To get into a Danish-taught programme, you need to document sufficient oral and written Danish by the start of the programme. The tests that count are Danish as a Foreign Language (Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog) and Danish Test 2 (Danskprøve 2). Some programmes may also ask for Danish Test 3 (Danskprøve 3).
Which Danish tests are accepted?
There are two main tests for admission to Danish-taught higher education: Danish as a Foreign Language (Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog) and Danish Test 2 (Danskprøve 2). Both are accepted as proof of sufficient Danish for most Danish-taught programmes. Some programmes may require Danish Test 3 (Danskprøve 3), so check the specific entry requirements for each programme you are considering.
You must meet the Danish requirement by the start of the programme. That means you need to have passed the test before teaching begins, not during the first semester.
Which test do you need for your programme?
The test you need depends on the programme. Most Danish-taught programmes accept Danish Test 2 or Studieprøven. Some may ask for Danish Test 3. The exact requirement is set by the institution, so always check the programme page. You can find Danish-taught programmes at www.ug.dk. On this site, you can find programmes and filter by language of instruction to see which ones are taught in Danish. You can also browse universities to see all the institutions that offer Danish-taught degrees.
What if your Danish is not good enough yet?
If you do not meet the Danish requirement, you may be able to take a supplementary course. These courses are only offered in Danish, so you will need some Danish to start with. Another option is to begin in an English-taught undergraduate programme and take Danish lessons for free alongside your studies. International students can take Danish lessons for free, so you can start in an English-taught undergraduate programme and continue in Danish at graduate level. That gives you time to build your Danish up to the level needed for a Danish-taught master's.
How do you apply to a Danish-taught programme?
Undergraduate applications are coordinated centrally through www.optagelse.dk, but each institution assesses your application. The deadlines are 15 March and 5 July, both at 12 noon (CET). You need to have your Danish test result ready by the start of the programme, but you can apply before you have passed the test as long as you document it in time. Check with the institution about how to submit your test result. For a full list of Danish higher education institutions, see all universities in Denmark.
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. Tuition fees and application deadlines on this site are shown as listed in the Study in Denmark register, so confirm them with the institution. Our catalogue currently lists 24 Danish higher education institutions and 422 programmes imported from the Study in Denmark register.
What else do you need to know?
All Danish higher education institutions use ECTS credits and follow national rules on teacher qualifications, degree structures and examinations. If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you normally need a residence permit for study before you come, applied for through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI); details are on nyidanmark.dk.
If you are unsure which test your programme requires, or whether a supplementary course is available, contact the institution directly. They decide on admission and can tell you exactly what they need.
Sources
- Study in Denmark, how to apply
- Study in Denmark, language requirements
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Danish Test 2 or Studieprøven to study in Denmark?
It depends on the programme. Danish-taught programmes require you to document sufficient Danish with either Danish as a Foreign Language (Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog) or Danish Test 2 (Danskprøve 2). Some programmes may also require Danish Test 3 (Danskprøve 3). Check the specific programme page.
When do I need to pass the Danish test?
You must document sufficient oral and written Danish by the start of the programme. That means you need to have passed the test before teaching begins.
Can I take Danish lessons for free as an international student?
Yes, international students can take Danish lessons for free. This means you can start in an English-taught undergraduate programme and continue in Danish at graduate level.
What if my Danish is not good enough for the programme?
If you do not meet the requirements, you may take a supplementary course, but these are only offered in Danish. Alternatively, you can improve your Danish through free lessons while studying in English, then apply to a Danish-taught programme later.