Masters in Denmark offers Indian students access to internationally recognized universities, research-focused education and strong links with industries across engineering, technology, business, healthcare, sustainability and science. Most master's programs are English taught, making Denmark a preferred destination for many international students.
Factor
Key Details
Degree Duration
2 years / 120 ECTS
Top Universities
University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, DTU, Aalborg University, SDU and Copenhagen Business School
English-Taught Programmes
500+ English-taught programmes are available across Danish higher education
Tuition Fees
Approximately €6,000–€16,000 (₹6.6–17.6 lakh) per year
English Requirement
IELTS 6.5–7.0, depending on the programme
Main Intake
September; selected programmes also offer January/February intake
Work While Studying
Up to 90 hours/month from September–May and full-time during June–August, subject to permit conditions
Post-Study Stay
Eligible graduates can potentially receive a job-seeking residence permit of up to 3 years
Scholarships
Danish Government Scholarships, university-specific scholarships and Erasmus Mundus funding
Student Lifestyle
Strong cycling culture, international cities, English-friendly environment and emphasis on work-life balance
Best For
Students looking for research-oriented, practical and internationally focused master's programmes in Europe
This article covers the key aspects of pursuing Masters in Denmark, including top universities, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, intakes, application procedures, visa requirements and career opportunities after graduation.
Top Universities for Masters in Denmark
Denmark's leading institutions have strong international research profiles. The latest 2026 CWUR rankings place University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, DTU, University of Southern Denmark and Aalborg University among the country's leading universities in Denmark.
Top Universities
QS World University Ranking 2026
University of Copenhagen
90
Aarhus University
128
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
105
Aalborg University
329
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
283
Aarhus University, offers more than 50 English-taught courses and around 12% of its students are international, representing 120 countries.
The right university will depend heavily on the course rather than its overall ranking. A student targeting AI or engineering may find DTU or Aalborg University more relevant, while someone interested in business or economics may prefer CBS or Aarhus University.
Popular Courses for Masters in Denmark
Students exploring masters programs in Denmark for international students can choose from hundreds of English-taught programs from above institutions.
Below are some of the most popular Master’s specializations offered by universities in Denmark for masters, spanning engineering, IT, life sciences, business and environmental disciplines.
Admission Criteria & Requirements for Masters in Denmark
Admission to masters programs in Denmark for international students is programme-specific. Universities assess previous academic background, subjects studied, academic performance, and credit requirements.
Requirement
What You Generally Need
Bachelor's Degree
A recognised bachelor's degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor's degree, generally 180 ECTS
Academic Background
Relevant subjects or credits matching the master's programme
English Proficiency
Many programmes require English at Danish B level, commonly equivalent to IELTS 6.5; some require English A, commonly equivalent to IELTS 7.0
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts and degree documentation
Programme-Specific Requirements
Certain courses may require specific subjects, ECTS credits, grades or supplementary qualifications
Other Documents
CV, motivation letter, portfolio or other documents where specifically requested
Denmark's official guidance lists IELTS 6.5 as a typical equivalent for English B and IELTS 7.0 for English A, although individual programmes can set their own requirements.
Check the exact subject requirements and ECTS prerequisites of each programme before submitting an application.
Intake Period for Masters in Denmark
Most master's programmes in Denmark begin in September, although the availability of additional intakes depends on the university and programme.
Intake
Starts
Application Pattern
Autumn Intake
September
Main intake for international master's applicants
Spring Intake
January/February
Available only for selected programmes
Autumn intake remains the most common option across universities in Denmark for masters.
Since deadlines vary between institutions and programs, students should begin preparing applications at least 8 to 12 months before their preferred start date.
Application Process for Masters in Denmark
Applying for a masters in Denmark follows a structured process with early deadlines for the Autumn intake. Most applications close in January, so planning is essential. .
To apply for masters in Denmark, follow these steps:
Shortlist programmes – Use the official Study in Denmark programme database and individual university websites.
Check academic eligibility – Compare your bachelor's subjects and credits with the programme's specific requirements.
Check English requirements – Confirm whether the programme requires English B, English A or another language qualification.
Prepare documents – Gather transcripts, degree certificates, passport, English-language proof, CV and motivation letter where required.
Check the deadline – Non-EU applicants often have earlier deadlines than EU applicants.
Submit the application – Apply through the university's designated application system and upload all supporting documents.
Apply for scholarships – If the university offers government or institutional scholarships, check whether you are automatically considered or need to submit additional documents.
Wait for the admission decision – If accepted, follow the university's instructions for tuition payment and enrolment.
Apply for your residence permit – Non-EU students need a Danish residence permit before travelling to Denmark.
Student Visa Requirements for Masters in Denmark
Indian students need a Denmark Study Visa for higher education rather than simply entering Denmark as a tourist.
To obtain the permit, you need the following :
Document
Details
Admission Letter
Issued by an accredited Danish university; mandatory for visa approval
Tuition Fee Receipt
Proof that the first semester's fee has been paid (required for residence‑permit application)
Financial Proof
Funds covering EUR 800–1,200 per month of living costs for the study duration
Passport
Valid for the entire study period
Health Insurance
Mandatory until you are eligible to register for Danish public health coverage
Application Fee Payment
Visa fee of approx. EUR 100 (INR 10.68K) for non‑EU/EEA applicants
As of 2026, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) lists the processing fee for a higher-education residence permit at DKK 3,060 (approximately ₹39,000), with a normal processing time of around 2 months, although cases requiring additional information can take longer.
For full-degree students, official Danish guidance currently places annual tuition for non-EU/EEA/Swiss students at approximately €6,000–€16,000 (₹6.6–17.6 lakh) per year.
University Tier
Examples
Approx. Annual Tuition
Premium
DTU, CBS and selected programmes at University of Copenhagen
€15,000–€18,000+ (₹16.5–19.8 lakh+)
Mid-range
Aarhus University, SDU
€12,000–€17,300 (₹13.2–19 lakh)
Lower-cost programmes
Selected programmes across Danish public universities
€6,000–€12,000 (₹6.6–13.2 lakh)
Tuition Fees by Specialization:
Specialization
Approx. Annual Tuition
Business & Management
€12,000–€16,000 (₹13.2–17.6 lakh)
Computer Science & IT
€12,000–€17,500 (₹13.2–19.3 lakh)
Engineering & Technology
€12,000–€17,500 (₹13.2–19.3 lakh)
Data Science & AI
€12,000–€17,500 (₹13.2–19.3 lakh)
Life Sciences & Biotechnology
€10,000–€17,500 (₹11–19.3 lakh)
Health Sciences
€12,000–€15,000 (₹13.2–16.5 lakh)
Humanities & Social Sciences
€10,000–€15,000 (₹11–16.5 lakh)
Cost of Living in Denmark:
Tuition is only one part of your budget. Denmark has a relatively high cost of living, Copenhagen requires a larger budget than smaller university cities such as Aalborg or Odense.
Expense Category
Approximate Monthly Cost
Accommodation
DKK 4,000–7,500 (₹55,000–₹1.03 lakh)
Food
DKK 2,000–3,500 (₹27,500–₹48,000)
Transportation
DKK 300–700 (₹4,100–₹9,600)
Utilities & Internet
DKK 500–1,000 (₹6,900–₹13,700)
Personal Expenses
DKK 1,000–2,000 (₹13,700–₹27,500)
Scholarships for Masters in Denmark
Scholarships in Denmark are of great help for non-EU students to reduce tuition charges Danish universities receive a limited number of government scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students. These scholarships are administered by individual universities.
Scholarships
What It Can Cover
Key Details
Danish Government Scholarships
Full/partial tuition-fee waiver and/or living-cost grant
Limited awards; administered and selected by individual universities.
Copenhagen Business School (CBS) Scholarship
Full tuition-fee waiver + DKK 8,000/month (≈₹1.0 lakh/month)
Around 25 scholarships per year; max. duration is 22 months. Selection
DTU Tuition Fee Waiver
Tuition fees for up to 2 years
Very limited number of waivers; primarily merit-based.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Can include tuition, living, travel and other study-related support
Available only for selected joint master's programme
University-Specific Scholarships & Grants
Tuition waiver, grants or other financial support
Availability, eligibility and deadlines vary.
External Scholarships for Indian Students
Tuition, academic or education-related expenses
Some external organizations offer funding for Indian students; DTU, for example, R.D. Sethna Scholarship Fund
Job Opportunities After Masters in Denmark
After Masters in Denmark, there is a strong demand for highly qualified professionals, particularly in engineering, ICT and robotics, life sciences, business and finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics and sustainability-related fields.
Denmark's universities also maintain links with public and private-sector organisations, and programmes can include projects, placements and industry collaboration.
Conclusion
If your priority is a high-quality, English-taught master's degree with strong research and practical learning, Denmark deserves serious consideration. The education system places considerable emphasis on independent thinking and problem-solving, and students can study without Danish language proficiency in many programmes.
However, Denmark is not necessarily a low-cost study destination. Tuition for non-EU students can reach €16,000 (approximately ₹17.6 lakh) per year, while accommodation and everyday expenses add considerably to the budget.
The strongest approach is therefore to shortlist universities based on programme fit first, then compare tuition, scholarships, city-level living costs and post-study employment opportunities. If you can secure a scholarship and choose a programme aligned with sectors where Denmark has strong employment demand, the investment can become much more attractive.
Is Denmark good for international students pursuing a Master’s degree?
Yes, Denmark is an excellent study destination for international students due to its research‑driven universities, English‑taught programs, innovative teaching approach, and strong industry links. Students benefit from high-quality education, strong employability, and access to sectors like engineering, renewable energy, IT, and biotechnology.
What is the cost of studying a Masters in Denmark for non‑EU students?
The cost of masters in Denmark varies depending on the university and program. Tuition for non‑EU/EEA students typically ranges from EUR 8,000–18,000 (INR 8.55L–19.24L) per year. Students should also budget around EUR 800–1,200 (INR 86K–1.28L) per month for living expenses, including housing, food, and transport.
Are Masters programs in Denmark taught in English?
Yes, many Masters programs in Denmark are fully taught in English across engineering, business, IT, and sciences. Universities also maintain strong global research networks, making it easier for international students to adapt and succeed in their academic journey.
Do Danish universities accept a 3‑year Indian bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission?
Many universities do accept a 3‑year Indian bachelor’s degree, especially for business, humanities, and IT programs. However, some technical or research‑heavy programs may require a 4‑year degree, subject‑specific credits, or stronger academic performance.
Is work experience required for admission to Masters in Denmark?
No, work experience is not mandatory for most programs. However, relevant experience can strengthen applications, especially for management, IT, or applied science courses. Research-oriented courses usually focus more on academic background and prerequisite subjects.
Can I work part-time while studying in Denmark?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time during their studies. Denmark offers flexible work rights that allow students to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters, and full-time during breaks, provided academic commitments remain unaffected.
What is the main intake period for Masters programs in Denmark?
The primary intake for Danish Masters programs is the Autumn/Fall intake, beginning in August or September. Most application deadlines fall in January, giving students enough time to prepare academic documents, English‑language scores, and financial proof.
Do I need IELTS/TOEFL to study in Denmark?
Yes, most English‑taught Masters programs require IELTS or TOEFL scores. Some universities may offer exemptions if applicants have completed previous education entirely in English, but this varies by institution and program requirements.
How competitive is admission to Danish universities?
Admission can be competitive, especially in engineering, IT, data science, and design programs. Universities evaluate academic performance, motivation letters, prerequisite subjects, and English‑language proficiency. A well-prepared application significantly increases chances of acceptance.
Are scholarships available for international students in Denmark?
Yes, several scholarships exist, including Danish Government Scholarships, University of Copenhagen grants, DTU and Aarhus University waivers, and external international funding. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, offer partial waivers, or provide monthly stipends depending on eligibility.
What documents are required to apply for a Masters in Denmark?
Applicants generally need academic transcripts, degree certificates, English‑test scores, a CV, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and a passport. Portfolios may be required for design‑based programs, and financial proof is necessary later for residence‑permit processing.
Is Denmark safe for international students?
Yes, Denmark consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. International students enjoy secure campuses, efficient public transport, and inclusive communities. Danish cities maintain high standards of living, making them ideal for academic and personal growth.
Can students stay back in Denmark after completing their Master’s?
Yes, international graduates can apply for extended residence‑permit options to stay back and search for work. Denmark’s post‑study framework provides opportunities across engineering, IT, research, and clean‑energy sectors, making long-term career prospects strong.
Do universities in Denmark offer internships as part of the Master’s program?
Many Master’s programs, especially in engineering, IT, business, and environmental sciences, integrate internships or project‑based collaborations. These opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience, enhance their resumes, and improve employability.
What is the teaching style in Danish Master’s programs?
Danish universities follow a problem‑based, research‑focused approach that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Students work on real-world case studies, group projects, and independent research, preparing them effectively for global workplaces.
What are the best cities in Denmark for Master’s students?
Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, Roskilde, and Lyngby are popular academic cities with excellent academic institutions, cultural activities, and student-friendly environments. Each offers distinct advantages in terms of courses, lifestyle, and part-time work opportunities.
Are there good job opportunities after Masters in Denmark?
Yes, Denmark has strong job demand in IT, engineering, design, biotechnology, renewable energy, and business. Many global and Danish companies hire graduates with advanced skillsets. Post-study residence rules also support students seeking job opportunities after graduation.
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