Like most European nations, Denmark is known for its academic standards, which distinguish it from other countries worldwide. As an international student, you can expect to follow a curriculum that delves beyond theory and into a more project-based, pragmatic approach ideal for postgraduate studies.
The country’s tuition-free universities and English-taught programs are excellent for international students seeking to strike the perfect balance between affordability and quality education. In this article, we explore the ins and outs of applying to and following a Ph.D. program in Denmark. If you are an international student planning to pursue a doctoral degree in Denmark, read along till the end!
Ph.D. Degree Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for a 2-3-year Ph.D. program might vary depending on the chosen institution and discipline of interest. The basic requirement to follow a Ph.D. degree in any field is the possession of a bachelor’s and/ or master’s degree in a relevant subject. Here are some common admission requirements for Ph.D. applicants.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Academic Certificates and Transcripts |
Depending on the level of qualification your Ph.D. program requires, you will have to submit records of your previous academic achievements. This includes any relevant certificates and transcripts. You might also have to submit certificates of national and international examinations like the G.C.E. |
| Language Proficiency Test Scores |
An exceptional command of English is crucial for research projects. However, some universities also require students to submit proof of Danish language proficiency. Language requirements may vary from university to university. For example, all graduate schools of Aarhus University require Ph.D. applicants to have a score of 83 in TOEFL (internet-based) or an overall bandwidth score of 6.5 in IELTS, whereas at Aalborg University scores of 100 or 7.0 are needed in those tests respectively. |
| Project Proposal and Samples |
A project proposal is a document prepared by the applicant detailing the nature of research work they intend to do as part of their Ph.D. program. Applicants should begin by picking a research group or proposing a project within the scope of a doctoral school. The project proposal, then, details the problem, potential theories used, research methodology, and feasibility of the project. Available Ph.D programs are often listed within the official websites of the respective universities like the Ph.D. job portal of the University of Copenhagen. |
| SOP, Resume, work experience, and Recommendation Letter |
Documents like Statements of Purpose, your resume, recommendation letters, and service letters may also be required by your university to process your Ph.D. application. These documents can be crucial in improving the likelihood of being selected for an industrial Ph.D., where you would conduct research with commercial motives for a private sector company while being enrolled at a graduate school. |
| Application Form |
Applications should be submitted via the advertised projects or scholarships. This can be done from the university’s official website where all research opportunities are listed. For example, the “vacant positions” page of the official website of the Technical University of Denmark, has separate online applications for individual research projects that you can apply to. |
| Travel and Identification documents |
In addition to the above academic requirements, travel documents need to be produced to the respective authorities when processing your temporary residence permit and student visa. These include your passport, identification documents, and other relevant certificates. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Ph.D. Studies
| MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION |
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY EXAMS ACCEPTED |
| Danish-taught Programs |
- Danish as a Foreign Language
- Danish Test 2
- Danish Test 3
|
| English-taught Programs |
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Cambridge English Tests
|
For the 3+5 English-taught Ph.D. programs at the University of Copenhagen, an IELTS score equivalent to 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 560 on the written test (83 in the internet-based test) is required. This is similar to the English language proficiency scores required at Aarhus University.
Ph.D. Degree Application Process
When applying to Ph.D. programs, do not expect to have a definitive and standard process. While the application processes may vary vastly, here are some common steps you might have to take when applying for a Ph.D. program in Denmark.
Step 1. Explore Ph.D. Opportunities
When applying for Ph.D studies you can apply for pre-defined projects or design an appropriate research proposal in your area of interest with the help of an academic supervisor. Begin by browsing through the already-available research opportunities offered by job banks on university websites like the Technical University of Denmark, Aarhus University, or other third-party sites. Alternatively, look for a private sector company to work with and a university supervisor for your Ph.D. project to guide you through the process. You can also find Industrial Ph.D. opportunities with the Innovation Fund Denmark website.
Step 2. Prepare the Required Documents
Assess your eligibility for the program. When you meet all the basic requirements of the Ph.D. program, prepare all the required documents listed above. These include essentials like CVs, research proposals, and language proficiency tests.
Step 3. Submit Your Application
Submit your application through the relevant university website or to the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science where your request for a research grant would be reviewed. Remember to describe the significance of your research project comprehensively in your research proposal and if prompted elsewhere. Attach all other required documents including your CV, recommendation letters, etc.
Step 4. Prepare for an Interview
If you are shortlisted, you might be called for an interview as part of the next stage of your application. Once your application is submitted to the website, expect to hear back from the university or the grants commission within 1-3 months.
Step 5. Prepare for Your Transition
Once selected, it’s time to begin your journey of making your dream attain fruition. Submit all your travel and other documents to the visa-processing authorities at your earliest.
FAQs: Ph.D. Application Process in Denmark
Is it Expensive to Study Ph.D. in Denmark?
Ph.D. studies in Denmark are generally known for being affordable even for international students. While holders of permanent residence permits, temporary residence permits with the potential for upgradation, and EU/EEA/Switzerlands are exempted from tuition expenses, other international students will have to incur a reasonable fee in the range of 10,000 to 50,000 DKK per annum. This can be offset if you are a beneficiary of a scholarship, or grant, or are getting paid as a Ph.D. student. Leading graduate schools like the University of Copenhagen’s School of Health Sciences charge a tuition fee of 50,000 DKK per year from all students.
Are There Scholarship Opportunities for International Graduate Students in Denmark?
Yes, international students can receive scholarships and grants to fund part or the entirety of their academic and living expenses. These can include external scholarships like the Fulbright Denmark Scholarship or internal scholarships offered by universities like Southern Denmark University. Students can also become beneficiaries of state or regional grants.
Denmark offers the practical knowledge and environment required for potentially industry-defining research projects. We hope that the information we provided in this article on the requirements and the step-by-step process of applying for Ph.D. programs help you secure your spot at a leading university in Denmark.
We hope this article will serve as your guide when applying for your doctorate in Denmark. You can read more articles about studying abroad on our Study in Denmark Page. You can also check Available Programs in Europe for more study options!
