Denmark lies at the southern tip of Scandinavia, offering a more temperate climate than its northerly neighbors but upholding the same liberal values that embody these progressive European nations. The country regularly appears at the top of global rankings for happiness, quality of life, and sustainability, while also boasting one of the highest average wages in the world. Studying in Denmark brings an experience that encompasses all the best aspects of European life, whether you’re in the capital city of Copenhagen or the smaller cities of Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg.
Denmark always seems to be a step ahead of other nations. When it comes to higher education it is no different – its first university, the University of Copenhagen, was one of the first in Europe, established back in 1479. You’ll also find plenty of other Danish universities, such as the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Aarhus University, and Copenhagen Business School, among the top-ranked in Europe. If you choose to complete an MBA in Denmark, you will be entering a dynamic job market upon graduation with plenty of roles available across all sectors of the economy. For many, studying in this country is their first step toward future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How much will it cost to live and study in Denmark?
Students from EU/EEA countries can study for free at public universities in Denmark. The cost of an MBA in Denmark is likely to be at least EUR€30,000, with many business schools charging up to EUR€60,000. Monthly living costs are around DKK6,397 (EUR€860) – international students are required to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain their visa.
Do I need to get a visa to live and study in Denmark?
To do an MBA in Denmark, EU/EEA or Swiss nationals do not need a visa or residence permit. However, you will need to apply for an EU Residence Document. Non-EU/EEA citizens need to apply for a residence permit to study in Denmark. Requirements include proof of acceptance, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of relevant language skills. There is a processing fee when applying for a residence permit in the amount of DKK2,000 (around EUR€270).
How reputable are Danish universities?
Despite its small size, Denmark is home to several high-quality universities and business schools. You’ll find that the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Aarhus University, and Copenhagen Business School, all rank among the best in Europe. In the QS Global MBA Rankings 2022, the full-time MBA at Copenhagen Business School ranked #24 in the world.
What is the job market like for graduates in Denmark?
The unemployment rate in Denmark is consistently low (less than 5%) and students who graduate from a Danish university or business school will enter a job market brimming with possibilities. A master’s or MBA is the perfect way to get one step ahead of your rivals to secure your dream job in Denmark.
Are there a lot of international students in Denmark?
The 30,000+ international students in Denmark are predominantly located in Copenhagen, but you can also expect to find students from abroad dotted throughout the country. The number of international students in Denmark is rising, and so is the percentage who chose to stay there after graduation (currently around 55%).
Did You Know?
Fun Facts About Denmark
1
Denmark is the second-happiest country in the world, after Finland.
2
Famous brands from Denmark include LEGO, Pandora, Carlsberg, Pandora, and Georg Jensen.
3
Denmark ranked #2 on the Earth.Org Global Sustainability Index. It was the first country in the world to set a target of becoming independent of fossil fuels by 2050.
4
Cycling is the preferred mode of transport in Denmark. Only 4 out of 10 Danes own a car, but 9 out of 10 Danes own a bike!
5
World-famous Danes include actors Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, musicians Lars Ulrich and Lukas Graham, and fairytale writer Hans Christian Anderson.
Which Visas & permits do in need in Denmark
To do an MBA in Denmark, EU/EEA or Swiss nationals do not need a visa or residence permit. However, you will need to apply for an EU Residence Document. You can apply for this document once you are fully admitted to a higher educational institution. You will have to sign a declaration stating that you have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your studies.
Non-EU/EEA citizens need to apply for a residence permit to study in Denmark. Requirements include proof of acceptance, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of relevant language skills. There is a processing fee when applying for a residence permit in the amount of DKK2,000 (around EUR€270).
Banking in Denmark
International students are strongly advised to open a Danish bank account. To do so, you must first obtain your Danish CPR number (ID number). Simply bring proof of ID and your CPR card to a local branch to open a bank account. You will then need to register your Danish bank account as a “Nemkonto” (“easy account”) with the Danish tax authorities. This will allow authorities to make direct payments to you, such as wages and tax rebates.
Standard banking options for foreign nationals in Denmark include Danske Bank, Nykredit Bank, and Nordea. Danske Bank, for example, offers special accounts for young adults (aged 18-27) and students under 32 years old.
What do I need to know about healthcare in Denmark
Denmark has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Danish healthcare is open to all international students – if you are living in Denmark and are registered in the Danish Civil Registration System, you are entitled to all public healthcare benefits. Public healthcare in Denmark covers healthcare services such as general practitioner (GP) services, access to specialist care, emergency care, hospital treatment (including surgery, admission, and aftercare), and home nursing. Public healthcare in Denmark does not include certain medication, dental care, elective cosmetic surgeries, fertility treatments, physiotherapy, psychological treatment, chiropractors, and alternative medical treatments. If you would like to take out private health insurance in Denmark, it typically costs around DKK130 (EUR€18) per month.
After receiving your CPR number, you will receive a health insurance card (Sundhedskort), also known as the “yellow card.” You should show this card every time you visit a doctor, specialist, hospital, pharmacy, or psychologist. You can also use it as proof of ID in other places.
Housing options for students in Denmark
Some Danish universities offer student halls of residence (“kollogier” in Danish), which is the cheapest option at EUR€240-460 per month. However, availability for this type of accommodation is extremely limited. Therefore, many international students in Denmark rent a room or apartment. Average monthly rent costs between DKK3,000-5,000 (EUR€400-670), including utilities. Housing in larger cities in Denmark will be more expensive – for example, a one-bedroom apartment in central Copenhagen costs around EUR€1,350 per month.
It is also strongly advised to search for housing as soon as you have been accepted into your study program, especially in bigger cities. It can be difficult to find accommodation in bigger cities in Denmark in August and September.
What are the public transport options in Denmark
Public transportation in Denmark is efficient and relatively inexpensive. Public transport options include trains, buses, metros, bike-sharing services, ferries, and taxis. In cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, international students make use of metros, buses, and trains to get from A to B – but bicycles are also a popular way to get around the city.
Your travel costs will total around DKK300 (EUR€40) per month. However, public transport discounts are available for students in higher education, such as the “Ungdomskort” which you can use to get a daily public transport discount on buses, trains, and metros. The price of an Ungdomskort depends on your student status.
How much does a Big Mac cost in Denmark
The Big Mac Index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies. The price of a Big Mac in Denmark is DKK32 (equivalent to EUR€4.30, US$4.61, and JP¥586). For US$50, you can buy Big Macs.
Denmark is a relatively expensive place to live. International students are required to have a minimum of DKK6,397 (EUR€860) per month, which is what you should expect to spend every month in living costs. The price of a movie ticket, for example, is DKK95 (EUR€13), while the price of dining at a restaurant is around DKK200 (EUR€27).
