Language proficiency is essential for everyone who wants to live, work, or study in Denmark. Fluency with the Danish language allows for greater absorption into Danish society, and with effective communication, it would even up your chances of getting employed in your desired industry sector.
For non-native Danish speakers, language competency examinations are necessary, particularly for residency, employment permits, and university admission. These assessments examine various levels of language proficiency and ensure that persons can effectively interact with the Danish-speaking environment. If you’re planning to study higher education in Denmark, this article will assist you with the required language proficiency tests you need to take.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Denmark
If you are an international applicant, admission to a university in Denmark, whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D., will require you to have a basic understanding of Danish and the English language. Here are some tests Danish universities accept.
Danish Language Tests for International Students
If you intend to study in a Danish-taught program or live and work in Denmark after graduation, you must demonstrate proficiency in the Danish language. In such circumstances, international students may be required to take one of the local language competence examinations.
1. Dansk Prøve
This is Denmark’s main official test for evaluating Danish language proficiency, and many universities accept this test when applying to a Danish-taught program. This test has three levels: Prøve i Dansk 1, 2, and 3. It will assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Each level has distinct criteria, and PD3 (Advanced) is frequently necessary for university entry, particularly at the undergraduate level.
Preparing for the Dansk Prøve examinations typically involves attending Danish language classes at different levels. Language schools, such as the Danish Language School (Dansk Skole), and online resources provide structured programs to help students advance through the levels. Many of these programs conclude by preparing students for formal tests.
2. Studieprøven
The Studieprøven is a language competence test developed for students who have finished high-level Danish language courses and are applying for higher education programs in Denmark. The Studieprøven i Dansk competency level is B2/C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), signifying upper-intermediate to advanced language skills. At this level, candidates can engage in complicated intellectual debates, read and analyze academic texts, and express themselves clearly and coherently in both spoken and written Danish.
This test is a necessary qualification for international students pursuing Danish studies at Danish universities. Universities may require students to complete the test before admitting them to specific undergraduate or postgraduate programs, particularly in medical, law, and teaching. Usually, the test is intended to assess advanced Danish skills, concentrating on language use in an educational context.
English Language Tests for International Students
The English language test requirements will differ per Danish universities because each has its own admissions criteria. Thus, before applying, applicants are advised to confirm the prerequisites of their preferred university.
Here’s a list of English language competence tests recognized in Denmark.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
As an international applicant, you are most probably familiar with the IELTS. It is one of the most accepted and preferred English language competency examinations by many educational institutions across the world, including Denmark. IELTS is highly recognized by most Danish colleges and schools. You must take an English proficiency test to demonstrate your mastery of the language.
If you scored high on the IELTS, an examination tool that examines reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension, you should have no trouble getting into a Danish university. The minimum score will vary based on the institution’s set requirements. The minimal passing score in Denmark is 6.0, and the certificate must be valid for two years. The needed scores for admission to top-ranked universities such as the University of Copenhagen and the University of Southern Denmark are 6.5.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL is another well-known and mostly accepted English competency exam to determine how proficient non-native English speakers or international students are in the language.
If you are planning to study business-related courses, one of Denmark’s best educational institutions, the Copenhagen Business School, requires overseas students to have a TOEFL iBT score of 94. Compared to Copenhagen Business School, international applicants have a greater chance of getting into the University of Copenhagen, which requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 83. If you opt to attend Aarhus University, a score of greater than 83 will increase your chances of admission to your preferred department or course. Always remember that the lowest or minimum score specified in the application standards is not enough to gain admission. To secure your place, your score must be higher than the entry criteria.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
During the pandemic, the Duolingo English Test became popular and widely accepted as the most cost-effective and practical option to achieve English proficiency requirements. DET would examine reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. However, only a few institutions accept this test, and it has not gained the same level of acceptance as other internationally recognized exams in recent years. To determine whether the university of your choice accepts DET, check the admission requirements of your chosen university.
Language competence exams are an important aspect of the admissions process for international students applying to Danish universities, particularly those that offer English-taught programs. However, international students who want to immerse themselves in the local language may consider the Danish language test.
