In short
Aarhus University, a leading Danish institution ranked among the global top 150, offers over 200 English-taught programmes. It provides excellent research opportunities and a vibrant student life in a student-friendly city.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1928
- Students
- 37,000
- International students
- 5,500
- Acceptance rate
- 50%
- Tuition (intl)
- €9–16k/yr
- Languages
- EN, DA
- Location
- Aarhus, Denmark
Aarhus University, founded in 1928, is Denmark's second-largest university with approximately 37,000 students and five faculties covering the full spectrum of academic disciplines. Ranked consistently in the global top 150, AU is internationally recognized for research excellence in natural sciences, health, social sciences, humanities, and engineering. Its iconic parkland campus in Aarhus, designed by architect C.F. Møller, is one of Scandinavia's most celebrated university environments. AU offers over 200 English-taught programmes and fosters a strong international community.
Why study here
- Consistently ranked among the world's top 150 universities (QS rank ~131).
- Over 200 English-taught programmes attracting students from 100+ countries.
- State-of-the-art research facilities and strong industry collaboration networks.
- Aarhus — a vibrant, student-friendly city with low crime and high quality of life.
- Strong alumni network and career support through the AU Career Centre.
Student life
Aarhus University offers a vibrant and diverse student life, especially within the Arts faculty, which boasts over 100 student-driven associations. These associations range from social clubs, Friday bars, and festive events to academic committees, student magazines, and lecture societies. Whether interested in football, academic councils, or social gatherings, there's a community for every student. The university actively supports these student initiatives through networks like Arts ForeningsForum, which facilitates knowledge sharing, collaboration, and communication between the university and student organizations. Students can find their community and explore various activities through the dedicated Arts association app.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU/EEA students pay tuition fees typically ranging from EUR 9,000 to EUR 16,000 per year depending on the programme. EU/EEA students pay no tuition.
HomeEU/EEA and Danish students pay no tuition fees; education is state-funded.
LivingLiving costs in Aarhus are approximately EUR 900–1,100/month including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Non-EU/EEA applicants are automatically considered for Danish State Scholarships (covering full tuition and sometimes a monthly living grant) based on academic merit — no separate application needed.
Admissions
Bachelor's degreeA recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent, typically 3 years of undergraduate study, matching the specific programme requirements.
Language proficiencyEnglish proficiency required for English-taught programmes (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 83 as typical minimums).
Programme-specific prerequisitesMany programmes require specific subject backgrounds or minimum GPAs; check individual programme pages.
IELTS6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT83
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024131
THE World University Rankings 2024Top 200
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2023Top 200
University scholarships
Danish State Scholarship for non-EU/EEA studentsFull tuition waiver + possible DKK 6,000/month living grant
Research Year Scholarship (Medicine/Odontology)DKK 12,000/month
Erasmus+ Exchange GrantsVaries by destination
Accreditation
Aarhus University is a state-recognised Danish university operating under the Danish University Act. Its programmes are accredited by the Danish Accreditation Institution (AKKR). AU is a member of the Coimbra Group, Utrecht Network, and Global University Association.
Programs
a selectionAarhus University · Denmark
FinTech and Digital Banking
This summer course offers a thorough introduction to financial technology (fintech) and digital banking, with a particular emphasis on emerging and global markets. You will develop a broad understanding of the core principles, theories, technologies, and current trends that are shaping the digital finance sector. Key areas covered include innovation, infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, security measures, and sustainability within fintech. Through real-world case studies, particularly from emerging markets, you will enhance your practical understanding, critical thinking abilities, and prepare for advanced research in fintech, digital banking, and financial regulations.
Bachelor's
Level
€1k
Tuition
1 mo
Duration
Aarhus University · Denmark
Master of Science in Engineering
Aarhus University offers a Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering programme designed for international students. This program leverages over 100 years of experience in engineering, providing graduates with excellent career prospects. The university aims to equip students with an independent academic and innovative mindset, alongside the technical and analytical skills necessary to succeed in a constantly evolving world, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The program fosters development alongside world-class researchers, preparing students to make a significant impact.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Aarhus University · Denmark
PhD in Computer Science
Aarhus University's Department of Computer Science offers fully funded PhD positions within its world-class research groups. PhD students receive a generous stipend, either as a salary or through the Danish SU (Grants and Loans Scheme). You can apply for a PhD based on your Bachelor's degree plus one year of Master's study (Model 4+4) or after completing your Master's degree (Model 5+3).
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Denmark
full fundingUniversity of Copenhagen (UCPH), Department of Computer Science
University of Copenhagen PhD Fellowship in Interpretable Natural Language Processing
Open to applicants who hold (or will hold) a Master's degree (MSc) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence or a closely related field, with a strong background in NLP or ML. Candidates must have excellent written and spoken English and ideally evidence of prior research, programming and data-analysis experience. The position is a salaried PhD employment under the Danish AC collective agreement rather than a tuition-paying studentship, and is open to applicants of any nationality.
full
Funding
€50k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingDanish universities with Ministry of Higher Education and Science, Denmark
Danish Government Scholarship
For talented non-EU/EEA/Swiss students applying for a full-degree higher education programme in Denmark, who are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarships are allocated to Danish universities, which select recipients from their admitted international applicants; you apply via the institution.
partial
Funding
€20k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Aarhus University?
+
Non-EU/EEA students typically pay tuition fees ranging from EUR 9,000 to EUR 16,000 per year. EU/EEA students do not pay tuition fees as education is state-funded.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, non-EU/EEA applicants are automatically considered for Danish State Scholarships, which can cover full tuition and sometimes a monthly living grant, based on academic merit.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?
+
For English-taught programmes, a typical minimum requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 83.
How does Aarhus University rank globally?
+
Aarhus University is consistently ranked among the world's top universities, with a QS World University Rankings of 131 in 2024 and is within the Top 200 for THE and ARWU rankings.
What is the estimated monthly living cost for students in Aarhus?
+
Living costs in Aarhus are approximately EUR 900–1,100 per month. This estimate includes accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Last updated