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Study Masters in Denmark: Full 2026 Guide

  • Denmark’s Masters programmes cost significantly less than UK or US universities, making quality European education accessible to Indian students.
  • Denmark automatically grants Masters graduates a 3-year job-seeking permit, providing extended time to secure employment.
  • Denmark’s central European location enables easy access to neighbouring countries for internships, and professional networking throughout Europe.
Study Abroad

Denmark is known for its world-class universities, practical teaching approach, affordable student life, and safe, peaceful environment. Ranked 2nd on the World Happiness Index, it offers a high quality of life and a supportive atmosphere for international students.

For Indian students, pursuing a Master’s in Denmark means gaining global exposure, industry-focused skills, and access to strong career opportunities in a highly innovative country.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything about studying a Master’s in Denmark.

Top Reasons to Study Masters in Denmark

Denmark is a Nordic country located in the south-central part of Northern Europe. The highly reputed education system, the enlightening atmosphere of universities, and the diverse social system bring Indian students a memorable experience. 

Let’s discuss some of the key reasons why Indian students prefer to study in Denmark.

1. Affordable Education

For non-EU/EEA students, the tuition fees to pursue MS in Denmark are approximately between 6000 EUR and 18,000 EUR (INR 6 Lakh-18 Lakh), which is low compared to those of bigger European countries like the UK, France, Germany, etc.

2. Supportive Education System

Denmark has the 3rd best education system in the world, which doesn’t place much emphasis on class ranking and tests. Rather, it encourages students to work collaboratively through various innovative approaches. 

The government of Denmark invests heavily in making its education system strong and world-class.

3. Access to other parts of Europe

The closer proximity of Denmark to other European counterparts gives students several opportunities for leisure, higher education, and research work during their stay in the country.. It led to the development of wide global perspectives in international students, who wants to think globally.

4. Home to the World’s Renowned Personalities

Denmark is home to the world’s most famous Physicists, Neils Bohr, Hans Christian Andersen, Carl Nelsen, and Lars Ulrich, who have made significant contributions in the fields of Science, Arts and Culture.

5. Safe and Peaceful Environment

Denmark is the world’s second-happiest country. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world. Honesty and integrity are the vital parts of day to day lives here. The local community in the country is student-friendly, which often helps international students in the best possible ways.

Top Universities to Study Masters in Denmark

An MS in Denmark is an advanced, research-based course that takes two years. It consists of compulsory courses, elective courses, and thematic courses. It also includes a final dissertation (normally 30-60 ECTS credits) or, in certain subjects, a more practical project. Upon completion of a Masters in Denmark, students are given two options: either they can enter the job market or pursue higher education like PhD. Masters in Denmark is also called Candidatus.

Below, we have tabulated the list of best universities in Denmark along with their QS World University Rankings 2026 and annual tuition fees. Tuition fees within a university can vary according to courses and specialisation.

UniversityQS World University Ranking 2026 Tuition Fees (Per Year)
University of Copenhagen101DKK 75,000 – 130,000 (₹10.6 lakh – ₹18.3 lakh)
Technical University of Denmark107DKK 110,000 – 115,000 (₹15.5 – ₹16.2 lakh)
Aarhus University131DKK 60,000 – 122,000 (₹8.45 lakh – ₹17.2 lakh)
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)303DKK 35,000 – 64,000 (₹4.9 lakh – ₹9.0 lakh)
Aalborg University306DKK 55,000 – 115,000 (₹7.75 lakh – ₹16.2 lakh)

There are approximately 500 English-taught study programmes offered by various top universities in Denmark to international students. Denmark is a hub of research and innovation, which is why Danish universities emphasise strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Be it Science or Commerce, the education system of Denmark encourages students to put forward their endeavours, which can help the world in the long run by solving real problems.

Below are some of the popular courses that most international students opt to study at Danish universities.

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Analytics
  • Business Management
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physics

Study Intakes in Denmark

The academic year in top universities in Denmark begins in July/September every year, which marks the commencement of fall intake. Danish universities offer admissions in most Masters courses in fall intake since it is the primary intake. The application process begins in November and concludes in January of the following year.

Summer intake is also known as secondary intake, and it begins between January to March every year. In this intake, only a few universities provide admission to their short-term and language courses. However, they also provide admission to some selected MS programs.

The application process for the summer intake commences in July and ends in March.

IntakesIntake monthApplication Cycle
WinterJuly/SeptemberNovember-January
SummerJanuary/Mid MarchJuly-September

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Denmark

Below are the general guidelines for pursuing a Masters in Denmark. They may vary depending on the course and the university.

International students must have completed a minimum three-year relevant bachelor’s degree/honours degree equivalent to ECTS 180.

Academic Proficiency:

  • A minimum CGPA of 6.5 or higher is required.
  • If the previous university does not award a CGPA, the minimum GPA of 60-75% is accepted, depending on the program.
  • Specific subject-related knowledge and skills, depending on the program, are required.
  • Indian applicants can apply for the qualification assessment to determine whether they are eligible for a particular course/program or not.
  • Some universities, like the University of Copenhagen, require applicants to undergo pre-assessment before applying for the program in case when they are not eligible for a particular program.

English Proficiency: Indian students applying for masters courses must have the following English language proficiency. English language proficiency may differ from university to university.

  • TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 80-90
  • IELTS: A minimum average of 6.5 or equivalent
  • Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): C1 or C2

Danish Proficiency: Proficiency in the Danish language is not required for those applicants who are going to pursue a master’s course in the English language.

Study in Denmark: Pre-Application Process for Masters

  • Find top universities in Denmark on the QS World Ranking portal. It provides you with various search filters based on which you can shortlist the best-suited Danish universities for masters.
  • Go through their websites to explore all the necessary details, including an overview of the campus, course description, duration, tuition fees, career scopes, specific eligibility criteria, etc.
  • Arrange all the required documents.
  • Before proceeding with the application portal, check whether you are required to undergo a pre-assessment test conducted by them online. 
  • If yes, then apply for the pre-assessment test immediately; otherwise, proceed with the main application process.
  • Complete the application process by uploading the scanned copy of documents and paying enrollment fees (if required).
  • Upon completing the application process, you will get a confirmed email containing the application fee and enrolment receipts.
  • Wait for the university’s reply.

Application Process for Masters in Denmark

Unlike other European countries, Denmark has no centralised application portal to apply for Masters courses. Danish universities have portals where international applicants can apply by uploading the required details, digitally scanned copies of documents and application fees (if needed).

Application Deadlines for Masters in Denmark

The application deadlines for masters may depend on the university and course. Generally, the application deadline for summer intake is in October, whereas winter intake is between January and March.

Top Jobs & Salaries After Masters in Denmark 

Denmark offers strong post-study options for international graduates. After completing a Master’s, you can usually get a job-seeking residence permit and career support from your university, which makes it easier to move into full-time roles. Across common graduate-friendly roles, international degree-holders typically earn around 350,000–850,000 DKK per year (₹49L–1.2Cr) depending on industry, role, and experience.

Top IndustriesTop RecruitersAverage Salary (Per Year)
Business & FinanceDanske Bank, Nordea, Jyske Bank450,000–850,000 DKK (₹63 lakh – ₹1.2 crore)
ConstructionFLC (Femern Link Contractors), Itinera, Ramboll350,000–600,000 DKK (₹49 – ₹84 lakh)
Engineering & RoboticsVestas, Odense Robotics network, BEUMER Group420,000–800,000 DKK (₹59 lakh – ₹1 crore)
Healthcare SciencesNovo Nordisk, LEO Pharma, Genmab400,000–750,000 DKK (₹56 lakh – ₹1 crore)
HospitalityVilla Copenhagen, Skt. Petri, Nimb Hotel350,000–600,000 DKK (₹49 – ₹84 lakh)

Student Visa for Denmark

For study in Denmark, Indian students must apply for a student resident permit up to 6 months before they arrive.

The duration of the study visa is as long as the duration of the academic program. Students can apply for an extension of a study visa of 1 year if, due to any unavoidable circumstances like health issues, pregnancy, etc., the length of the course stretches.

A residence and work permit as a student in Denmark allows their family to live with them in Denmark (only spouse and children under the age of 18).

Application for Student Residence Permit 

Indian students must apply for a student resident permit for Denmark as soon as they receive an acceptance letter from the university. Student residence permits grant a stay to international students in Denmark for higher studies that lead to completing a master’s degree. 

Application Process

Students can make their application process either online or offline. 

The student visa application can be made through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)

In offline mode, the university will send application forms to students via post, which they must fill out and submit at their nearest Danish Embassy along with the required documents.

In both cases, the biometric details should also be submitted within 14 days of applying.

Application Cost

The application fee or processing fee for the student residence permit is 2,255 DKK or INR 31,717.

Requirements

  • Letter of acceptance from the educational institution
  • Detailed breakdown of academic program
  • Completed ST1 Form
  • Application Fee Receipt
  • Passport size photograph
  • Health Insurance to cover medical and pharmaceutical expenses
  • English language requirements
  • Passport
  • Details of living arrangements in Denmark
  • Travel Insurance
  • Health Insurance

Post-Study Work Visa in Denmark

Job Seeking Permit

  • After the completion of the study program in Denmark, Indian students can apply for a permit, which extends their stay in Denmark by six months to 3 years, depending on the length and type of course they pursue. 
  • Generally, a job-seeking permit is granted with a student residence permit so that they can explore and find appropriate career options after the completion of their courses.
  • If the job-seeking permit is not granted, then students can apply for it after the course completion.
  • After receiving the full-time work offer letter, graduates can apply for a new work and residence permit.

Work Permit

Below, we have listed the types of schemes under which a work permit is issued. The duration of the visa will be the same as the employment duration, after which an application for the extension of the work permit can be made

by Denmark to Indian graduates:


1. Fast Track Scheme

Under the fast track scheme, a work permit is allowed to Indian graduates by government-certified companies that fulfil the minimum wage criteria. Work permits under this scheme are made by the employer with the help of power of attorney given by the applicant. The duration of the visa will be the same as the employment duration, after which an application for the extension of the work permit can be made.


2. Pay Limit Schemes

Work permits under this scheme are issued to those graduates who applied for a job with a salary which is equal to the pay limit amount for the pay limit scheme. The duration of the visa will be 3 years, after which an application for the extension of the work permit can be made.

There are two types of Pay limit schemes:

  1. The pay limit scheme: The graduate is offered a job in Denmark with a salary of 477,000 DKK or INR 67 Lakh annually.
  2. The supplementary pay limit scheme: The graduate is offered a job in Denmark with a salary of 393,000 DKK or INR 55 Lakh annually.


3. Positive Lists

Work permits under this scheme are issued to those graduates who applied for a job listed in the professions currently facing a shortage of qualified and skilled professionals. The duration of the visa will be the same as the employment duration, after which an application for the extension of the work permit can be made.

There are two types of positive lists:

  1. The positive list for people with higher education
  2. The positive list for skilled work

There are several other schemes under which graduates can obtain work visas and resident permits; they are:

  • Researcher
  • Employed PhD
  • Guest Researcher
  • Special individual qualifications
  • Herders and farm managers
  • Start-up Denmark
  • Trainee
  • Certification
  • ESS Scheme
  • Authorisation
  • Labour Market Attachment
  • Mobile workplaces at sea
  • Volunteer
  • Sideline employment
  • Work permit for spouses/family

Key Takeaways

Denmark offers a compelling combination of affordable tuition, world-class universities, and a supportive education system ranked third globally. Master’s programs emphasize research, innovation, and practical problem-solving, preparing graduates for competitive roles across business, engineering, healthcare, and technology sectors.

International students benefit from strong post-study work opportunities with attractive salary packages and multiple pathways to secure work permits—including Fast Track schemes, Pay Limit options, and Positive List opportunities. The country’s safe environment, proximity to European neighbors, and collaborative academic culture create an ideal setting for personal and professional growth.

Ready to pursue your Master’s in Denmark? AdmitX provides comprehensive support throughout your study abroad journey:

 

Book your FREE study-abroad counselling session today! 

FAQs

Which Danish universities rank highest globally for Master's degrees?

The University of Copenhagen (QS #101), Technical University of Denmark (#QS 107), and Aarhus University (QS #131) rank in the QS top 150.

SIRI automatically grants a 3-year job-seeking period alongside the student permit after completing the masters degree.

Yes, students can work 90 hours monthly during term and full-time in June, July, and August.

Yes, Danish Government Scholarships, Erasmus+, and university-specific awards offer funding, though competition remains highly selective for non-EU students.

Students should expect to spend around €800 to €950 monthly, and up to €1,200 in Copenhagen, covering accommodation, food, and transport.

Yes, comprehensive health insurance is compulsory until registration with the Danish Civil Registration System grants access to free public healthcare.

Yes, after holding legal residence for eight years (four years in certain situations), graduates may qualify for permanent residence permits.

Most programmes do not require GRE/GMAT except for specific MBA or business management courses at select institutions like Copenhagen Business School.

Applicants must demonstrate DKK 7,086 monthly (approximately €950) for each study month, up to a maximum of DKK 85,032 (€11,400) for programmes exceeding one year.

Many programmes incorporate mandatory or optional internships, particularly in engineering, technology, and business disciplines with strong industry partnerships across sectors.

If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.

Prabhat Agrawal - Founder - AdmitX Study Abroad Consultant

Prabhat Agrawal

Prabhat, the founder of AdmitX, is a recognized expert in international education and admission consulting. Prabhat earned a Master’s degree in Management from ESCP Business School with a 100% scholarship, where he developed his skills in business and AI and worked with cutting-edge startups. Prabhat has helped over 1,000+ students get into global universities with maximum possible scholarships over the last 4 years. 

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