M.Sc. Global Health Student Zachary Gavry from the United States Shares His Journey of Studying at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark

My name is Zachary Gavry. I am originally from Simsbury, Connecticut, in the United States. I grew up spending summers at my Grandmother Marsha’s in Newport, Rhode Island. Surfing, drinking Dels frozen lemonade, and watching the most beautiful sunsets at Sachuest Beach with people I loved the most. After attending Simsbury High School, I was accepted into the Class of 2014 at Providence College (PC) in Rhode Island, knowing the beach and my family home weren’t too far away.

I honed my academic efforts on Public Health and Development because I love this planet and the people on it. I couldn’t see myself doing something “just because”. I felt compelled to give back, and the healthcare system seemed like the best place to start. I studied the violin simultaneously because music moves me, and it moves others, too.

My bachelor's exchange in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the Fall of 2012 sold me on Danish living. I bought a one-way ticket to Copenhagen in August 2014 and haven’t left since. I graduated with a Master of Science in Global Health studies at the University of Copenhagen in 2017. The study was funded by the Danish Government Scholarship in full through The Danish Government Scholarship.

Danish Government Scholarship Details

University of Copenhagen, Master of Science in Global Health, The Danish Government Scholarship, full tuition waiver, and a monthly stipend for the 2-year programme. The total dollar amount is around 250,000 DKK or around 40,000 USD. This scholarship is awarded to non-EU students based on merit. There is no formal application process. Submitting an application for a master's degree programme in Denmark automatically places you into consideration for the scholarship as a non-EU student.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I didn’t apply to any other graduate programme. This was the one I wanted to do as I knew I wanted to relocate to Copenhagen permanently.

Educational Background

PC did not offer a degree programme in Public Health or Development, so I combined two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy & Management with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies. These two degree programmes were a powerful asset to one another. I also studied a minor in music performance in violin, playing in Brown University’s Orchestra, PC’s, and a few other smaller chamber groups throughout undergrad. To say I was busy in college is an understatement. I still remember arriving at Smith Music Centre to practice Beethoven at midnight, sometimes getting to bed by 04:00 for 08:30 class to begin. I missed a number of those classes (disclaimer: it’s totally fine).

I maintained a B average across 2.5 degrees (2 majors and 1 minor), work study/internships each semester, and graduated with my mental health still intact. I view that as a success.

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

How Did You Find Information About the Danish Government Scholarships and the University of Copenhagen?

Obtaining the scholarship came as a surprise. After looking at my acceptance letter, I wrote the academic board about the William D. Ford loan programme for overseas students, and she said to look more closely at my acceptance letter. Only then did I see I had been granted the full scholarship and tuition waiver. A blessing to say the least.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Not required.

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

There is no application process for this scholarship. You simply apply to the degree programme of your choice as a non-EU student.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Copenhagen?

It was a good programme, and I would highly recommend it to those seeking to do a Master's in Public Health or Global Development degree. Danish teaching is highly theoretical, in my opinion. If you are looking for more technical and data-driven public health skillsets, I would consider another programme or at least read the curriculum before choosing the study. Make sure you have the skills you need for the jobs you would like to have upon graduating. This is not always a given, especially today with an extremely dynamic and shifting global economy & job market.

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

I would give it a 7/10. Perhaps there is cultural bias, but I do feel a number of my American professors were far more engaged and passionate about what they were teaching. That being said, the freedom of the Danish university structure was quite welcomed. You don’t have four tests a semester, although your whole grade could depend on one paper. Pick your poison, I guess!

How Does the University of Copenhagen Support International Students?

I would rate this quite low. Generally, becoming an immigrant to another country implies an extremely high amount of additional life admin vs. living in your country of origin. One could argue it isn’t the university’s role to support that process per se. However, they cover the basics. If you come from North America, be prepared to really take care of yourself and make your own way.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Norwegian?

English

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I had lived in Denmark for a semester abroad and had moved full-time to Copenhagen on my own before submitting my application for the Master's degree. I do think this made me stand out among fellow applicants, but I can’t be sure. The programme accepts 38 out of 440 applicants, with around a third of the seats reserved for Danes. This roughly equates to about a 6-7% acceptance rate for non-Danes.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Nothing!

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

I would really consider your interest in living in Denmark full-time after the study before deciding to apply. Living here as a foreigner for two years and returning to your home country is one thing, but deciding to go the full Danish way is challenging on really all levels. Immigration in Denmark is conservative, and that is saying it lightly. If you want to live here full-time, you need to be ready to work extremely hard to earn your spot and keep it. Unfortunately, that hard work also doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a permanent life here. Assess your interest in this ahead of moving to Copenhagen for the degree. The last thing you want is to find yourself expecting to continue living in Denmark with an impending deadline for your visa and no job offer or plan to make your dream come true. Consider this well in advance if you are making the move in part to fully relocate.

Zachary is a permanent resident in Denmark, with a view towards citizenship. He is grateful Denmark has invested in him, and will continue to return on that investment, working in life science in Copenhagen.