The Danish education system includes higher education options for local and international students. Higher education is tuition-free for students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, as well as certain other eligible students. Other full-degree students generally pay tuition. Some international students may be considered for scholarships that provide full or partial tuition waivers and grants toward living costs. Students should also plan carefully for living expenses, including housing in major cities, because costs vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation.
Denmark offers programs across technology, health, engineering, business, and education. The following subjects are worth exploring when comparing your academic interests, language skills, and career plans.
Top Courses to Study in Denmark
1. Software Engineering / Data Science / Computer Science
Software engineering, data science, and computer science programs cover areas such as software development, secure IT systems, algorithms, cloud services, programming, statistics, data analysis, mathematical modeling, and machine learning.
Graduates with relevant degrees in Denmark can pursue roles related to software development, data management, data analysis, cybersecurity, and the design of complex IT systems.
Aarhus University offers English-taught bachelor’s degree programs in Computer Science and Data Science, as well as a two-year, English-taught master’s degree program in Computer Engineering. Meanwhile, the Technical University of Denmark offers a two-year, 120-ECTS Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering program. Its specialization options include Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms, Computer Security, Cybersecurity, Digital Systems, Embedded and Distributed Systems, Safe and Secure by Design, and Software Engineering.
2. Medicine
Medicine is a demanding field of study that combines academic coursework with clinical training. Students considering medical programs in Denmark should carefully review each university’s language and admission requirements.
Typically, the university portion of the path to becoming a medical doctor in Denmark takes six years: a three-year bachelor’s degree in medicine followed by a three-year master’s degree in medicine. Additional postgraduate training is required after graduation. At Aarhus University, this includes a 12-month clinical basic training program. Doctors pursuing specialization then complete a 12-month introductory position and four to five years of main specialist training.
The University of Copenhagen offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in medicine in Danish. Applicants to the bachelor’s degree must document the required level of Danish proficiency, and the master’s degree is offered only in Danish. Aarhus University also offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in medicine, with Danish as the language of instruction.
3. Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is a multidisciplinary field that can involve construction materials and processes, structural mechanics, geotechnics, energy technology, safety, hydrology, geology, environmental science, and project management.
The Technical University of Denmark offers a two-year, 120-ECTS Master of Science in Civil Engineering program. Graduates may work in consulting engineering companies, with contractors or manufacturers, in local authorities and public agencies, or in education and research. Students can also explore other relevant degree options at Danish universities.
4. Accounting or Finance
Accounting and finance programs may appeal to students interested in financial reporting, investment decisions, risk management, and business strategy. Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can study tuition-free at Danish higher education institutions, while other students should check the fees that apply to their circumstances.
The University of Southern Denmark offers an English-taught Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration – Accounting and Finance program in Odense. It lasts two years, or four semesters, and concludes with a master’s thesis. The Copenhagen Business School also lists relevant English-taught graduate programs, including Accounting, Strategy and Control; Finance and Investments; and Finance and Strategic Management.
5. Education
Education is compulsory in Denmark between the ages of 6 or 7 and 16. However, attending a public school is not compulsory: education may also take place at a private school or at home if the required standards are met. The Danish municipal primary and lower secondary school system includes one preschool year and nine years of primary and lower secondary education, with an optional tenth year.
Teacher education routes vary by institution. University College South Denmark offers a four-year Bachelor of Education program that prepares students to teach in primary and lower secondary schools. The first year is taught in English while students learn Danish, and the remaining years are taught in Danish. Students choose three teaching subjects.
University College Absalon offers an international teacher education profile in Vordingborg. The first two years are taught in English, and the final two years are taught in Danish. Students may also apply for an optional talent program after two years. This adds 30 ECTS and can bring the total to 270 ECTS if completed within the standard four-year period.
Denmark offers a broad range of subjects for international students to explore. The five areas covered here are a starting point. When choosing a program, compare the course structure, teaching language, admission requirements, tuition rules, and career options carefully.
We hope you found this article on the best subjects to study in Denmark informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students and Study in Denmark pages for more informative articles and study opportunities.
