Denmark has two kinds of bachelor's degree: the Professional Bachelor's and the University Bachelor's. Which one fits you depends on whether you want a specific profession or a research-based grounding in one or two subjects.
The two degrees at a glance
Professional Bachelor's degrees are offered at university colleges, known in Danish as professionshøjskoler. They take three to four and a half years and qualify you for a specific profession. The University Bachelor's is awarded after a three-year undergraduate programme, normally in one or two subject areas, and it is research-based.
The length shows up in the credits. A university bachelor's is 3 years (180 ECTS); a professional bachelor's is 3 to 4½ years (180, 270 ECTS). All Danish higher education institutions use ECTS credits and follow national rules on teacher qualifications, degree structures and examinations.
What a professional bachelor includes
The work placement is the feature that defines the professional bachelor. Professional bachelor's programmes include a work placement corresponding to at least 30 ECTS. You also submit a final project towards the end of the programme.
Subjects at university colleges include engineering, IT management, nursing, health and nutrition, teacher training, journalism and social education. If you already know the job you want, this structure gives you a direct route to it. You can see the full list of programmes on our bachelor's level page.
What a university bachelor includes
The university bachelor is the classic academic route. It is research-based and usually covers one or two subject areas, which means you build depth in a discipline rather than training for a named job. It lasts three years and ends with a final project.
Because it stays within one or two subjects, it is the usual preparation for a master's degree. If you want to keep your options open or go into research, this is the path to look at. You can browse the universities offering it on our universities page.
Which one should you choose?
Start with the job. If you can name the profession you want and it appears in the list above, the professional bachelor is the direct route. If you are more interested in a subject than a job title, the university bachelor is the better fit.
Then check the language. Cutbacks from political agreements have reduced the number of full-degree English programmes at business academies and university colleges. So if you are looking for an English-taught professional bachelor, the list is smaller than it used to be. Our programme search lets you filter by level and see what is actually on offer.
| Professional Bachelor's | University Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | University colleges (professionshøjskoler) | Universities |
| Length | 3 to 4½ years (180, 270 ECTS) | 3 years (180 ECTS) |
| Focus | A specific profession | Research-based, one or two subjects |
| Work placement | At least 30 ECTS | Not part of the definition |
Applications and deadlines
Undergraduate applications are coordinated centrally through www.optagelse.dk, but they are assessed by the institutions. The deadlines are 15 March and 5 July, both at 12 noon (CET). Note that these are the application deadlines, not the final word on admission, the institution decides.
You can find every institution in one place on our page for all universities in Denmark.
Fees, permits and practicalities
Higher education is free of charge for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and for students entitled to the same status as Danish citizens under EU law. Other full-degree students pay tuition fees set by each institution. Fees and deadlines on this site are shown as listed in the Study in Denmark register, so confirm them with the institution before you apply.
Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally need a residence permit for study before they come. Apply through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI); details are on nyidanmark.dk. If you are eligible for Danish student support, check su.dk.
Sources
- Study in Denmark, bachelor's degree programmes
- Study in Denmark, what can I study
- Study in Denmark, how to apply
- Study in Denmark, tuition fees and scholarships
- Study in Denmark, residence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens
- Study in Denmark, guarantee for a quality experience
- This site's catalogue, imported from the Study in Denmark register
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a professional bachelor's and a university bachelor's in Denmark?
A professional bachelor's is offered at university colleges and qualifies you for a specific profession, with a work placement of at least 30 ECTS. A university bachelor's is research-based, lasts three years and usually covers one or two subject areas.
How long does a bachelor's degree take in Denmark?
A university bachelor's is 3 years (180 ECTS). A professional bachelor's is 3 to 4½ years (180, 270 ECTS). Both end with a final project.
Is higher education in Denmark free for international students?
Higher education is free of charge for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and for those entitled to the same status as Danish citizens under EU law. Other full-degree students pay tuition fees set by each institution.
What are the application deadlines for bachelor's programmes in Denmark?
Undergraduate applications go through www.optagelse.dk and are assessed by the institutions. The deadlines are 15 March and 5 July, both at 12 noon (CET). Confirm the details with the institution you are applying to.