Applying for a Master’s degree in Denmark (2026)
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Photo by Dennis Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0, modified
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| 22 | universities offer Masters in Denmark in English |
| 447 | Masters are available |
Whether you’re interested in engineering, business, computer science, social sciences, or sustainability, Danish universities offer high‑quality degrees that are recognised worldwide.
In this guide on how to apply for a master’s in Denmark, you’ll find a clear, step‑by‑step overview of the application process, including typical admission requirements, academic and language criteria, deadlines, and the documents you need to prepare.
We don't currently recommend any particular university in Denmark. If you want to get your Master in a Nordic country (and tuition-free for Europeans), we recommend you check out Finland or Sweden.
Most Master’s programmes in Denmark are taught in English, so this makes it easy for international students to study without needing to speak Danish from day one, while still giving them the chance to experience life in one of Europe’s most student-friendly countries.
The official Study.eu database lists several hundred Masters in Denmark that are completely taught in English. Find yours today!
Study.eu is the perfect place to begin your search for a Master’s degree abroad.
When planning a Master’s in Denmark, it’s essential to understand how tuition fees work and what you can expect to pay.
Public universities in Denmark are tuition‑free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Non‑EU/EEA students usually have to pay tuition fees that range from roughly €6,000 to €16,000 per year, with some highly competitive or specialised programmes sitting at the higher end. Because fees differ so much, it’s important to check the exact amount for each programme you’re considering.
Beyond tuition fees in Denmark, you should also budget for living expenses, which can be very high in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus. Most international students should plan for approximately DKK 10,000-12,000 per month (around €1,300 and €1,600) to cover rent, food, transport, and insurance.
Preparing your application is one of the most important steps. Danish universities expect the following clear and well‑organised documents:
For most Danish universities, Master’s applicants submit their applications via the central DANS portal. You can start your application in this portal and save it as a draft to continue later, so you do not need to have all your files ready the same day.
Application fees are only for non-EU students, and typically range from €100 to €150 (DKK 750-1,125), covering multiple programmes at one university per intake.
Like in other Nordic countries, the Master application deadlines in Denmark are very early. They are the same dates for (almost) all Danish universities:
Notice that the application window closes at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Danish time on those dates, so do not wait until the last minute. By getting your application ahead of time, you allow for some delays and unforeseen complications. (There are only very few late application opportunities for free slots on courses - usually around June for the summer intake.)
A few institutions and specific programmes may follow different timelines, so always check the exact deadline directly on the university’s official website.
As mentioned earlier, the cost of living in Denmark can be quite high, so it’s important to explore funding options early and apply as soon as possible to help reduce the overall cost of your degree.
Here are a few options:
The competition for scholarships in Denmark can be quite strong, so early preparation can significantly increase your chances of securing financial support for your studies.
EU/EEA students do not need a visa to study in Denmark.
Meanwhile, non‑EU/EEA students must apply for a student residence permit (often called a “student visa”) before travelling. This is done primarily through Denmark’s online system, managed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), via the New to Denmark portal and filling up the ST1 application form.
To apply for the visa, you will need:
For the application, non‑EU/EEA students need to prove access to enough money to support themselves during the studies. The required amount is DKK 7,426 per month (2026 level). If your studies last longer than one year, you only need to prove funds for a maximum of 12 months, which is DKK 89,112. The common way to document this is via bank statements, or alternatively a scholarship or sponsorship.
Once submitted, you book an appointment at a Danish embassy or consulate in your home country (or at the embassy of another country that handles visa matters for Denmark) to submit biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and original documents; processing typically takes 1 to 3 months, so it’s important to apply well in advance of your planned arrival.
Finding student accommodation can be one of the biggest challenges for international students planning to study in Denmark, especially in popular cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus.
Many students live in university-managed student residences (called kollegium); the typical alternatives are shared apartments or private rentals. Universities often recommend starting your housing search as early as possible.
Student dormitories are usually the most affordable and popular option because they offer lower rent and a strong student community. Before booking anything, always check whether your university offers housing support, temporary housing, or direct links to trusted student housing portals.
Private rentals are another option, especially if you prefer more independence. However, keep in mind that in Denmark it is common to pay a deposit of around three months’ rent, and many apartments come unfurnished. Students also often recommend securing any reasonable option first and then moving later if needed, as housing can be very competitive.
Most international students arrive through Copenhagen Airport, the country’s largest international airport, which offers direct flights to major cities across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Other airports around the country include Billund Airport and Aarhus Airport, depending on where your university is located.
If you’re travelling from nearby countries such as Germany or Sweden, trains and long-distance buses are also popular options. Denmark’s public transport system is efficient and reliable, so once you arrive, getting to student cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, or Aalborg is usually quick and simple.
The standard Master’s duration in Denmark is 2 years (120 ECTS), although a small number of specialised programmes may be completed in just 1 year.
Tuition fees in Denmark for non-EU/EEA students are about €6,000 to €16,000 per year (roughly DKK 45,000 - 120,000), while EU/EEA students usually pay no tuition fees.
Ready to study in Denmark?
