Top Universities in Denmark for International Students in 2026
International students have made Denmark a top choice for the high quality of European education, making it a more and more attractive destination. Danish universities are renowned for teaching based on research, innovative learning approaches, modern facilities and ties with the business world and research institutions.
Denmark provides internationally recognised education and training in engineering, computer science, business, health and care, environmental science and design that can lead to a career in Denmark and abroad.
But the selection of the right university implies more than the study of rankings. Other things to take into account are the availability of English-taught courses, tuition fees, requirements for admission, scholarships offered and available, location and employment prospects.
This is an overview of the best universities in Denmark for international students 2026.
Studying at a Danish university can provide several benefits:
There are numerous master's programs available in Denmark that are taught in English, and not as many bachelor's programs in English. Students should check the teaching language on the official program page before applying. The official Study in Denmark portal provides a searchable database of available programs.
Tuition fees vary mainly by nationality of a student, residence status, university and selected program.
Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, including students from Nepal, generally have to pay tuition fees for full-degree study in Denmark. However, certain residence permits, exchange arrangements and other circumstances may provide an exemption. Students should ask the university to confirm their tuition status.
According to the official Study in Denmark portal, annual tuition fees for fee-paying full-degree students generally range from:
Important: These are national estimates rather than fixed bachelor’s or master’s fees. Some specialised programs may cost more. Students should check the exact fee for their program and intake on the university’s website before applying.
There are different ranking systems, and each has its own methodology. Some look at research; others focus on academic reputation, citations, internationalisation and employment.
Selected Danish universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027 include:
Specialised institutions, such as Copenhagen Business School, may perform better in subject-specific business rankings than in general university rankings. Comparing rankings is therefore only one consideration when choosing a university.
Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is Denmark’s oldest university. It is also one of the country’s leading research institutions and regularly appears among the highest-ranked universities in Denmark.
The university is particularly respected for natural sciences, health sciences, social sciences, humanities and environmental research.
Student tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students vary according to faculty and type of master’s program. Applicants should not use one university-wide estimate, but should seek information from the official program page.
All bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Copenhagen are taught in Danish and require documented Danish-language proficiency. International students seeking a complete degree taught in English will generally find more options at master’s level. The university may also offer individual courses in English to exchange students, but this does not mean that its full bachelor’s degrees are taught in English.
Aarhus University is one of Denmark’s largest research universities. It offers an international academic environment and is recognised for interdisciplinary research, project-based teaching and collaboration with organisations in Denmark and abroad.
Current annual tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students are approximately €13,000–€17,300, depending on the program.
Important: Applicants should check the exact program fee because tuition may change between academic years.
The Technical University of Denmark is one of Denmark’s leading institutions for engineering, technology and applied science. DTU places strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability and cooperation with industry.
DTU currently charges fee-paying students:
Important: DTU states that its tuition fees are expected to be revised for the autumn 2026 intake. Applicants should confirm the latest amount before applying.
Aalborg University is internationally recognised for its problem-based learning model. Students commonly work in groups to solve practical and research-based problems.
This teaching method can be particularly valuable for students who prefer collaborative, project-oriented education.
There is a wide range of fees for each program. Selected programmes can cost anything from around €7,450 to €15,500 or even more per year for 2026.
Economics or business courses may cost less than specialised engineering courses. Students are advised to refer to the list of tuition fees issued by Aalborg University for their target group.
The University of Southern Denmark operates across several locations, including Odense, Sønderborg, Kolding, Esbjerg, Copenhagen, Slagelse and the developing Vejle campus. Program availability differs by location. Slagelse is being phased out and no longer accepts new students, while the Copenhagen campus primarily houses the National Institute of Public Health.
SDU is particularly known for engineering, robotics, healthcare, business and interdisciplinary research.
For September 2026 entrants, published annual rates are €10,800, €15,000 or €17,300, depending on the faculty or program.
Important: From September 2026, new students must pay the entire first year’s tuition in advance; semester instalments are not available.
Copenhagen Business School is one of Europe’s prominent business-focused universities. It offers programs in business, economics, management and related social-science disciplines.
CBS has an environment where it is possible to learn internationally and it has links with companies and organisations.
For students required to pay tuition, indicative full-time fees are:
Important: Applicants should confirm the current fee and payment schedule for their chosen program.
Employment and salary conditions depend on the program, the student’s experience, language skills and labour-market conditions. Pay or job placement cannot be guaranteed.
Roskilde University is known for interdisciplinary study, group projects and problem-oriented learning. It can be suitable for students interested in combining subjects across social sciences, humanities, communication, business and natural sciences.
Fees depend on the program:
Roskilde University also lists bachelor’s tuition of €10,000 per year for Global Humanities and International Social Sciences and €16,000 per year for International Natural Sciences for September 2026 entry.
*DTU has announced that fees may be revised for the autumn 2026 intake. All figures are indicative and may change. Always confirm tuition on the official program page before paying an application fee or deposit.
Rankings can be useful, but the highest-ranked university may not necessarily offer the best program for your goals.
Before choosing a Danish university, consider:
Important: Bachelor’s applicants should pay particular attention to the teaching language because Denmark offers fewer English-taught bachelor’s degrees than English-taught master’s degrees.
The Government of Denmark offers a few scholarships to attend higher education institutions in Denmark to highly qualified full-degree students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Depending on the university and program, a scholarship may include:
Scholarships are competitive and not all universities, programs or study levels offer them. There are a number of opportunities at the master’s level.
Aarhus University provides a few scholarships for selected non-EU master’s applicants, but does not generally provide scholarships for bachelor’s.
Erasmus+ funding may cover exchanges, mobility and some joint degrees. It cannot be considered as a regular full-degree scholarship for all international students.
Students can review general information on the official Study in Denmark scholarship page.
Students enrolled in qualifying state-approved higher-education programs may receive limited work permission with their residence permit.
Eligible students are generally permitted to work:
Important: The exact conditions appear on the student’s residence and work permit. Students must not assume they can work without restrictions.
A Danish student residence permit does not automatically provide the right to work in other European countries. Students who want to work elsewhere must follow that country’s immigration and employment rules.
Raffles Educare supports students planning to study in Denmark with:
Our counselors can help you compare universities based on your academic background, budget, preferred course and career goals.
The right university is a crucial first step towards a successful international education. Denmark is an excellent place to study, especially if you are looking for studies based on research, where you can gain hands-on experience and get an education that is international in scope.
But the availability of the programme, tuition costs, the requirements for admission and scholarships differ widely from one university to another. With careful research and expert advice, you can make an informed decision.
Contact Raffles Educare for personalised counselling and begin planning your journey to study in Denmark.
Important: Disclaimer: Tuition fees, available programs, rankings, scholarships, admission requirements and residence-permit regulations may change. Always verify current information through the relevant university, the Study in Denmark portal and the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration before applying.
FAQ
The University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) are among the top choices due to their global rankings, research excellence, and wide range of English-taught programs.
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Denmark for engineering, technology, and innovation.
Yes. Denmark offers a large number of English-taught Master's and PhD programs, making it an attractive destination for international students. For Bachelor's degrees, however, the situation is different. While some Danish universities offer selected undergraduate programs in English, most regular bachelor's programs at public universities are taught primarily in Danish. Students interested in undergraduate studies should carefully check the language of instruction for each program before applying.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students generally range from €8,000 to €18,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Yes. Danish universities, the Danish Government, and Erasmus+ offer scholarships to eligible international students based on academic merit and other criteria.
