You need to prove your English is at least equivalent to 'English B' from the Danish gymnasium. That applies to bachelor's and master's programmes taught in English, and it applies even if you are a native English speaker. Some programmes ask for 'English A', which is one level higher. So before you fall in love with a course, check which level it lists.
The good news: TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge certificates are widely used. The exact score each programme wants is set by the institution itself, not by a central rule. The Study in Denmark page gives rough ranges: English B is around IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, 93, or Cambridge CAE; English A is around IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 94, 101, or Cambridge CPE. Treat those as guideposts, not guarantees.
What 'English B' and 'English A' actually mean
These are levels from the Danish upper secondary school (gymnasium). English B is the standard level most programmes require. English A is higher and only a minority of programmes insist on it. The institution's own programme page will tell you which one it expects, and whether it accepts a test score instead of a Danish qualification.
If your school-leaving qualification is from outside Denmark, the admissions office will compare it to these levels. That comparison is their call. When you find programmes on this site, look carefully at the English requirement listed for each one.
Test scores and how they map to the levels
The three tests most often mentioned are TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge (CAE or CPE). The score equivalents are set by each institution. So two universities can ask for different IELTS scores and both be correct.
| Level | IELTS (rough page range) | TOEFL iBT (rough page range) | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| English B | 6.5 | 79, 93 | CAE |
| English A | 7.0 | 94, 101 | CPE |
Those ranges come from the Study in Denmark language requirements page. They are not a promise. Always confirm the exact score with the institution you are applying to before you book a test.
If your English is not quite there yet
Some institutions offer a specially designed test for applicants who need to document their English level. That can be useful if you have the right schooling but not a standard certificate. Ask the admissions office whether they run one and whether it is accepted for your programme.
If you are already in Denmark and want to improve your Danish alongside your studies, international students can take Danish lessons free of charge. That is separate from your English requirement, but it helps with daily life.
Applying and what happens after you are admitted
Undergraduate applications go through a central system at www.optagelse.dk, but the institutions themselves assess your application. Deadlines are 15 March and 5 July, both at 12 noon (CET). Missing an English document can sink an otherwise strong application, so get your certificate in early.
You can start by browsing options on this site: browse universities and see what each one asks for. Our catalogue lists 24 Danish higher education institutions and 422 programmes imported from the Study in Denmark register. That gives you a concrete starting point.
On money: 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; confirm them with the institution.
If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you normally need a residence permit for study before you come. Apply through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI); details are on nyidanmark.dk. SIRI decides on permits, and the institution decides on admission, so keep the two separate in your planning.
Checklist before you apply
- Find the programme's English level (B or A) on its own page.
- Check which tests and scores it accepts, and confirm with the admissions office.
- Book your test early enough for the result to arrive before the deadline.
- Remember that native English speakers must also submit proof at least equivalent to English B.
- Look at all universities in Denmark to compare what different institutions ask for.
Sources
- Study in Denmark, how to apply, language requirements
- Study in Denmark, how to apply
- Study in Denmark, tuition fees and scholarships
- Study in Denmark, residence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens (nyidanmark.dk)
- Study in Denmark, guarantee for a quality experience
Frequently asked questions
Do I need IELTS to study in Denmark?
Not always. Danish programmes accept several proofs of English, including TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge (CAE or CPE). The scores are set by each institution, so check the programme page. The Study in Denmark page gives rough ranges: English B is around IELTS 6.5, English A around 7.0.
What is the difference between English B and English A?
English A is one level higher than English B. Most programmes ask for English B, but some ask for English A. On the Study in Denmark page the rough guide is IELTS 6.5 for B and 7.0 for A. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution.
I am a native English speaker. Do I still need a test?
Yes. Native English speakers must also submit proof of English at least equivalent to English B. The institution decides which documents it accepts, so ask before you apply.
What if I don't have an IELTS or TOEFL score?
Some institutions offer a specially designed test for applicants who need to document their English level. Ask the admissions office whether they run one and whether it counts for your programme. Otherwise, you will need a recognised certificate.