If you are confused about IELTS requirements for universities in Denmark, this article is for you. English-taught programs generally require proof of English proficiency, but IELTS is only one possible way to document it. The accepted tests, minimum scores, subscore requirements, and exemptions vary by university and program.
Depending on the university and program, you may be able to submit IELTS Academic, another recognized English test, or qualifying educational documentation. Read on to explore Danish universities that accept IELTS and the conditions attached to their minimum band requirements.
Minimum IELTS Band Scores for Universities in Denmark
Considering applying to a Danish university? The table below summarizes the current IELTS requirements. Always check the individual program page because the required English level and accepted documentation may vary.
| INSTITUTION NAME | MIN. SCORE (UNDERGRADUATE) | MIN. SCORE (GRADUATE) |
|---|
| University of Copenhagen | n/a; all bachelor’s programs are taught in Danish | English B: 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section; English A: 7.0 overall and 6.0 in each section |
| Technical University of Denmark | 6.5 for the BSc in General Engineering | 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section for admissions periods beginning August 15, 2026 |
| Aarhus University | English B: 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section; English A: 7.0 overall and 6.0 in each section | 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section |
| Copenhagen Business School | 7.0 overall and 6.0 in each section for English A; English B must be documented separately | Program-specific; English A programs may require 7.0 overall and 6.0 in each section |
| University of Southern Denmark | IELTS is not accepted for bachelor’s admission | 6.5 overall and 6.5 in each section; English Studies requires 7.0 overall and 6.5 in each section |
| Aalborg University | 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section | 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section |
| Roskilde University | IELTS is not accepted to fulfill English B | 6.5 overall, including 6.5 in writing and speaking |
1. University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen is Denmark’s oldest university. It was founded in 1479 and offers education and research across a broad range of academic fields. The university also offers numerous English-taught master’s programs for international applicants.
Master’s programs at the university may require either English B or English A. To document English B through IELTS, applicants need an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in every section. English A requires at least 7.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in every section. For example, the Master of Science in Global Health requires English B. IELTS and TOEFL results must not be more than two years old when the program begins. The university does not offer language-requirement waivers, and an English-taught degree or native-speaker status alone is not accepted as proof. The university’s bachelor’s programs are taught in Danish.
2. Technical University of Denmark
If you’re looking for an institution specializing in engineering, technology, and the natural sciences, the Technical University of Denmark is worth considering. DTU is known for research-based education, project work, and applying technical knowledge to real-world problems.
International applicants to DTU’s English-taught BSc in General Engineering must generally submit an approved English test unless they qualify for one of the listed exemptions. The minimum IELTS Academic score is 6.5. For MSc admissions periods beginning August 15, 2026, applicants using IELTS must obtain at least 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section. IELTS results are valid for two years, and IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted. The MSc in Design and Innovation and the MSc in Wind Energy are current DTU master’s programs.
3. Aarhus University
Thinking about studying at Aarhus? Aarhus University is a research-intensive institution that offers a wide selection of English-taught programs, including more than 50 English-taught master’s programs.
For bachelor’s admission, the IELTS requirement depends on whether the program requires English B or English A. English B requires at least 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section, while English A requires at least 7.0 overall and 6.0 in each section. For most international master’s applicants, IELTS Academic requires at least 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section. Aarhus University accepts IELTS Academic, IELTS Academic Online, and IELTS Academic for UKVI, but it does not accept IELTS General Training or IELTS One Skill Retake. IELTS results generally must not be more than two years old.
4. Copenhagen Business School
Copenhagen Business School focuses on business education and research. The institution was established in 1917 and offers several English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs in business and related fields. It also maintains international academic partnerships and exchange opportunities.
For an English-taught CBS bachelor’s program, applicants may use IELTS Academic to fulfill the English A language requirement only if they have already documented English B with the required grade through an accepted school qualification or another approved route. IELTS cannot be used to fulfill the separate English B subject requirement. The IELTS requirement for English A is at least 7.0 overall and 6.0 in each section. At the graduate level, requirements are program-specific. For example, the MSc in International Business and Politics requires English A and accepts IELTS Academic with at least 7.0 overall and 6.0 in each section. IELTS Online is accepted, but IELTS One Skill Retake is not.
Here is what Copenhagen Business School scholars say about IELTS:
“When it came to language tests, I took the IELTS twice, as my first score didn’t meet CBS’s criteria, but I improved and eventually scored 7.5, which made me eligible.”
Mishal
5. University of Southern Denmark
The University of Southern Denmark offers education and research across several academic areas and emphasizes collaboration with public- and private-sector organizations. Students can choose from both English-taught and Danish-taught programs, depending on their level and field of study.
For bachelor’s admission, SDU does not accept IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo as documentation of the English B subject requirement. Applicants must normally satisfy the requirement through upper-secondary education, supplementary courses, or another specifically accepted route. For most master’s programs, IELTS Academic requires at least 6.5 overall with no section below 6.5. The master’s program in English Studies requires at least 7.0 overall with no section below 6.5. IELTS results must have been obtained within the previous two years. IELTS Academic Online is accepted, but IELTS One Skill Retake is not.
6. Aalborg University
Aalborg University was established in 1974. The institution is particularly known for problem- and project-based learning, in which students work with complex, interdisciplinary problems. It also emphasizes collaboration and the application of research to societal challenges.
For English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, Aalborg University accepts IELTS Academic, including IELTS Online, with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and at least 6.0 in each section. IELTS results must not be more than two years old by the relevant application deadline. The university does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake. It also does not accept an English-taught bachelor’s or master’s degree by itself as proof of English proficiency.
Here is what Aalborg University Scholars say about IELTS:
“The good IELTS (7.0) result strengthened my application and met the entry requirements.”
Meina Jia Sandal
7. Roskilde University
Roskilde University is a public institution established in 1972. Its educational model emphasizes interdisciplinary, problem-oriented, and project-based learning, in which students work collaboratively on academic and societal questions.
Roskilde University does not accept English-language tests, including IELTS, to fulfill the English B subject requirement for bachelor’s admission. For master’s admission, IELTS Academic requires a minimum overall score of 6.5 and minimum scores of 6.5 in both writing and speaking. The test must not be more than two years old. Roskilde University does not accept IELTS Academic Online or IELTS One Skill Retake.
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in Denmark
FAQs: IELTS in Denmark
Do Danish universities generally require IELTS for English-taught degrees?
No. Danish universities generally require applicants to document English proficiency for English-taught programs, but IELTS is only one possible form of documentation and is not accepted for every admission requirement. Where IELTS is accepted, a score of 6.5 overall is common, although required subscores and higher English A thresholds may apply. For example, the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University accept IELTS for specified English levels. However, the University of Southern Denmark and Roskilde University do not accept IELTS to fulfill their bachelor’s English B subject requirements. Copenhagen Business School accepts IELTS for its bachelor’s English A language requirement only when the separate English B requirement has already been documented. The profiles of Faith Klijian and Mishal describe individual student experiences, but applicants should follow the university’s current official requirements.
Can I get an IELTS waiver in Denmark (e.g., if my previous degree was in English)?
Sometimes, but exemption and alternative-documentation rules differ significantly by university. The University of Copenhagen explicitly states that it does not offer language-requirement waivers and does not accept an English-taught degree or native-speaker status alone as proof. Aarhus University accepts certain completed degrees or educational qualifications from specified countries, subject to its documentation rules. Roskilde University also lists specific qualifying upper-secondary and university credentials. Do not assume that an English-medium degree automatically provides an exemption. Personal profiles such as those of Faith Klijian and Rebecca describe individual circumstances and do not replace current admissions rules.
Is it Compulsory to take the IELTS even if you are applying for a Danish-taught Program?
No. IELTS is generally not the relevant language test for a Danish-taught program. Instead, applicants normally need to document Danish proficiency at the level required by the university and program. Accepted routes may include Danish A, Studieprøven in Danish as a second language, or another specifically recognized qualification. Required scores can vary by program, so applicants should check the university’s official admissions page.
Do Universities in Denmark Consider Students Who Have Not Passed the IELTS Exam?
IELTS does not have a universal pass-or-fail result. Universities compare an applicant’s score with their stated minimum requirement. Applicants may be considered without submitting IELTS when the institution accepts another form of evidence, such as TOEFL, Cambridge English exams, qualifying upper-secondary subjects, or certain educational credentials. However, the alternatives differ by university. In some bachelor’s admission systems, IELTS is not accepted for the relevant English subject requirement at all. Applicants should therefore check both the university-wide rules and the requirements of their chosen program.
As with applications to universities in other countries, meeting the applicable language requirements is an essential part of studying abroad. In Denmark, students can choose from Danish-taught and English-taught programs. The required language and accepted documentation depend on the institution, study level, and individual program.
We hope this article serves as a guide while you search for universities in Denmark. If you are interested, visit our Study in Denmark guide and Available Programs for International Students!
