University of Southern Denmark

The University of Southern Denmark, known as SDU, is a research university with its main campus in Odense on the island of Funen. It also has campuses in Kolding, Esbjerg, Sønderborg and Vejle, plus Slagelse and Copenhagen on Zealand. Each city has its own study environment, but all sit within the wider SDU community. Contacts with regional industries and the international scientific community are strong.

SDU was formed in 1998 by merging Odense University, the Southern Denmark School of Business and Engineering and the South Jutland University Centre. Odense University itself dates from 1966, which makes SDU the third-oldest Danish university. The Odense University College of Engineering joined in 2006 and became the Faculty of Engineering, and a new engineering building connected to the main Odense campus opened in 2015. The university also runs joint programmes with the University of Flensburg and Kiel University.

Teaching is research-driven. Students are encouraged to think critically, question existing ideas and apply what they learn to real-world problems, and the environment connects them with researchers and new knowledge in their fields. Around a fifth of students come from outside Denmark, so you will meet people from many backgrounds. Summer School, exchange and guest study are also options.

The Study in Denmark register lists 64 English-taught degree programmes at SDU: 15 at bachelor's level and 49 at master's level. Subjects span computer science, software engineering, mechatronics, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, business administration including an MBA, accounting, economics, law, sustainable development, anthropology, area studies, and humanities and theology.

For international students, undergraduate applications go through optagelse.dk, while master's applications go direct to the institution. Students from outside the EU/EEA need a residence permit via SIRI. Study is free for EU/EEA and Swiss students; others pay an institutional fee. Check the SDU website for the details of your specific programme.