Danish Government Scholarship Recipient, Emma Tkach from Canada, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing an MSc in Global Health at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark

My name is Emma Tkach, and I am from British Columbia, Canada. I have always been interested in health and well-being, and have completed several degrees now in pursuit of a career in the health sector. Most recently, I completed an MSc in Global Health from the University of Copenhagen, graduating in 2024.

Danish Government Scholarship Details

I received the Danish Government Scholarship in the autumn of 2023, at the start of the second year of my masters study. This scholarship is awarded to international students studying at Danish institutions and is awarded based on academic merit. The scholarship includes a full tuition waiver for the second year of the master’s program, as well as a monthly stipend for the remaining 10 months of the program (September – June). The combined amount of the tuition waivers and stipends for 10 months is approximately 190,000 Danish krone ($29,000 USD).

Educational Background

I hold a BSc in Biology and Psychology from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, with a 3.7/4.0 GPA. The Global Health MSc program at the University of Copenhagen is highly interdisciplinary and welcomes students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. However, my background in Biology and Psychology aligned quite well with the Global Health curriculum as it included quantitative and epidemiological-based courses, as well as some social science-based courses, which were both relevant to the content of the MSc program. My cumulative GPA from my MSc in Global Health was 11.0/12.0 on the Danish grading scale (approximately equivalent to a 3.5 GPA on the 4-point scale).

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Copenhagen?

No standardized test scores were required with my application to study at the University of Copenhagen. My application included a CV, statement of interest, and transcripts from my undergraduate studies. The application also required us to submit course descriptions and final grades from the 10 courses from our previous degrees that we deemed most relevant to the MSc Global Health program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Danish Government Scholarship?

I did not directly apply for this scholarship. All international students studying in Denmark are eligible for the award, so no application is necessary.

How Was Your Experience at the University of Copenhagen?

I had a very positive experience studying with the MSc Global Health program at the University of Copenhagen. Our professors were highly knowledgeable, well-connected, and experienced within their respective fields related to global health. The Global Health faculty has ties with many industry leaders, such as the Novo Nordisk Foundation and UN City in Copenhagen. We covered a wide-breadth of topics within global health, and there were opportunities to enhance your experience by completing an internship, a study abroad term, and getting involved with the many relevant student associations, such as Eye on Global Health, Global Health Film Days, and the Copenhagen Decolonisation Collective. The Global Health program also provides the unique experience of completing a Country Exposure course: a 4-week country placement where students travel to another country, collaborate with local researchers and practitioners to create a research proposal for a health topic relevant to that country.

How Do You Rate the University of Copenhagen Academically and Why?

I think the University of Copenhagen provides high-quality and highly practical education, based on my experience in the Global Health program. The skills and experience I gained during this program have been applicable and relevant to my current work in research, and the collaborative, applied nature of the education has also supported the development of my collaboration and communication skills.

How Does the University of Copenhagen Support International Students?

The MSc Global Health program is a very international program at the University of Copenhagen, and this provided a good social support network and academic culture for international students.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Danish?

All classes are taught in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Danish?

No

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply to a Similar Scholarship?

As this scholarship is based solely on the academic merit of international students in Denmark, and there is no formal application process, I would recommend aiming for grades above 10 on the Danish grading scale during your first year of study. The scholarship is based on your first year grades, and I believe achieving grades of 10 and above would position you well for receiving this scholarship.