How to Study Abroad in Copenhagen: A Guide

Denmark's capital of Copenhagen is a popular destination for students looking for a cultural experience abroad - all while continuing their studies.

An extremely modern sitting rooted in centuries of rich culture, students who choose to study in Copenhagen get the best of both worlds.

If you have decided to study abroad in Copenhagen, or if you're still trying to figure out whether the option is right for you (maybe somewhere else in Denmark?), this guide will give you must-know information about the journey.

From how to find a university or educational program to which visa you need and how to apply for it, we're here to give you the confidence you need to take the next step in your study abroad adventure.

🇺🇸 Please note: This article is written for US citizens looking to study abroad in Copenhagen. Requirements and processes for students from other countries may vary.

How to study abroad in Copenhagen for a year

Studying abroad in Copenhagen is very popular and if you meet the eligibility requirements, you too can immerse yourself into Danish culture.

There are a few steps to get you there. We'll outline the general timeline here and then go into each section in more detail to give you a full picture of the process.

To study abroad in Copenhagen, you'll need to:

• Ensure you're eligible to apply for residency in Denmark.
• Make sure there is an educational program in Copenhagen that meets your needs - and that you meet the requirements for University admission.
• Find your program and apply for admission.
• Once accepted, apply for your residency.
• Prepare to move to Copenhagen!

This is the order you'll need to follow to study abroad in Copenhagen, and each of these can have multiple processes within them that include some research and preparation.

Who is eligible to study abroad in Copenhagen?

To study abroad for a year in Copenhagen, you will need to apply for a Danish residence permit, and there are qualifications that you must meet.

Danish residence permit qualifications include:

• Proof of financial means. Applicants must prove that they can sustain themselves financially while living in Copenhagen. There is a minimum financial threshold that you must meet in order to apply. These specific numbers can be found on the Danish Embassy's website.
• You must have proof that you have been accepted to an accredited Danish University when you apply for your residence, and your enrollment has to be full-time.
• You must prove proficiency in the language your academic program is conducted in (English, Danish, etc.).
• If you're under the age of 18 there are additional requirements you have to meet.

If you can meet these requirements, you are generally eligible to apply for Danish residency. Keep in mind that even when you meet the minimum requirements, approval isn't guaranteed.

With that, you should always get actionable information from an official source like the Danish Embassy or a trusted partner (such as a visa processor like VFS). They will always have the most accurate and up to date information regarding entry requirements.

How to find an academic program in Copenhagen

There are a few options for finding a program in Copenhagen that's right for you. The most popular option is by relying on your current university as a resource. This is great if you're a current university student, but what if you're not?

It is possible to apply for universities in Copenhagen, so long as they accept international applicants.

Another option is using a third-party agency to help you find the right program. There are companies that offer study abroad experiences and may be able to guide you through the entire process. Keep in mind, however, that these agencies and companies usually charge fees.

Regardless of which approach makes more sense for you, you will need to meet the admission requirements to get closer to your acceptance letter (which you need!).

Just like in the States, schools in Copenhagen have admission requirements. Some of these requirements can be centered around area of study, language proficiency, GPA, and more.

The program/University that you apply for should provide you with a list of what their minimum requirements are for admission.

Make sure that the program you choose is:

• In a language you're proficient in.
• Helps move your academic goals forward.
• Is aligned with your long-term professional goals.

Studying in Copenhagen: how to apply for residency

To legally reside and study in Copenhagen for an academic year, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

While the in-depth process can be found in our guide to studying abroad in Denmark, we will go over the general steps to apply for residency.

Students can apply for a Danish residence permit online or on paper, in their country of residence or Denmark (though they must be in Denmark legally to apply).

To apply, you must first already be accepted into a qualifying educational program (you will have to show proof).

On the official New to Denmark website, you will need to create a new case ID. You will be given a list of all of the documents you must submit, which include your acceptance letter, proof of finances, passport copies, and more.

The process requires that both you and your Danish university/educational institution fill out a portion of the application.

Once you have created a new case, paid the applicable application fees, uploaded your documents, and have had your Danish university fill out their portion, you will be ready to submit your file.

While this can be done online, there's still an in-person part. Within 14 days of submitting your application, you need to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and a facial photo). This must be done at a Danish consulate/embassy in your region.

If you were in Denmark when you applied, you can typically go to a SIRI office branch.

While this is the general process, always follow the explicit directions on the official New to Denmark website.

Tips for settling into Copenhagen

Get out those walking shoes! Copenhagen is very walkable with fantastic public transportation. Bringing a pair of comfortable walking shoes is an absolute must.

Keep an eye out for bike lanes. There are a lot of bike lanes in Copenhagen. Afterall, Denmark is an extremely cyclist-friendly country. When walking around, pay very close attention to bike lanes. They are not for pedestrians, and wandering into one could cause an accident.

Pay for metro tickets. While the metro is great, it does cost to ride it. Make sure you buy tickets ahead of time, as the fines are pretty steep if you are caught riding without one.

Watch out for pickpockets. Some pickpocketers will work in groups. While some are sneaky and you won't even notice them, others may work in groups, creating fake scenarios to trick you. This typically happens in busier places and tourist areas. Just keep your eye out and your valuables in sight.

Keep an eye on the clock. The Danish are quite punctual and value being on time. Try to make an effort to be on time for your classes, meetings, and engagements.

Indulge in work/life balance. Or, in your case: school/life balance! Danish citizens know how to balance work and life. Maybe this is what makes them one of the happiest countries in the world. You're there to study, but don't forget to find the balance that brings you joy.

Eat some candy. Candy is extremely popular in Nordic countries, especially Denmark. You will likely see multiple candy aisles in every grocery store. Indulge every now and then with your favorite sweet treat!