Higher education in Denmark combines traditional lectures with problem-based learning, open debate, collaboration, and practical experience. A diverse range of programs is available at specialized institutions and universities. The Danish education system is designed to develop creativity, innovation, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking while giving many students opportunities to work with industry or complete internships.
This article covers the main aspects of higher education in Denmark, including the types of institutions and degree programs available and several features that make the country an attractive study-abroad destination.
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Denmark
Denmark has five main types of higher education institutions, each designed to serve particular academic, artistic, or professional purposes. Here is an overview of the principal types of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Denmark.
1. University (Universitet)
General and specialized research universities offer first-, second-, and third-cycle programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. They cover academic disciplines such as the natural sciences, humanities, engineering, and social sciences, with a strong focus on research. Like other state-regulated educational institutions in Denmark, universities use the Danish 7-point grading scale, which ranges from -3 to 12. A grade of 02 is the minimum passing grade, while 12 is the highest grade. Noteworthy examples include Aarhus University, the Technical University of Denmark, and the University of Copenhagen.
2. Higher Education Institution within the Arts (Kunstnerisk uddannelsesinstitution)
Artistic higher education institutions specialize in fields such as architecture, design, music, fine arts, and the performing arts. They offer programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, and some university-level artistic institutions may also offer doctoral programs. Their programs generally combine artistic practice with artistic research and, where relevant, academic research. One example is the Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation.
3. University College (Professionshøjskole)
University colleges primarily offer professionally oriented bachelor’s programs that combine theoretical instruction with practical training. These programs are available in areas such as education, nursing, social work, engineering, and business. A professional bachelor’s program is normally worth 180 to 270 ECTS credits and includes a work placement of at least 30 ECTS credits. University colleges generally use the national 7-point grading scale, although some courses may be assessed on a pass/fail basis. Examples include University College Copenhagen.
4. Business Academy (Erhvervsakademi)
Business academies provide professionally oriented higher education with a strong emphasis on applied learning, internships, and collaboration with employers. They primarily offer Academy Profession (AP) degrees and professional bachelor’s programs, including top-up programs for students who have completed a relevant AP degree. Programs are available in fields such as business, information technology, design, engineering, marketing, and finance. Examples include Business Academy Copenhagen and Business Academy Aarhus.
5. Maritime Educational Institution (Maritim uddannelsesinstitution)
Maritime education and training institutions offer professionally oriented short-cycle and bachelor-level programs for careers in shipping, navigation, marine engineering, maritime technology, and related industries. Depending on the program, students may earn an Academy Profession degree or a professional bachelor’s degree. SIMAC, also known as the Svendborg International Maritime Academy, offers programs in Technology Management and Marine Engineering, Ship Management, Maritime Officer studies, and Maritime Technology.
Types of Degree Levels in Denmark
1. Bachelor’s Degree
A university undergraduate degree in Denmark, commonly called a “bacheloruddannelse,” normally consists of 180 ECTS credits and takes three years of full-time study. Professional bachelor’s programs have a more applied focus and may range from 180 to 270 ECTS credits, corresponding to approximately three to four and a half years of study. In the Danish system, 60 ECTS credits represent one year of full-time study.
Program structures therefore vary by degree type and field. For example, the Bachelor of Engineering offered at the Technical University of Denmark is a three-and-a-half-year professional bachelor’s program that includes an internship. In contrast, the International Business Administration, Language and Culture program at the University of Southern Denmark takes three years to complete.
2. Master’s Degree
In Denmark, the standard master’s degree is commonly called a “kandidatuddannelse.” It normally follows a bachelor’s degree and consists of 120 ECTS credits completed over two years of full-time study, although a small number of programs are longer. Denmark also permits a one-year, 60-ECTS research-based academic postgraduate degree. An example of a standard two-year program is the MSc in Economics and Business Administration – Business Psychology at Aarhus University.
3. Doctoral Degree
The doctoral degree in Denmark is known as the PhD, or “ph.d.-uddannelse.” It is a third-cycle qualification that normally consists of 180 ECTS credits and takes three years of full-time study after a qualifying master’s degree. A Danish PhD program typically includes an independent research project, relevant PhD courses, participation in research environments, knowledge dissemination or teaching activities, and the preparation and successful defense of a doctoral thesis.
Universities may offer alternative enrollment structures or part-time arrangements in certain circumstances, but the standard full-time PhD remains a three-year, 180-ECTS qualification. For example, the regular 5+3 program at the PhD School of SCIENCE at the University of Copenhagen consists of three years of full-time PhD study and requires the student to complete the program, submit a thesis, and defend it successfully.
FAQs: Higher Education in Denmark
What Grading System Does Higher Education in Denmark Use?
Denmark uses the national 7-point grading scale for state-regulated education. Its grades are 12, 10, 7, 4, 02, 00, and -3. A grade of 02 is the minimum passing grade, while 12 is the highest. Pass/fail assessments may also be used for some courses. ECTS is not the Danish grading system; it is a credit system used to measure student workload, with 60 ECTS credits normally representing one year of full-time study. Danish grades may be accompanied by corresponding ECTS letter grades on diplomas and certificates.
Are There Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Denmark?
Yes. Denmark has several national, European, and institution-administered scholarship opportunities for international students. Danish universities receive a limited number of government scholarships for highly qualified full-degree students from countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who meet the applicable residence-permit conditions. Depending on the institution, an award may include a full or partial tuition waiver and/or a grant toward living costs. The universities administer the scholarships and select the recipients. At the University of Southern Denmark, eligible non-EU/EEA applicants to selected engineering master’s programs in Sønderborg may be considered for the Danish Government Scholarship, which currently provides a full tuition waiver for two years. Applicants should always check the institution’s current eligibility rules and deadlines.
In conclusion, Denmark’s higher education system includes research universities, university colleges, business academies, artistic higher education institutions, and maritime education and training institutions. Together, they offer research-based and professionally oriented programs at several qualification levels. The system’s emphasis on problem-solving, collaboration, research, and practical experience can help students prepare for employment or further study.
We hope this article has helped you better understand higher education in Denmark. Explore more articles and study opportunities in our Study in Denmark and Available Courses for International Students!
