The International Baccalaureate examinations are now in full swing across Denmark—and around the world. In the next couple of weeks, once final exams have been completed in Denmark and graduates have been thoroughly celebrated with joyful hat ceremonies, champagne toasts, and exuberant truck rides, they will all enter a new and exciting phase. Some will go directly into the workforce or a trade school. Others will take a gap year or two, traveling or looking for a job. And many of them will continue to higher education, or videregående uddannelse.
Given the mixed messages recently communicated by politicians regarding “international-friendly programs” and ever-changing policies—whether to tighten regulations to reduce visa misuse or to expand English-language STEM programs — I became curious about what that process looks like for international students.
I recently sat down with an advisor from Studievalg Danmark, local experts on Danish higher education, and asked her to walk me through the process. Admittedly, the system is complex, but there are five essential things international students need to know when applying for higher education in Denmark:
1. Know your resources
It’s important to know where to get the most accurate and relevant information. There are three key websites you should visit:
- UddannelsesGuiden (ug.dk): This provides a comprehensive overview of all public higher education programs in Denmark. You can filter programs by language to see which are offered in English and which are only available in Danish.
- ufsn.dk: This is an essential resource for anyone pursuing higher education in Denmark. It is run by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science and provides the most current information on application deadlines, admission requirements, application statistics, how foreign qualifications are evaluated, and how applications are assessed.
- studievalg.dk: This is an excellent resource for understanding and navigating the Danish higher education system. Advisors are available across the country, and whether you’re currently an upper secondary student or an adult navigating the Danish education system, you can book an appointment here for personalized guidance.
2. Know where to apply
To apply to public higher education in Denmark, you must use optagelse.dk. Here, you can apply for up to eight programs using a priority list. Applications are only considered if all requirements are met. The Coordinated Admission System (KOT) ensures that applicants receive at most one offer. While the system aims to honor applicants’ priorities, outcomes also depend on each program’s competitiveness and the number of applicants.
3. Know the requirements for each program
Every Danish institution makes its own requirements, which generally fall under four categories:
General entry requirements
The most essential requirement is completion of a recognized upper secondary education. International qualifications such as the European Baccalaureate (EB) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) are recognized in Denmark.
If your qualification was completed abroad, ufsn.dk offers a general assessment tool showing how certificates from different countries are evaluated. This provides only a general overview; if you are unsure, it’s always best to contact the institution directly.
Specific requirements
These refer to subjects that must have been taken at a specific level to qualify for a particular program. For example, a humanities program might require History or Economics, while a technical program may require Mathematics or Physics at an advanced level.
Local requirements
These may include a minimum grade point average or minimum grades in specific subjects.If you don’t meet specific or local requirements, it may be possible to take supplementary courses during a gap year. However, these courses are often offered only in Danish.
Language requirements
Depending on the program’s language of instruction, you may need to provide proof of language proficiency. For example, if you apply to a program taught in Danish, you are typically required to have completed what is equivalent to Dansk A in the Danish system. For the IB Diploma curriculum, some institutions recognize Danish B High Level as an acceptable equivalent, but not all do. Requirements will vary by institution, so it’s crucial to check their websites carefully and reach out to them directly if the prerequisites are unclear.
4. Know how applications are assessed
Meeting all of the requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Some programs are highly competitive (for example, psychology at the University of Copenhagen). Even qualified applicants may not be admitted due to the high volume of applications and the limited number of seats available.
Applications are assessed through two main criteria: Quota 1 and Quota 2.
Quota 1 prioritizes applicants with the highest grade point averages when requirements are met.
Quota 2 is based on criteria set by the institution. This may include a motivational letter, interview, or relevant experience such as work, travel, or extracurricular activities. It offers a more holistic evaluation beyond academic performance.
Institutions set aside a specific number of seats for Quota 1 and Quota 2 each year, and they must specify how many places are allocated to each quota and how they assess applicants.
When applying, you should already be aware of which quota you qualify for. If your GPA is transferable (which can be assessed through ufsn.dk) and you meet the requirements, you can apply through both Quota 1 and Quota 2. If you have an IB or EB diploma, then you are also eligible to apply through both.
Another option to be aware of is that you can apply for a standby position when you apply for higher education. There are a limited number of standby positions available in certain programs—typically 5-10 per year—and not all institutions offer them. However, if they do offer it, then you can indicate in your application that you’d like a standby position if you don’t get a seat in a particular study.
While standby is not guaranteed due to the limited number of spots available, if you get it, it’s valid for up to 4 weeks after the program begins. If you’re not offered a place during that standby period, you will be guaranteed admission the following year.
The only risk is that if you are granted a standby position, then you won’t be considered for any other priorities on your list.
5. Know your deadlines
Deadlines in Denmark are generally strict and not particularly forgiving, so it’s important to know which quota you are applying to and plan accordingly. All important deadlines can be found on ufsn.dk. If you do not hold a Danish diploma, then you must apply for Quota 1 and/or Quota 2 by March 15, at 12:00 (noon) CET.
These are the five key things you should know when applying to higher education in Denmark as an international student. Be sure to explore the websites listed above and double-check each institution’s requirements so nothing slips through the cracks. It may seem like a lot to keep track of, but a bit of careful planning goes a long way. This is the start of a new chapter—one filled with exciting possibilities.
