Getting a master’s degree in Denmark offers the opportunity to experience research-based education and an international study environment. Before selecting a program, you can learn more about Denmark’s education system and the country’s approach to higher education.
In this article, we will review the main admission requirements and application steps for a master’s degree in Denmark. Let’s simplify the application process and help you begin your academic journey in Denmark.
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
Are you unsure which documents you need to apply for a master’s degree in Denmark? Admission requirements differ by university and program, so you should always follow the instructions on the official program page. However, applicants commonly need some of the following qualifications and documents:
| ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | DOCUMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | You generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree that is equivalent in level to a Danish bachelor’s degree. Denmark does not have a universal requirement that all applicants must have completed exactly 16 years of education. The university will assess the level, academic content, and relevance of your previous degree. |
| Academic Transcripts | You will normally need an official academic transcript showing the courses you completed, your credits, grades, examination attempts, and, where applicable, confirmation that you completed your degree. |
| Language Proficiency | You must document the English and/or Danish proficiency required by the program. Accepted qualifications, test types, minimum scores, and documentation rules vary among universities and programs. |
| Statement of Purpose | Some programs require a motivation letter, statement of academic interest, or statement of purpose. Other programs do not consider unsolicited personal statements, so only submit one when the application instructions require or permit it. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Letters of recommendation are not a universal requirement for Danish master’s applications. Submit them only when the program requests them. The number of letters and acceptable referees will depend on the program. |
| CV/Resume | Some programs require an updated CV or resume outlining your academic history, employment, research, and other relevant experience. Follow the program’s instructions regarding its required content and format. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master Studies
To apply for a master’s program in Denmark, you must document the English and/or Danish language proficiency required by your program. Commonly accepted English tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English qualifications such as C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. Some universities also accept specified upper-secondary, International Baccalaureate, or European Baccalaureate qualifications.
| MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION | COMMONLY ACCEPTED LANGUAGE DOCUMENTATION |
|---|
| Danish-taught Programs |
- Danish A or an accepted equivalent qualification
- Studieprøven in Danish as a second language, where accepted
- Specified Nordic, International Baccalaureate, or European Baccalaureate qualifications
- Other documentation accepted by the university
|
| English-taught Programs |
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
- Specified upper-secondary, International Baccalaureate, or European Baccalaureate qualifications, where accepted
|
Minimum scores differ by university and program. At the University of Copenhagen, programs requiring English B accept IELTS Academic scores of at least 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each section. Programs requiring English A require at least 7.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in each section. The Technical University of Denmark lists a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each section. At Copenhagen Business School, an IELTS Academic score of at least 7.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in each section, is required for programs with the relevant English B requirement.
Danish-language requirements also vary. Aarhus University generally requires applicants with a foreign university degree who apply to a Danish-taught master’s program to have passed Studieprøven after completing Module 6 of Danskuddannelse 3, with at least grade 2 in each required discipline. The University of Southern Denmark accepts several forms of documentation for Danish-taught programs, including Danish A, a bachelor’s degree taught in Danish, or Studieprøven. The minimum average grade of 7.0 on Studieprøven applies specifically to the master’s program in Pharmacy, rather than to every Danish-taught master’s program at the university.
Master’s Degree Application Process
Applying for a master’s degree in Denmark involves several steps. The following guide can help you organize the process:
Step 1: Check Admission Requirements
Start by reviewing the entry requirements for each selected university and program. Confirm that your bachelor’s degree meets the program’s academic and subject-specific requirements and that you can provide the required language documentation. It is helpful to make a separate checklist for each application. For example, Roskilde University assesses whether an applicant holds a degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree and whether that degree fulfills the academic requirements of the selected master’s program. Applicants to its English-taught master’s programs must also submit a statement of academic interest.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather the documents listed on the official program page. These commonly include an academic transcript, bachelor’s diploma or proof of current enrollment, language documentation, and identification. A CV, motivation letter, course descriptions, recommendation letters, or other program-specific forms may also be required. Do not assume that every university requires the same documents, and avoid submitting materials that the program says it will not consider.
Step 3: Submit Application
Complete your application through the university’s designated online portal. Make sure that the information entered is accurate and that you have uploaded all required documents before the deadline. You may also need to pay an application fee or deposit, depending on your citizenship, residence status, and university.
Master’s applications are submitted directly through the individual university’s application system, and deadlines vary by university, intake, program, and applicant category. The national Quota 1 and Quota 2 system, including the 15 March and 5 July deadlines described by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, applies to undergraduate programs and should not be used as a general deadline for master’s applications. For a standard September intake, universities such as the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University generally use a January 15 deadline for applicants from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland and a March 1 deadline for EU/EEA and Swiss applicants, although exceptions apply.
You can check the master’s application deadlines for these Danish institutions: Aalborg University, Technical University of Denmark, Aarhus University, and Roskilde University. Confirm every deadline on the university’s official website before applying.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Some Danish universities charge an application fee or deposit, primarily to applicants from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who do not qualify for an exemption. For example, the University of Copenhagen currently charges an application deposit of DKK 1,120, approximately EUR 150, for one or more master’s applications submitted in the same application round. Payment methods and exemption rules vary by university. When a fee is required, the university may decline to process an application that has not been paid correctly by the deadline.
5: Check Application Status
After submitting your application, regularly check the application portal and the email address connected to your account. The university may request clarification, verification, or additional documentation and may set a strict deadline for your response.
6: Accept the Offer
If you receive an offer, carefully follow the university’s instructions and accept it by the stated deadline. Depending on your circumstances, the next steps may include paying tuition, documenting completion of your bachelor’s degree, applying for a student residence permit, completing enrollment, and arranging housing.
FAQs: Master’s Application Process in Denmark
Is it Expensive to Study Master’s in Denmark?
Higher education in Denmark is generally tuition-free for citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland, as well as applicants who qualify for equal treatment under applicable residence rules. Other full-degree students normally pay tuition. Denmark’s official study portal gives a general annual estimate of DKK 45,000 to DKK 120,000, or approximately EUR 6,000 to EUR 16,000, but current fees at individual universities may be higher. Always consult the university’s current program-specific fee schedule.
At the University of Copenhagen, tuition varies by program, and the university publishes the fee for 60 ECTS, which represents one full academic year. At Aarhus University, annual tuition for English-taught master’s programs is generally EUR 13,000 or EUR 17,300, depending on the program and faculty.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Prepare for Applying to a University in Denmark?
A practical planning period for a master’s application is approximately 6 to 12 months. This can provide enough time to research programs, confirm that your previous degree meets the academic requirements, obtain official documents, take a language test when necessary, and prepare any program-specific materials.
Language testing and document verification can require additional time. Begin early enough to receive your scores and official documents before the application deadline, particularly if certified translations or verification from a previous university will be required.
Are there Scholarship Opportunities for International Graduate Students in Denmark?
Yes, international graduate students may be eligible for scholarships in Denmark. The Danish Government Scholarship program provides a limited number of awards to highly qualified full-degree students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who meet the applicable residence requirements. Depending on the award and university, a scholarship may provide a full or partial tuition waiver and/or a grant toward living expenses. It is not necessarily a full tuition waiver combined with a living-cost grant.
Danish universities administer a limited number of scholarships and determine their own selection procedures. At the University of Copenhagen, eligible non-EU/EEA applicants who receive admission are automatically considered for Danish Government Scholarships. The university also lists external funding opportunities, including the Fulbright Scholarship for eligible US students, the Aga Khan Foundation’s postgraduate funding, and the Women Techmakers Scholars Program. These external scholarships are not awarded by the University of Copenhagen, and their eligibility criteria and availability may change.
If you are considering studying at a university in Denmark, begin exploring scholarship opportunities early. Check the eligibility rules, required documents, application procedures, and deadlines on the university or scholarship provider’s official website. Scholarships can be highly competitive, so you should also prepare a realistic alternative funding plan.
Hopefully, this guide will help you understand how to apply for a master’s degree in Denmark. For more articles like this, visit our Study in Denmark Page. If you are interested, you can also check out Available Programs in Europe!
