A Guide to Danish University Admissions for Fresh International Students
Application Process
Centralized Application via Optagelse.dk
- Platform: All undergraduate applicants (including those for Bachelor’s, Professional Bachelor’s, and Academy Profession programs) must use the national admission platform, Optagelse.dk.
- Submission Process: Applicants do not apply directly to universities. Instead, they must submit their applications through Optagelse.dk. Once completed, applicants are required to print, sign, and send a generated signature page to each institution offering the programs of interest.
Programme Choices
- Number of Applications: Students can apply for up to eight different programs simultaneously. If an offer is presented, it will be for the highest priority choice for which the student is eligible. Note that accepting multiple offers is not permitted.
Key Admission Deadlines
Understanding deadlines is crucial for successful application. Here are the main admission timelines:
| Deadline | Purpose | Who Should Apply By This Date |
|---|---|---|
| 15 March, 12:00 (CET) | Deadline for quota 2 applications and all international applicants with non-Danish qualifications | – Non-EU/EEA students – Those with international upper secondary qualifications – Applicants to programs with admission tests |
| 5 July, 12:00 (CET) | Deadline for quota 1 (Danish secondary education) | – Applicants with Danish upper secondary education |
| 28 July | Decision letters sent to applicants | – All applicants |
*Note: Quota 2 considers qualifications beyond grades, such as motivation and relevant experience, while Quota 1 is primarily based on converted grades.
Entry Requirements
For Bachelor’s Programmes
- Must possess a recognized upper secondary school leaving certificate, such as A-levels or the International Baccalaureate.
- Supporting documentation must bear original stamps and signatures.
- Grades typically need to be converted to the Danish 7-point grading scale for evaluation.
- Additional requirements may include specific subject levels, language proficiency (in English or Danish), and program-specific entrance tests or interviews.
For Master’s Programmes
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree that is relevant to the Master’s program, corresponding to 180 ECTS credits.
- Each university sets specific documentation and possible supplemental requirements.
Application Steps
- Choose Your Programs: Conduct thorough research to identify suitable programs and review their specific requirements on institutional websites.
- Prepare Documentation: Compile required academic transcripts, diplomas, language certificates, and any other supporting documents vital for your application.
- Apply Online: Complete applications through Optagelse.dk before the relevant deadlines.
- Submit Signature Pages: Print and send the generated signature pages separately to each institution for every program you apply to.
- Await Results: Decision notifications are issued on 28 July, informing applicants about their acceptance status.
After Admission
Once accepted, international students may be required to apply for a residence permit, especially if they are non-EU/EEA citizens. They also need to:
- Arrange accommodations.
- Complete enrollment steps as outlined by the respective institution.
- Engage with Danish institutions and special study guidance centers to assist with further processes and transitions into academic life.
Summary Table: Undergraduate Application Timeline
| Step | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Research & Preparation | October – January | Collect necessary documents and meet language criteria |
| Online Application Opens | 1 February | Optagelse.dk portal opens |
| Application Deadline | 15 March (Int’l) / 5 July (Danish) | Submit all materials and send signature pages |
| Decision Notification | 28 July | Receive offer or rejection |
Conclusion
Navigating the academic admissions process in Denmark can be streamlined with appropriate planning and understanding of the key components involved. As a premier platform for international education, Study in Denmark is committed to assisting prospective students with tailored guidance and resources throughout their application journey.
Take the Next Step with Study in Denmark
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