healthcare system that provides countless work opportunities. For instance, institutes such as Charité University Hospital Berlin and University Hospital Heidelberg offer nursing internship programs, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real-life situations.
Denmark also offers several scholarships to international students. You can avail of fully-funded scholarships such as the Fullbright Commission (for American students), Danish government scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students (for students outside the EU or Switzerland), and the Erasmus scholarship (for EU/EEA and Switzerland students).
Is it Possible for International Students to Find Nursing Jobs in Denmark After Completing Their Studies?
Yes, international students can find nursing jobs in Denmark after their education. Also, nurses are in high demand in the country, particularly in geriatric, psychiatric, and home care. However, international students must fulfill specific criteria to work as a nurse in the country.
For starters, they must obtain Danish authorization from the Health Authority. Proficiency in Danish with at least a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is also essential. A background as an international student in one of Denmark’s top nursing schools may also help.
Top Universities in Denmark to Study Nursing
Denmark houses a variety of top-notch institutes where one can study nursing. As an international student, it’s imperative to select the best institute based on the program details, admission requirements, and location of the institute. Here are the top universities to study nursing in Denmark:
1. University College Copenhagen
As one of Denmark’s finest institutes, the University College Copenhagen – also known as KP – remains a popular choice for studying nursing for international students. It is best known for taking a collaborative approach in its education, promoting groupworks that develop both individual and team responsibility.
Its primary nursing program is a bachelor’s course that is delivered in Danish. Thus, fluency in the language is a necessity, even for international students. If you’re not fluent in Danish, there are still other options. KP offers practical placement and English modules. These programs are best suited for non-Danish speaking students who want to sharpen their skills and knowledge in specific nursing fields, such as primary or somatic health.
2. University of Southern Denmark – Faculty of Health Sciences
The University of Southern Denmark offers a master’s program in clinical nursing to equip students with academic and clinical expertise in scientific methodologies. The program revolves around various disciplines, such as social sciences, research methodology, and nursing science. It also pushes its students to learn about the experiences of patients and next-of-kin, so they develop a well-rounded perspective of their job. It’s crucial to note, though, that this course is taught in Danish, so you must demonstrate proficiency in the said language.
Ranked 326 among the top universities worldwide, the University of Southern Denmark is one of the country’s most excellent institutions. Such quality is reflected in the master’s in clinical nursing program, which provides students with a strong foundation for their nursing career that is highly valuable in a country where nurses are in high demand.
The tuition fees for the nursing programs at this institute cost around DKK 76,500 or 10,200 euros per 60 ECTS per academic year, which is much cheaper than most European and American universities. Although scholarship options are limited for international students, the Danish Government Scholarship can help cover the tuition with an additional stipend of DKK 3,000 per month.
3. University of Northern Denmark – School of Nursing
Regarded as a top choice for nursing studies in Denmark, the University College of Northern Denmark is known for its strong ties and collaboration with all mental and bodily hospitals in Northern Denmark. Thus, the university takes a practical and reality-focused approach to academics, increasing its graduates’ employability chances.
UCN’s nursing program focuses on patient care, communication, and treatment, equipping its students with the skills to help patients cope with their daily lives. Although the basic program is nursing, the curriculum incorporates nursing, health, social and natural sciences, and humanities. The nursing program’s teaching strategies make this university a top choice among individuals. Apart from lectures, seminars, and discussions, the learning techniques involve group work and project writing. The best part is you can gain significant experience with the institute’s fully equipped skills lab.
Although the university’s degree programs are often taught in Danish, international exchange students are enrolled in clinical placements conducted in English, making it a convenient option for English-speaking students. The exchange program for international students is usually funded by the EU’s mobility program Erasmus+, eliminating any financial burden on international students.
A nursing career requires academic knowledge, practical experience, and the ability to apply the knowledge to real-life situations. Thus, it’s imperative to pick a study destination like Denmark, known for its excellent nursing schools that provide top-tier education and extensive training to international students.
We hope that this article has motivated you to pursue a nursing course in Denmark. You may also check out our 5 Steps to Become a Nurse in Denmark page!
