Why Study in Denmark?

Denmark is a beautiful country that not many international students have discovered yet. It is part of the Schengen countries that consist of northern and Western Europe. However, according to QS Top Universities website which ranks its Best Student Cities, Copenhagen has been steadily climbing the chart and is now within the top 50 cities in the world.

Danish Lifestyle

It is rated as one of the happiest countries in the world. Why? The Danes enjoy social welfare system that is the envy of the world. Although they pay one of the highest percentages in income taxes, ranging from 40 to 65%, they believe it is for the common good. All citizens and legal residents alike receive tax-funded healthcare and unemployment insurance. The egalitarian principle is embedded in the society. The Danes also believe in balancing work with family life. Their children are safe to roam without worrying about crime as they have the lowest crime rate in the world.

Higher Education System

When they are old enough for college, every Dane is entitled to free tuition, thanks to their excellent educational system. They encourage freedom of choice. Whether they choose to study Gymnasium (academic upper secondary education), Higher Preparatory Education (one year shorter than Gymnasium), HTX (Higher Technical Education Program with emphasis on Mathematics and Engineering), HHX (Higher Commercial Examination Program with emphasis on trade and business), or vocational education that puts emphasis on learning a trade by apprenticeship and training, every student is encouraged to “think for themselves.” Innovation and creativity are prized qualities in the system.

Denmark has eight universities. The largest is the University of Copenhagen which was founded in 1479. It’s also ranked #39 in the QS Top Universities’ “Best Student Cities” this year. Other prominent universities include the Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark which is located in Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen.

For EU/EEA/Swiss students, tuition is free. For non-EU students, they offer scholarships and grants. For example, Erasmus Mundus offers a scholarship to specific Master’s degree programs. American students may be able to apply for a Fulbright scholarship. For more information, visit www.my.studyindenmark.dk. This site is managed by the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education.

Student Life/Costs

Denmark is not an inexpensive place to live, but it can be done on a budget. Transportation for most Danish is their bikes. Copenhagen, the nation’s capital, is bike-friendly and also one of the most walkable cities.

What could be better for an international student to live and study in one of the best student cities in the world?