Not sure what quota 1 and quota 2 mean for your application to a Danish university? You're not alone. In short, quota 1 admits by grade point average alone, while quota 2 uses other criteria that each institution publishes for each programme. Both are routes into the same programme, but they judge you differently, and you can be assessed in both at the same time.
When quotas actually matter
In most programmes you're offered a place if you meet the entry requirements. The quotas only come into play when applicants outnumber places. That's when admission splits into quota 1 and quota 2. So the first thing to check is whether your programme of interest even uses quotas, some don't, and some admit only through quota 2.
If you're still browsing, start with our list of universities in Denmark or search for specific programmes. Our catalogue counts 24 Danish higher education institutions and 422 programmes imported from the Study in Denmark register. That's a lot of variation, so always check the specific programme page.
How quota 1 works
Quota 1 is a straight grade race. The institution admits applicants in descending order of their grade point average from their upper secondary qualification until the places are full. The last admitted applicant's average becomes the minimum for that year. But that minimum is only known when the process ends on 28 July, and the averages are published on 26 July. So you won't know the cutoff in advance, you just apply and wait.
Foreign grades are converted to the Danish grading scale by the institution under rules from the Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education. So you don't need to convert them yourself. Also, a diploma from an upper secondary education never expires. If you have more than one, the first diploma issued is the basis for quota 1.
How quota 2 works
Quota 2 is not about your average. Instead, each institution publishes specific criteria for each programme. These could be relevant work experience, specific subjects, a motivational essay, or a test or interview. Some programmes even admit only through quota 2 and use tests, interviews or both. The important thing is that the same programme at different institutions can have different quota 2 criteria. So you need to check each institution's page carefully.
If your average is too low for quota 1, you can apply through quota 2 and be assessed on other qualifications. At the same time, your application is also assessed in quota 1. That means you're considered for both quotas in one application, no need to choose.
Applying: deadlines and practical steps
Undergraduate applications are coordinated centrally through www.optagelse.dk but assessed by the institutions. The deadlines are 15 March and 5 July, both at 12 noon (CET). You can use our programme search to narrow down options, but you'll always apply via optagelse.dk. When you apply, you'll be considered for both quotas automatically if the programme uses them. Make sure you check the quota 2 requirements early, some need essays or documents you'll want time to prepare.
Tuition fees and permits
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. Any fees shown on this site are as listed in the Study in Denmark register, you must confirm them with the institution. Similarly, application deadlines on this site are shown as listed in the register; always double-check with the institution or on studyindenmark.dk.
If you're from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you'll 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.
Which quota should you aim for?
You don't choose, you're considered for both if the programme uses them. But you can improve your odds. If your grades are strong, quota 1 might be enough. If they're not, look closely at quota 2 criteria and make sure your application stands out. Remember that quota 2 is not a backup; it's a parallel route. Some programmes admit only through quota 2, so if you ignore it, you might miss your chance entirely.
Use the institution's own pages to see what quota 2 requires for each programme. You can also find all institutions in one place with our all universities in Denmark listing. And always check the official source: studyindenmark.dk, optagelse.dk, nyidanmark.dk and su.dk for student grants and other rules.
Sources
- Study in Denmark, regulations of admission, quota 1 and quota 2
- Study in Denmark, how to apply
- Study in Denmark, tuition fees and scholarships
- Study in Denmark, education in Denmark, guarantee for a quality experience
- New to Denmark (nyidanmark.dk), residence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between quota 1 and quota 2 in Denmark?
Quota 1 admits by your grade point average from your upper secondary qualification, ranked from highest to lowest. Quota 2 uses other criteria that each institution publishes for each programme, such as essays, tests or interviews. You can be assessed in both at the same time.
When are the quota 1 grade averages published?
The averages are published on 26 July, but the final minimum is only known when the admission process ends on 28 July. That means you won't know the exact cutoff before you apply.
Can I apply through quota 2 if my grades are too low for quota 1?
Yes, you can apply through quota 2 and be assessed on other qualifications. Your application will also be assessed in quota 1 at the same time. So you don't lose anything by applying through quota 2.
Do all programmes use quota 1 and quota 2?
No, not all. In most programmes you're offered a place if you meet the entry requirements. Quotas are used when applicants outnumber places. Some programmes admit only through quota 2 and may use tests or interviews.